|
It took a little getting used to, to believe it literally but you must. Start looking at customers across device types. The user interface is basically good as well and suffers from very little of the slow to change feature laden "we know best attitude" of devices like remote controls and VCRs of the past.As computer users we do have three bits of constructive criticism. AND we will not always use the same computer. We were amazed at the coverage and amount of detail, it wouldn't surprise me to learn the next generation is integrated with Google pictures to show you the exterior of the building you're looking for. This is an excellent example of customer usable technology. This was our first experience with GPS and we were dubious at first but sold within the first day's use. We will use whichever is appropriate when and where we are.
We talk to it and we hush each other so we can hear what its saying. We bought the TomTom device and we bought the iPhone app. As a student of artificial intelligence I accept that as a pretty good indicator of usable design. Second, pour a ton of time and attention into the web site. If you're on a freeway and it says exit on the left you must take it seriously and get into the left lane and not assume it means to take the next exit and then turn left at the bottom of the off-ramp. When we buy maps and other services we expect them to function across all devices and platforms.We had fun with this device and it's not often you can say that anymore.
First, use a QWERTY keyboard layout - the very few people you are helping with the non-standard layout are not likely to do much keyboard entry in any case. It needs to make it possible to do trip planning on the web and simply download it to a GPS device. In fact we had so much fun with it we refer to it by the name of whichever voice it's set to use. (We even had fun missing turns to see how it corrected us or going past destinations to see how it reacted - maybe we're easily entertained).
After using Garmin GPS systems for many years, I decided to buy the 730T Based on features and bang for the buck. I love the display and actual navigation.however, here are my issues:1)Loses Bluetooth communication with my phone often and needs to be reset through reset hole in bottom.2)Has few POI's, and the majority of thm are in the wrong location, and I mean WAY off, sometimes miles.3)You can make all the map corrections and add safety cameras you like, but even months after uploading them, they are not in your unit.4)All the updates remain on the computer an can not be transferred to the unit even with a 4 gig additional card. Only option is main memory and it is filled with maps.5)When you sync the unit it generally crashes and has to be hard reset.6)After you arrive at a destination, you must clear route or the unit keeps trying to get you back to the same point.7)It takes 3 screens to clear a route.So next time it's back to Garmin. I have had 4 Garmin units and while I do prefer some of the TomTom features, the Garmin is more up to date and accurate.
This is a good gps. The one free update is nice within 30 days of registering it.
This great GPS was priced lowest by Amazon. It arrived with damaged socket. Amazon replaced within three days with no quibbles, with new one.Great product, amazing service.
I have not used the traffic radio component, but I assume it works OK. It now routes me my preferred way after determining I was not going to go the way it thinks I should. I would have purchased the 730 instead of the 730T except the "T" is cheaper on Amazon. However, the digital user's manual and online help are weak in my opinion.
However, there are some peculiarities of the unit and of TomTom that should be mentioned. The unit does seem to learn from my driving habits though. If I had needed, it could have also called the restaurant or library on the speaker phone. It took a couple of hours over a couple of days to get the FM broadcast thing working, and that was only after going on various TomTom forums to read about the quirks of the system.
I was nervous, but the TomTom took me right to the precise business address I needed and helped me find a particular restaurant and the nearest public library as well. It downloads updates and does general housekeeping chores automatically, but one must poke around to discover any of the other abilities of the software. Each time I turn the 730T on it immediately connects with my phone. If it isn't obvious, I like my TomTom 730T. The screen is not as crisp as the Garmin's, but I mostly listen to it anyway so it is very serviceable for me.The inclusion of the Bluetooth speaker phone saved me spending another $50+ on a separate gadget, and the ability of the unit to port directions through my car's FM radio provides me a way to increase volume when that is necessary. I recently used this on my very first trip to another city without the assistance of a paper map of some sort.
It took me a couple of weeks to get all the bells and whistles all ringing and tooting at the same time (mostly). Not sure what that is about. The spoken directions are clear and pronunciation of street names is serviceable. I have never used a GPS unit prior to buying the TomTom 730T. I think that component is missing on the GO 630. In order to use the FM broadcaster, one MUST broadcast music from the built-in MP3 player before it will send the directions over the radio. Could be some newbie mistake I made. Originally it wanted me to leave my subdivision one way, but I prefer another that avoids several speed bumps.
However, when I directed it to route me to home, it chose a completely different route. I find it generally easier to type in destinations rather than try to remember the steps to speak them in. BTW the Bluetooth paired with my Sprint 'Samsung Rant' with no problems. The unit gives ample warnings about turns and lane changes, etc. And one that would have put me directly into heavy rush hour traffic if I had taken it.
I gave two of my children Garmin units as presents a year or so ago and they speak well of them, but being a gadget guy, I purchased this TomTom because of the ability to install my own POI's, the map update feature, and the regular update of the satellite positions if you synch once a week or so. TomTom customer service was quick and helpful when I had to call about something. It is also convenient that the phone's contact list can be uploaded to the 730T for use in dialing from the GPS unit. But, to each his own. The TomTom "Home" software which connects the device to my computer and the internet is not especially intuitive or helpful. I purchased this unit because it seems more flexible than the Garmin units and Amazon has a good price on it.
The user forums are the most helpful places to get help, but it is frustrating that TomTom knowingly puts out a device which is complex and then offers such lame explanations for the procedures necessary to navigate the complexities. Answers all seem to be partial, searches do not get me to needed information, and dealing with seemingly straight forward procedures are needlessly complicated and/or vague. I live in Houston and have no trouble with satellite acquisition, loss of signal, or accuracy of maps. Anyway, I do not care to be forced to listen to music, so I had to download an MP3 of silence a nice tecky person has developed in order for the unit to be quiet in between directions. On the trip I mentioned earlier, the unit chose exactly the route I would have chosen to get to the location. Since I am a newbie, I do not have much to compare to except casual observation of my children's units. Giving the GPS voice destinations is a compromised feature.
Being an experienced gadgeteer, I know most multi-purpose devices are compromises: the 730T is no exception. (Some government rule in Europe or here about the use of the FM broadcast band apparently). I like the little dock that came with the 730T to attach it to my computer. For me the versatility and longer anticipated service life of the unit override the oddities of mastering the feature set and the lame documentation.
|
