TomTom GO 720 Extra Wide Color Screen and Mapshare GPS Unit


Rating historyNumber of reviews
Jan 2008
Feb 2008
Mar 2008
Apr 2008
May 2008
Jun 2008
Jul 2008
Aug 2008
Sep 2008
Oct 2008
Nov 2008
Dec 2008


How it sucks

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On the box, there is a bluetooth symbol, but I found out, again after a few frustating days trying to connect my phone, that the XL-W bluetooth is only for traffic report not handfree phone. The last straw is that it refused to connect to my computer. Calling tech support did not sems to help, they recommended that I returned it for another one.
12 months ago @ Amazon
Tottom could come up with a design, maybe an additional hook up charger that you clip on to the stem of windshield mount tightly and attached the cable on to it. So the reasons I'm returning is because: lack of case, a wall charger, windshield mount, the need-work bluetooth, non-interactive POIs and the price, in my opinion it's really not worth to pay that much, I would, however, keep it for $250.00. Maybe they will add those features with firmware update, fix the bluetooth, and throw a case (that should be a must, I mean come on..) then it'll be a killer, and I would buy one.
10 months ago @ Amazon
After, I got home from the trip, I tried to update the 720 using the latest TomTom Home which I download from the TomTom website. The software update downloaded and installed fine as report on the TomTom home screen but after I tried to turn on the updated 720, it gave me the TomTom version of the blue screen of death and refused to work again even after I pushing the reset button. I have to return this one too.
12 months ago @ Amazon
TomTom apparently has a major compatibility issue with the Mac, but this is not mentioned on the TomTom site. The Mac does not recognize the Tom Tom USB, so you can't charge the device or install software. We tried to call TomTom on Xmas morning and found that the customer service lines were not staffed on Xmas.
12 months ago @ Amazon
From that moment on the unit would not function; it gave an error message "no maps found". I tried calling both the toll number (disconnected) and toll-free customer support line on 12/27 at least ten times but the line rang busy through the day and evening and they never answered the phone. Their website support server was also down throughout the day and I wasn't able to get help online.
12 months ago @ Amazon
The car charger is basically worthless since the unit doesn't use the external power and would continually run on internal battery. If you try to charge it with the unit off, it would take at least 8 hours for it to charge up in you car and that I quote from customer service. Needless to say, if you're going on a cross country trip, like I plan to do in the next few months, plan accordingly and choose what sites you want to visit.
13 months ago @ Amazon
I ignored the TomTom, drove to my house, parked the car and removed the TomTom to be boxed up and returned to Amazon. I had read a few reviews on Amazon about people having a similar experience but just figured maybe they were just Technically Challenged and went ahead with my purchase, After all my buddy has used his in several States with No problems. From what I've read there doesn't seem to be a fix for the problem and it doesn't seem to be every TomTom, I assume TomTom probably has some bad processors out there, which happens.
12 months ago @ Amazon
TomTom's routing engine remains poor compared to Garmin or Magellan, and the GO 720 consistently chose the worst route in my testing. If TomTom spent as much time on software development as they clearly spent on hardware design, the GO 720 would be a fantastic GPS indeed. Unfortunately the GO 720 still needs work, and I can't quite recommend it just yet.
10 months ago @ Amazon
However as stated the TomTom does have some Cool ideas with the MapShare feature being one. I may buy another TomTom someday but for now I'm switching back to Garmin, who BTW has never failed me, and I'll wait for TomTom to work out the bugs in their Gps's. I give Amazon a perfect 5 Star rating for their No Hassle return policy, This was the first ever item I had to return to Amazon and they made it easy.
12 months ago @ Amazon
