New TomTom flagship range available in UK

The new range wants to be the big brother. Updated with Navcore 8, and coupled with Map version 8 it has a few extra features not found on x20's.

The main differences between the series are TomTom's "award-winning" software, that boasts the latest navigation features and content: IQ Routes™ and Advanced Lane Guidance.

Coupled with Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity, drivers can also access detailed traffic information, if they purchase the Traffic models through the included RDS-TMC Receiver.

TomTom's new IQ Routes™ technology is said to provide the most efficient route planning for Drivers. You tell it when you're travelling, and it takes into account any known situations or areas that could delay a driver's journey, such as traffic congestion spots, speed bumps or traffic lights. It also takes into account the historical (from when we are not sure) traffic flow on weekends and weekdays, ensuring the TomTom GO always selects the fastest route, giving drivers the best possible options to get to their final destination.

The Advanced Lane Guidance sounded very exciting, but turns out to be a "still picture" of the exit (reality view) with a few trees and 3D buildings showing which lane you need to follow. It does show a nice road sign though which is supposed to mimic the real thing. We would have preferred a moving picture though. The real Lane Guidance being, pretty much the same as before, is with the arrows in the bottom left corner telling you where to go.

They have also given the menu icons a new look – Orange "next page" arrows being the most obvious.
Mapshare has been upgraded with a few extras such as being able to change turn directions at junctions and change road speeds. It also allows you to pick sections of roads rather than the whole thing!

Other functions (same as with the GO x20 range)

• Hands-free calling with via Bluetooth®
• TomTom 'Safety' Menu and the TomTom 'Help Me' menu to give drivers direct access to find the nearest emergency services and roadside assistance.
• Voice address input allowing drivers to input their destination buy city and street name.
• Clear voice instructions and text-to-speech to enable street names, places, traffic alerts and SMS messages to be read aloud as part of the spoken instructions.
• Built-in FM Transmitter to play music and navigation instructions seamlessly over the car stereo
• Smart & fun extras to personalise your device, including recording their own driving instructions, viewing documents, exchanging positions with Buddies via SMS and Bluetooth® and selecting a favourite car icon on the screen.
• Pre-installed safety camera database.
• TomTom Map Share™ enabling users to make on the spot corrections to their own maps and benefit from improvements made by other users.
• Latest map guarantee so users can download the latest map within the first 30 days of use, should a new version be released during that time.
The new TomTom GO x30 series is advertised as available in stores now across the UK.

Models

TomTom GO 930 Traffic
Top of the range model that is supplied with a seamless map of 35 countries in Western and Eastern Europe, USA, Canada and Russia. All of this is stored on it's 4GB internal memory. The only model to feature EPT for enhanced positioning should you lose your signal in tunnels. Also supplied is a Bluetooth Remote Control and RDS-TMC receiver.

TomTom GO 730
The maps on the TomTom GO 730 have been upgraded to now include 31 countries in both Western & Eastern Europe on the 2GB internal memory. The GO730 Traffic comes with RDS-TMC receiver.

TomTom GO 530
The TomTom GO 530 comes with pre-installed door-to-door maps of the UK and Ireland. Additional European maps can be purchased separately from TomTom Shop or directly off the GO. The GO530 Traffic comes with RDS-TMC receiver.

Price

• TomTom GO 930 Traffic: SRP £399.99 inc VAT
• TomTom GO 730 Traffic: SRP £329.99 inc VAT
• TomTom GO 730: SRP £299.99 inc VAT
• TomTom GO 530 Traffic: SRP £279.99 inc VAT
• TomTom GO 530: SRP £249.99 inc VAT

Specifications

• 4.3 inch widescreen 16:9 format LCD (WQVGA, 480 x 272 pixels)
• CPU 400 MHz
• TomTom GO 930 Traffic: 4 GB internal flash memory
• TomTom GO 530/730 and GO 530/730 Traffic: 1-2 GB internal flash memory
• SD card slot
• High sensitivity GPS receiver
• Bluetooth® connectivity
• Battery lithium-polymer (up to 5 hours operation)
• Dimensions: 118 mm x 83 mm x 24 mm
• Weight: 220 grams

As an upgrade to the x20 range, TomTom are hoping people will go out and make the change.

If you're in the market for a new GO, and you have the cash to splash, then this is a good option. If you don't, then get yourself an x20 and wait for the upgrade!