TomTom GO 700

The TomTom GO 700 is a great satnav system and was top-of-the-range prior to the newer TomTom GO series - 510, 710 and the 910. The system can be used straight out of the box - voice-guided instructions are given and 2D and 3D maps are available.

The unit comes with a 2.5GB hard drive with maps of Europe pre-loaded. The system can be operated using either touch-screen controls or the remote control supplied with the system.

Navigating to locations is straightforward - search for destinations using town, road, address or even postcode.

The dynamic status bar shows useful information such as traveling time remaining, estimated time of arrival, current time, current speed, number of satellites in view etc.

TomTom have incorporated hands-free telephony via a Bluetooth phone (phone not included) into the TomTom GO 700. The user can link their phone to the unit and use the system to both receive and make calls. The GO 700 can calculate routes in a number of ways - quickest, shortest, avoiding toll roads and congestion charging areas.

Assisted Satellite Navigation provides continuous navigation when satellite signals are temporarily unavailable. This covers such instances as tunnels, city centre skyscrapers, driving in wooded areas etc.

Voice directions are clear and the user can choose from over 30 languages and 50 voices. The volume is linked to the speed of the car and will change accordingly to overcome background noise.

The system comes with thousands of Points of Interest (POI) such as cash machines, post offices, hotels, airports, banks etc. The user can also add their own favourite destinations as well.

Planning multiple stops is also possible - numerous destinations can be entered at the start of a trip and the user simply drives from one to the next. This is ideal for people working in sales, delivery drivers or those who need to make more than one stop during a journey.

The unit can also be expanded by subscribing to the TomTom PLUS service:-

Real-time weather and traffic reports

Current weather for city nearest your destination

Re-route around traffic reports if required

Re-optimise the route after every update

Download safety camera POI’s – these are legal, require no additional devices and warn you as you approach a danger area

Download scenic routes

Wider range of map colours

The TomTom GO 700 is a comprehensive satnav system although the newer 710 and 910 should also be considered.