Review: Tomtom Go 720 satellite navigation

The Tomtom Go 720 is the new flagship in Tomtom's range of navigation devices.

As this is an early look at the product, before its release to the public, we haven't been able to test in details its main feature, called Mapshare, of which more later.

Being a top-end device, it comes with extras such as an MP3 player, Bluetooth connection so it can be used as a hands-free phone speaker and microphone, and traffic updates.

The updates are easily made using the menu system, although it takes quite a few button presses to get to the point where an update can be made, so if you're attempting to update details of roadworks as you sail by them, you'll need pretty nimble fingers. A safer option would be to leave any updates in the hands of a passenger. Alternatively, it's possible to enter them later on, if you have a good memory.

Mapshare is billed as Wikipedia-for-maps. What that means is that all users are free to update their maps with road closures, new roads, speed restrictions, roadworks, cameras and so on.

The device comes with a USB charging cradle, which is also used to download and upload updates, including those to maps. Any updates will be sent to Tomtom's technical centre, which will – the company claims – verify them once they receive a certain number of sightings. We were able to successfully and easily make changes to a couple of maps with no trouble, but as the service was not 'live' at the time of writing, we haven't been able to check out the sharing facility - we'll be reviewing Mapshare in full in a future issue.

Usefully, the device includes a one-time map update out of the box, so as soon as you buy it you can make sure the official maps are up to date by synchronising it over the internet (which means you needn't worry that a device has been sitting on the shelf for months with out-of-date maps).

The maps themselves are high quality, as are the screen and the speaker, providing clear instructions, both written and spoken. The supplied voices are pleasant enough, and as with all Tomtoms, it's possible to download new ones (including that of John Cleese) at a cost from the website. The device includes a good, sensitive GPS unit, which quickly picked up the appropriate satellite signals and was always accurate (although collections of tall buildings in big cities cause problems for all sat-nav systems, this one included).

In addition to the hands-free calling, the Bluetooth connection is also used for data, including downloading traffic updates. This was supremely easy to set up, particularly compared with most Bluetooth devices. However, it downloads data using the mobile, so make sure your talk plan includes a suitable data allowance. The Go 720T, which is £40 more expensive, includes TMC traffic updates, which are sent using standard radio waves, so it doesn't need to use a mobile phone.

Battery life is fair, although it's not enough for long trips, which is where the supplied car power cable comes in. The sheer number of features adorning the Tomtom Go 720 mean that, even if you only use half of them, the device still represents excellent value for money.

Vista compatible: n/a