BIOS: Technology Means Business

The TomTom GO 700 is TomTom's top of the line, all-in-one in-car navigation device. There are three models in the range: the entry level GO 300, mid-range GO 500 and the flagship GO 700 (reviewed here). All the devices share a common software platform. Although the products were developed for the most demanding consumers who want the fullest navigation experience, they're one of the easiest-to-use and most consumer-friendly devices of their type.

Perhaps a little on the bulky side, a flagship feature of the device is that it comes equipped with voice communication capabilities that enable it to be used as a hands-free kit for Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones. By connecting to your phone via Bluetooth wireless technology, you can safely and comfortably take and make calls while navigating from A to B, as well as receive live traffic updates on the fly.

The hands-free functionality works so easily that your phone can even be in your bag or pocket. Simply tap the TomTom GO 700's (Best Current Price: £474 inc. VAT) screen to accept or make a call. The device routes calls automatically from your mobile phone through the integrated speaker and microphone with excellent sound quality, while the screen continues to show you where to go. You can even access your mobile phone's contact list.

The TomTom GO 700 is based on a 400MHz processor, 64MB of system memory and 320x240-pixel colour TFT display. Unlike the other two models in the range, the device lacks an SD card slot. The reason for this is because it integrates an impressive 2.5GB hard disk drive, which is used to store Western and Eastern Europe street level maps. The benefit of this is that you can plan door-to-door planning in the whole of Europe. The windscreen mount has been modified, so know it's now easier to mount the device in your car, and you even get a matching wireless remote control.

TomTom PLUS, TomTom's personalised navigation services, can be subscribed to for £4.99 per month. The upgradable software (USB 2.0 data cable and software supplied) includes real-time information on traffic congestions, weather conditions and extra downloads, such as even more detailed city maps, additional voices, points of interest and much more. Add to these further customisable points of interest, and you have an extremely well-rounded navigation experience. With TomTom GO 700, you have a high quality and innovative navigation solution that is also personal and easy to use.

The product's main features are kept to a minimum and include a touch-sensitive LCD screen, power (On/Off) button, release button (for removing the device from its cradle), and remote control to operate the TomTom GO from anywhere in the car. The thing we liked so much about the device is that you just fix it to your car using the suction-mount cradle (no screwing required), switch it on and then go.

The touch-screen operation is a snap to use, the maps are bright and accurate, the turn-by-turn voice instructions are loud and clear, and the compact portable design allows you to easily take it from car to car. There's even a built-in battery so you don't always have to use the bundled 12-24V cigarette lighter adapter. We also really liked the ability to review and test a calculated route before you actually start driving, the dynamic and customisable status bar, useful on-screen tips, and the extensive guided tour that lets you understand the product's features quickly to get the maximum out of the TomTom GO.

The features don't stop here though. The TomTom GO 700 speaks more than 30 languages in over 50 voices, includes over 18 languages (fancy practising your Spanish or getting instructions from John Cleese?), offers postcode navigation for simple and accurate selection of your destination (UK and NL only), and offers a choice of routes: quickest, shortest or avoiding toll roads and congestion charge areas. You can also plan your trip by defining multiple waypoints and destinations, and view thousands of points of interest.

Assisted Satellite Navigation allows continuous navigation, even in tunnels, and the compass mode lets you have even more orientation while driving. You may also appreciate the fact that your car speed is linked to the device's volume, so the voice instructions increase or decrease depending on the speed of car. The anti-glare screen also provides an optimal view, even in direct sunlight, but we'd like to see brighter displays used in GPS systems. TomTom is a young and innovative brand, but its TomTom GO 700 is a desirable, exciting and high-quality navigation device that is perfect for those who don't want complicated PDA-like features. [9]