TomTom's latest GPS navigator may look like a previous model, but the GO 910 is a very different beast, packed with a bevy of features that make the relatively high asking price all the more acceptable. New additions include an update to the latest SiRF chipset and a new, easier to use software system with text-to-speech capability which can read out street names in real time. The unit comes pre-loaded with the latest version of Australian maps, which in the case of Sydney, includes the new M7 and surrounding road changes. Also new to the GO 910 is the PC docking station that enables charging and easy USB connection.
Design
The GO 910 follows the same design theme
of previous models. Functionality is controlled either by a
4-inch touch-sensitive display or a very handy remote control.
Though widescreen, it's not noticeably larger than previous
models and can prove to be a little cramped. The new windshield
mount is much easier to use. Attachment is done via a rotating
disc that does away with the small lever of previous models. This
new setup however, is rather flimsy and does not provide a strong
connection. For example while we were adjusting the angle, the
suction cap became detached and fell. TomTom is known for its
ease of use and the GO 910 is no exception. We found the user
interface to be much better than any other GPS device on the
market.
Features
The new text-to-speech system is
the star of the show. Now when driving, instead of simply
quoting, "turn left or right" the GO 910 will read out actual
street names. The system is very accurate, though does struggle
with some of the more unusual Aboriginal names, such as Birrong
or Turramurra. The new SiRF chip has excellent reception, even
next to tall buildings, and is very quick at acquiring a
satellite lock, taking less than 30 seconds in most cases.
As previously mentioned, the new menu system is very simple and intuitive. Destinations can be entered via an address, post code or a pre-loaded list of points-of-interests, which includes airports, fuel stations and even ATMs. If this all sounds too easy, you can even select a destination by simply touching a point on the map.
Built-in Bluetooth connectivity allows you to use the GO 910 as a handsfree kit for your mobile phone. The unit comes with a small microphone that mounts near the steering wheel. A new addition to TomTom's GPS devices is the inclusion of a generous 20 GB hard-drive. With the installed mapping software, we still had close to 15 GB of storage available. We were able to load up images and MP3 files from our computer, but we feel that some of these features are more gimmicky than useful.
If your car stereo features Bluetooth, you can stream audio wirelessly. Sadly our car didn't so we were unable to test this feature. Alternatively you can connect the supplied 3.5mm audio cable to the car stereo's input jack and play your preloaded MP3s. We would have liked to have seen an integrated FM transmitter. The GO 910 supports full iPod compatibility as well. By connecting another cable from the mounting rack to your iPod, you can now control it via the GO 910's touchscreen. The required cable was not supplied, despite TomTom marketing this feature.
Performance
In most conditions the GO 910 worked
extremely well. Once a destination has been selected, alternate
routes can be found in an instant. Out on the road, directions
were clear and concise. The new text-to-speech system made
finding side streets much easier and safer because it meant we
were able to keep our eyes on the road more often. The other
thing we noted is that the GO 910's instructions are very good at
dealing with complicated maneuvers such as being in the correct
lane or an exit or for navigating Sydney's maze like CBD. Most
other GPS units can distract you while driving, but the GO 910
actually made us feel more confident. Pronunciation of some
street names came out distorted, but in general there were no
problems. Whenever we did miss a turn, the GO 910 recalculated an
alternate route, instantly providing us with new directions.
The quick speed is thanks partially to the 400MHz processor as well as the new SiRF chipset. Driving around the roads of Sydney, we never lost connection with a satellite, even while in the crowded city centre.
The speaker's volume is quite loud considering its small size. While adequate for reading out directions, playing MP3s through the inbuilt speaker was a letdown. The audio quality was on par with tinny laptop speakers, which is no surprise considering the small size of the GO 910. We were also slightly disappointed with the new widescreen display. Though it's much brighter than the previous model, its viewing angle is around 140 degrees, making it difficult to see if your position isn't right. We also expected it to be better at dealing with direct sunlight. There were times when the screen was so washed out we found it hard to read. Considering we're testing in the winter sun, we'd hate to see what happens when summer comes around.
