An upgrade to the , TomTom’s latest top-of-the-range GPS unit builds on the solid foundations of previous units without changing too much. The GO 930 has an excellent user interface, up-to-date maps and plenty of extra features, including Bluetooth hands-free calling and access to TomTom’s Map Share.
Aesthetically, the GO 930 is similar to its predecessor. The biggest change is the colour scheme, reverting to black from the previous silver. Apart from this, the design of the unit is virtually identical to the previous model, right down to the excellent and easy to remove window mount. Using a slide-in mount that clicks into place on the rear, the TomTom GO930 car gps can easily be moved from car to car with minimum fuss.
Using the TomTom GO930 gps is an almost identical experience to previous models — and this is great news. A single power button is the only real external control, with all other operations accessible via the touch screen. The user interface is superb. Most operations can be accessed via the main menu, which is split into three pages of labelled menu icons in a simple grid layout.
When searching for an address, the TomTom GO 930 filters street names by suburbs, narrowing down your search results to a manageable number. You can further narrow down your search by navigating to a city centre, specific street and house number, cross street or intersection, or postcode. The general navigational experience is excellent, with highly detailed maps, clear voice instructions and quick re-routing times. The maps are very detailed and can be zoomed in and out of easily. If you don’t hear a voice instruction, you can tap the left-hand side of the status bar to repeat it. In addition to Australia, the GO 930 includes the latest maps of 36 other countries.
The text to speech technology was fairly accurate during testing. Enhanced Positioning Technology (EPT) offers continuous navigation even when the unit can’t receive GPS satellite signals — for example in tunnels. You can also record your very own customised warnings and instructions. When connected to your mobile phone via Bluetooth, the GO 930 can read out your SMS messages.
There is a separate menu for your mobile phone, and from here you can redial your last number, make a call, read and write messages and adjust preferences such as auto-answer. Conveniently, you can also copy your entire phone book to the GO 930′s internal memory. An internal microphone handles voice calls when paired with your phone, but we recommend purchasing the microphone accessory, which can be wired into your vehicle for better overall voice performance during calls.
The GO 930 supports the Map Share, allowing you to share and make adjustments to your maps. In addition to corrections and improvements to the maps being uploaded every month by other TomTom users, Map Share allows you to make adjustments to maps through the unit itself. Users can add their own POIs, update road changes, edit phone numbers and add new streets. You can then share this information with other TomTom users by uploading the changes via the included TomTom HOME software.
TomTom’s ‘Help Me’ safety feature is also included. This displays information and allows you to navigate (either by car or on foot) to a multitude of services including police stations, hospitals, mechanics, public transport and pharmacies. It even includes traffic regulations and first aid, repair and maintenance information. In addition, the GO 930 comes preloaded with fixed speed, red-light camera and school zone warnings.
Other features include a music player, Bluetooth remote control, iPod compatibility, an FM transmitter, an image viewer and a good document reader. The most notable feature here is the FM transmitter, which allows both music and navigational instructions to be transmitted to your car stereo — this is especially ideal if the volume of the GO 930′s loudspeaker isn’t to your own liking. Unfortunately, iPod connectivity relies on an accessory cable that is to be purchased separately.
Also sold separately is a traffic receiver, though TomTom is quite likely to release a bundle with this included in the sales package. For now, to receive the recently launched SUNA Traffic Channel you’ll need to purchase the receiver at the additional cost of $149.
Battery life is rated at up to five hours. TomTom disappointingly doesn’t include an AC charger in the sales package, so you’ll have to charge the unit via the included USB cradle or car charger.