The call I made to customer support, they simply said that THEY did not support the TREO. Therefore, many of the cool 'features' on the phone, txt message support, data updates for POI's, etc., do not work with the TREO line.
11 months ago @ Amazon
* Routing engine not as good as Garmin or Magellan * MapShare doesn't let you see which specific roads were updated -- it just tells you that "updates were applied" * Some menus return you to the previous page, others dump you back to the map view for no apparent reason
10 months ago @ Amazon
You do get a cradle but that requires you to turn on your computer everytime you want to charge the unit at home. I wish they threw a little wall charger which has a usb outlet so I could hook up the cradle and wouldn't have to turn on my computer. You can buy generic one from Ebay for probably 10 bucks but why should I pay extra money for the case and the charger if I'm already paying so much money.
10 months ago @ Amazon
Among the ones I tried, (Magellan 3225, nuvi 200, tomtom one, mio c230) this is the one I really hate to let go. I'm returning it because of some reasons. I'm not going to go through what it has, you can read them on other reviews or on the tomtom website but I'm going to explain what you are not getting.
10 months ago @ Amazon
The bottom line-buy the Garmin 360 and save yourself a lot of headache. That`s what I did today, the TomTom was returned!!! Tech support was very good but could not resolve issues.
13 months ago @ Amazon
After I attached my unit to the internet and to TomTom Home, it automatically updated current software and MapShare information to my unit, although it is difficult to determine from the download what was actually corrected, if anything. MapShare is not a web site as you might think, but merely an upload process descriptor, and the user data are apparently treated and vetted by TomTom in some manner before actually being broadcast downloaded to all users who ask for the corrections (you can opt out or in a number of ways). I found the speedometer readout on the map screen very useful, because on my return trip I had switched to snow tires that were 65R18 instead of the specified 60R18.
13 months ago @ Amazon
The following two days my wife and I called, only to be put on endless hold. When we finally did get through the web site said the machine works with a Mac, but we couldn't make it work. We returned it for a Garmin, which works fine.
12 months ago @ Amazon
Trip Number ONE was to my Doctor's office, about a 30 mile one way trip using back roads, half way thru the trip after turning onto a side street it kept telling me to turn around, finally it corrected itself only to try and take me on a longer un-necessary route (Luckily I knew where I was going) The Real kicker came when I got to my Doctor's office, the TomTom insisted I was still a 1/2 mile short of my destination. Ok, that was the first trip no big deal, probably just a fluke. Trip Number TWO: Leaving the Dr's office I'm going to head to downtown Baltimore to my Office.
12 months ago @ Amazon
There is nothing more aggravating than a map that is wrong - directing you onto streets that don't exist...or they are DIRT and the GPS doesn't know that. With other GPS systems the only way to get an updated map is to wait until the company releases a complete new map. This may only happen every 1-2 years and you might have to pay for it.
12 months ago @ Amazon
It didn't even cycle through when I turned it on and it was stuck on the start up screen. It got pretty frustrating after resetting it for 5 times. This may be a learning system since it's finally choosing the route I normally take going out the gate, otherwise, it'll take me on a right, left, right, left instead of taking the most direct and effecient route.
13 months ago @ Amazon
It shows the POIs around you while you are driving, but they are not interactive icons (like Magellan has) so you can't see the info or just chose to go there by clicking on it. You should be able to click on them and have option to call or drive there, just like in Magellan units. The POI category is way too much (broken into so many categories) but at the same time they are kind of useles, like there is no sub category for food.
10 months ago @ Amazon