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DeltaTango756
06/08/2008, 01:02 PM
rating
3/10
Non-existant customer service here in the U.S. also. Took me 3 MONTHS to speak to a human, then he denied that they weren't answering the phones! I had mine for about 2 years and after a software update, it suddenly died. Green light turns on when charging or pushing the power button, but nothing else.
Pros: Very, very customizable! Bluetooth is nice, holds about 1000 MP3s, very easy to use, nice interface, loved the text-to-speech.
Cons: $650 USD and it dies less than 2 years later for no apparent reason? Less accurate than Garmin, DOES NOT SAY WHICH SIDE DESTINATION IS ON!! Sounds like a little thing unless you have a lot of 6-lane high-speed roads like here in Arizona! Turning around after missing the destination is incredibly frustrating, the windscreen mount is very clumsy, bulky and odd-shaped - hard not to drop, and a pain when you have to carry it out of the vehicle with you. Speaker is not nearly loud enough.
Garmins always get better reviews at gpsmagazine.com. I bought a Garmin to replace this piece of junk. I hope TomTom goes out of business. They deserve to.
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gamas
18/05/2008, 07:31 PM
rating
5/10
cannot put safety cameras or speed cameras on it i paid $50.00 to get it but it only for overseas but i was not told this and i never got my money back you would think the amount of money that you pay for it in the first place you would get these features
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kamski
28/03/2008, 07:09 AM
rating
8/10
nice unit, only $300 on ebay.
Pros: MAPS, satellite update, voices, direction.
Cons: $$ for new maps, $69 for N.A. maps.
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nooneimp
31/12/2007, 02:04 PM
rating
2/10
horrible, horroble device. will not turn on even after full charge. charge light is on. turn on whenever it feels like it while plugged into the car adapter.
car mount is bad.
Pros: easy to use.
Cons: slow to find signal, turns on whenever it feels like it, bad car mount.
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honeymouse
29/11/2007, 10:30 PM
rating
7/10
Hi grtoms,
I have the same issue with my unit too and I read that from somewhere that it was due to overcharging.
You can simply reset the unit by using a safety pin and hold the reset button down for 10-15 sec and it will work again.
Good luck!
Pros: - Easy to use
Cons: - Windscreen mount is not that good
- Stop working every now and then and need to reset it
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grtoms
26/11/2007, 03:01 PM
rating
4/10
THERE IS NO AFTERSALES SERVICE.
THE UNIT WAS FINE UNTIL LT SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. TRYING TO GET ANY ASSISTANCE IS HOPELESS. YOU COULD TRY 1300 135 604
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G E Stephenson
22/11/2007, 09:09 AM
rating
8/10
Windscreen dock faulty and not charging unit though home dock charges OK but now being offered inferior TT720 as replacement by Aust service. Why?
Pros: A1 unit, easy to use, clear, quick.
Cons: Windscreen mount charge fault and weak clamp.
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ontrepoman
11/11/2007, 01:46 PM
rating
6/10
Can ANYONE help me I have a TomTom 910 and when I try to use it and plug it in all I get is a charger light on.. the rest of the unit will not turn on, only showing a charge light.. HELP !!! email me please: kwtowing@sympatico.ca
Pros: works good for the job WHEN I CAN GET IT TO TURN ON!
Cons: Customer service.. WHATS THAT? IS THERE SUCH A THING FOR TOM TOM?
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donthaveone
09/11/2007, 11:05 AM
rating
2/10
Please help me use this navigator.
I can not get it to let me put an address in where I want to go.
I am in Sydney.
What is your phone number?
URGENT
I need to get from collaroy to hornsby NOW
0407762104
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rmhockman
08/09/2007, 12:14 AM
rating
9/10
This is my second unit in the last 2 years, the other being a 700, and I can honestly say they both are very reliable but the 910 is definitely a big improvement over the previous model.
Pros: Does everything well, I don't see what the others are squawking about, but many consumer opinions seem to be from a certain group who are either not too well informed or never seem to be satisfied. It looks like some of them must be mishandling their units as the hard drives appear to be very reliable and should not be failing as some suggest.
Cons: Windshield mount is not as good as it could be and should be improved.
Customer service should be upgraded considerably.
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