TomTom Go 740 Live

When the Internet-connected TomTom Go 740 Live debuted in early 2009, experts called it the future of GPS navigation. However, Garmin has since introduced its own Internet-connected navigator, the Garmin nuvi 1690 (*Est. $320), and testers say it's easier to use. But users report frustrating glitches with both of these connected units. Like the Garmin nuvi 1690, the TomTom Go 740 Live connects to the Internet wherever there's a cellular signal, so you can search for a point of interest on Google -- an unlimited source of addresses, unlike the finite databases on most GPS units. The TomTom also collects real-time traffic data from other Go 740 Live units on the road, so it can instantly detect a traffic snarl and route you around it. Reviews say this is the best traffic information available, but it's not perfect. It's only available on major freeways, it causes slow routing (as the unit consults all of its various data sources) and the Internet-connected services cost $10 a month. Some experts and users also report that the Go 740 Live reboots spontaneously. In one case, it quit navigating in the middle of a busy interchange, and in another the screen suddenly returned to full brightness at night. Reviews also say the Go 740 Live's voice-command feature is limited, compared with the excellent Garmin nuvi 855 (Discontinued), and it's not as easy to use as a Garmin GPS.

The GPS enthusiast sites GPSMagazine.com and GPSReview.net thoroughly test the TomTom Go 740 Live, as do tech sites CNET and PCMag.com. ConsumerReports.org is known for its unbiased comparison tests, but individual write-ups are not as detailed as those on other sites, and only subscribers can read the reports. Gizmodo.com's review is based on a road test, but it is entirely negative, not balanced like the better reviews. Amazon.com invites owners to write about their experiences with the TomTom Go 740 Live.