How it doesn't

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MapShare is a great feature and allows you to share map corrections with others people in your area. The menus and interface are excellent (better than Garmin in my opinion) and the speaker is great. The auto re-route feature is excellent as well(in case you miss a turn, run into traffic, or purposely go a different route).
13 months ago @ Amazon
I also appreciated the ability to easily create custom POIs and POI categories, and TomTom's unique time-saving address entry features. The GO 720 has excellent text-to-speech that sounds natural, and can announce actual street names instead of generic maneuvers (although for some odd reason this feature is disabled by default).
10 months ago @ Amazon
I personally love being able to add POI (Point of Interest) and the computer will say them. I added a couple of "speed limit change" reminders as a POI and the 720 will tell me when I am approaching the location. It is also very easy to find a gas station, movie theater, ect..
13 months ago @ Amazon
This thing works great, and is easy to use. Detail is excellent. Don't know how I've lived without one.
12 months ago @ Amazon
I also love the way you can record your own voice (or other voices) for the commands. Very advanced. When we got to New Zealand, the unit worked perfectly, and knew every road, street, hotel, and landmark in the country.
12 months ago @ Amazon
TOM TOM GO 720 was exactly what we expected, we love the big widescreen, and are very satisfied with the product. The bluetooth is very clear and we love the advanced combined navigational instructions.
12 months ago @ Amazon
I did a LOT of research before deciding on the TomTom 720 as my new portable GPS. It has more features than I can count and features that you haven't thought of yet - it probably has! It's accurate, good looking, and has a great battery life.
12 months ago @ Amazon
- Also if you receive a phone call on your mobile, its tranferred to Tom Tom right away and you can pick up the call hands free. The mic is so sensitive, my 3.5 year old daughter sitting in the car seat can talk to mom through tom tom!!!!. Also call is noise free and very clear
11 months ago @ Amazon
I can now go confidentely anywhere my job requires and I don't worry about getting lost. My GO 720 is worth every penny and I don't regret buying it for one second. The automatic updates are great.
12 months ago @ Amazon
SO far the tomtom go 720 has been great. I've noticed that most of teh issues I have with it stem from not completely knowing how to work all the features yet but I can clearly see this is an awesome GPS and my wife absolutly loves it. The bluetooth feature is also excellent and the reception when making a phone call is very clear.
12 months ago @ Amazon
* Handsome -- best looking GPS I've tested to date * New windshield mount is an improvement over previous TomToms * Hardware feels solid and well engineered
10 months ago @ Amazon
Up to now I have been 'old school' and have relied on paper maps and mapquest to get me where I needed to go. A friend recommended this unit and I added it to my Christmas wish list. Fortunately for me my wife bought the unit and I have been very pleased and satisfied.
12 months ago @ Amazon
I got a GO 720 this past week and I love it. I used it a few times now in the Philadelphia area and it works great. Very smart unit.
12 months ago @ Amazon
Pros: Works well, all the maps are WELL up to date (including newly built streets here in my area) easy to navigate with, works with memory cards from our phones and shows pics and plays music on them. Connects easily to our devices via bluetooth and able to make and recive calls with better clarity than using the phone's built in microphone and speaker.
11 months ago @ Amazon
The whole family enjoys using this gps. It has alot of good features, it's easy to work with,and the size is perfect for us. No complaints,yet!
11 months ago @ Amazon
- ANother fun part, you can download all your phone book to tom tom and to make a call just tap through the phone book entry. Cool stuff!! - MapShare as of this writing this feature is only available in Tom Tom and this is great!.
11 months ago @ Amazon
The hands-free calling works with any bluetooth enabled phone and makes talking while driving MUCH safer and easier. The ability to hook-up the iPod is also a great feature that you can utilize (with the proper hook-ups).
13 months ago @ Amazon
After some research and comparing with other GPS units the GO 720 has the best bang for the buck and Amazon has by far the best prices. I bought mine for $350 including shipping, $50 to $100 cheaper then other retailers. I don't know why some people are having problems with this, its very user friendly.
12 months ago @ Amazon
* Timesaving address entry features, such as displaying recently used city and street names * Strong FM Transmitter works well. So strong it can even broadcast over another radio station without issue
10 months ago @ Amazon
The excellent 3D graphics' flow is smooth, and doesn't digitally blotch up going around curves. The graphics are simply superior. By the way, voice guidance is detailed, suitably anticipatory, and redundant, again superior to any of the other brands I have used.
13 months ago @ Amazon