TomTom GO 720 Review

What the reviewers like:

• Loads of high-end features
• User-submitted map updates on MapShare
• User-friendly traffic alerts

What the reviewers don't like:

• Doesn't route as well as Garmins and Magellan GPS in U.S. testing
• Delayed spoken directions
• Spotty reception

TomTom GO 720 review highlights

We found more than a dozen reviews for the TomTom GO 720. GPSMagazine.com's remarkably complete testing and review process are untouched by any other reviewer; it is the only source that compares NAVTEQ and Tele Atlas software capabilities. Laptop magazine, GPS Review.net, TrustedReviews.com, GPSLodge.com and PC Magazine all have good reviews that fall short in at least a couple of key areas. We found more than 130 owner-written reviews at Amazon.com to be helpful.

The TomTom GO 720 is one of the top high-end contenders among auto GPS units, according to reviews. British reviewers think it's the best unit on the market, but American reviewers are more restrained. Still, all ratings but one are very high. The lone dissenter criticizes the TomTom GO 720 for its poor GPS tracking and reception, sub-par routing, and re-routing problems. Other American reviewers are impressed by the TomTom GO 720's many features, including the novel interactive map updates and an unusually user-friendly traffic-alert feature. Still, some reviewers find the GO 720 sometimes gives directions too late. Overall, we found more consistent reviews for the Garmin nüvi 760 (*est. $425), but that unit is more expensive.

Also see full report: Auto GPS

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. GPSMagazine.com
Garmin TomTom GO 720 Review
"Fletch"
Sept. 3, 2007

In this extremely thorough GPSMagazine.com review, reviewer "Fletch" says the TomTom GO 720 has wonderful features, but he can't recommend it because of its flawed implementation. He tests and evaluates the GO 720's functions, provides step-by-step descriptions with illustrations, and includes comparisons with other auto GPS receivers.

2. Laptop Magazine
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TomTom GO 720 90 (Traffic Performance)
Troy Dreier
Feb. 5, 2008

The TomTom GO 720 is the "Editor's Choice" winner at Laptop magazine, earning four of five stars. Laptop magazine tests GPS models critically but not head-to-head, analyzing each model's features in individual reviews with clear verdicts. The TomTom GO 720 is a standout because it "does the best job making traffic information usable."

3. GPSReview.net
TomTom GO 720
Tim Flight
June 5, 2007

GPS Review.net provides a detailed review of the TomTom GO 720, evaluating performance and features. This review is not comparative, and products aren't rated or ranked. Tim Flight predicts success for the GO 720 due to its many new features. More than 300 user comments add to the discussion.

4. Trusted Reviews
TomTom Go 720 Sat-Nav
Jonathan Bray
Aug. 27, 2007

Although this must be described as a rave review, it is balanced. It is also succinct. Jonathan Bray tests the TomTom GO 720 by driving 1,000 miles through England and France. The important considerations are addressed in this review, but it is overly focused on features. No comparisons are made.

5. GPSLodge.com
TomTom GO 720 Full Review
Scott Martin
Sept. 21, 2007

Like many other reviewers, Scott Martin devotes more attention to features than performance, which seems to distract from the unit's primary function. The review makes no comparisons. Martin does not rate products, but he publishes periodic buying guides in which he identifies the best units in various categories.

6. PC Magazine
>> Details/Subscribe
GPS for Avoiding Traffic Jams - TomTom GO 720 Review
Craig Ellison
Sept. 27, 2007

Craig Ellison, who regularly reviews GPS units for PC Magazine, makes some comparisons between the TomTom Go 720 and other products in this review. He says that the promise of easy map updates is a major asset. There is limited discussion of his road testing.

7. Amazon.com
TomTom GO 720 Reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

The more than 130 owner-written reviews posted to Amazon.com are mostly positive, although critical reviews are posted. This is the place to go for detailed, hands-on, real-world reviews, but contributors aren't usually in a position to compare their TomTom GO 720 to other GPS units.

Also see full report: Auto GPS

TomTom GO 720 Review