The previous TomTom GPS, the GO 740 LIVE had already placed the bar very high. It's no great surprise then to see that TomTom have only added a few extra features to its GO 750 LIVE. In fact, the products are identical. All that changes is the addition of several LIVE services that strengthen the real-time offer. Rather than paraphrasing the TomTom GO 740 LIVE test, we're going to concentrate on the main points and innovations of the new model.

Hardware: all the features but we've seen smaller

If there's an area on which TomTom is behind the competition, it's the size of its satnavs. This model is up to 23 mm thick, while other brands go as low as 14 mm. This will only be a problem if you want to slip the device into your pocket, with the thickest part in the middle (the sides are slimmer) contributing to the product's excellent handling. This GPS is very nice to use and the finish is faultless.

The large 4.3 inch matte screen offers sufficient brightness and gives great visibility, even in full sunlight. The speaker (at the back) is more than powerful enough.

The latest European maps (45 countries) are included in the 2 GB internal memory. A Micro-SD memory card slot allows you to add photos and use maps of other countries if necessary.

The suction dock is still just as effective. The cigarette lighter can be used to charge the device so you can leave it in your vehicle if you want to. With very good quality plastic and finish, it won't look out of place in a high-end interior.

Bluetooth connectivity means you can connect your mobile phone for handsfree calls.
Voice recognition also allows you to keep your hands on the wheel when operating the device and giving addresses. In practice, the system is still a bit capricious and you often have to repeat yourself several times. Use your hands to enter data wherever possible (excellent).

Unfortunately there's no FM transmitter on the new TomTom range. You have to use the audio out, available as an option, and link it up to the radio. The mp3 player feature has also gone (with iPod navigation), which is a real shame. This means you have to add it manually. While the FM transmitter wasn't great quality, it did have the advantage of limiting the number of wires in the car.

Hardware: a clear effective interface

It starts up rapidly (less than 8 seconds) and there are no slowdowns when navigating through the menus. Clear, easy-to-read icons allow you to work your way around them without even needing to look at the manual, as usual with TomTom.

The navigation interface hasn't changed. It has already proved itself and remains just as clear, without any superfluous details. A new icon signals speed cameras.

Route guidance: a nice voice and detailed, precise indications repeated several times

Reception is still just as good and route instructions very thorough. Route guidance hasn't changed from the previous generation. It uses the very good IQ Routes technology for calculation of the fastest journeys according to the time of day. Road incidents and other traffic information is also updated in real time thanks to the "HD Traffic" LIVE service and facilitates avoidance of traffic jams. You'll find more detail on this feature in the TOMTOM GO 740 LIVE test.

You should be aware that recalculation of your journey can sometimes be quite long (several seconds) depending on the complexity of the road system. A little more oomph would have been appreciated.


The partnership with Coyote, the European leader in localisation of fixed and mobile speed cameras, enriches the LIVE services on the TomTom. Updates are now immediate and you can also localise mobile speed cameras. Users can indicate where a camera is simply by pressing on the icon on the navigation screen. The only problem is that there's no option to indicate which way the camera is facing.
In practice, the system works very well, in spite of a few false alerts.

Other features: EcoRoutes and fuel prices

If you don't like to overpay for your fuel, you'll be pleased to learn that TomTom have improved their fuel price comparison system, included in LIVE services. It'll help you find the cheapest fuel station in the surrounding area or directly on your route. No need to give yourself a headache looking for the best place to fill up!

Green thinking is (thankfully) currently very much in favour. The new "Eco Routes" feature calculates the journey that will economise most fuel. It avoids situations where you often have to accelerate (junctions, town centres and so on).