TomTom GO 930 review (Part 1 – the hardware)

Today I’m going to give you a brief look at the newest GPS unit from TomTom. The GO 930 builds upon their successful 9XX series of devices, but adds some very powerful features.

Update: for part 2 (The Interface) click here.

If you were to put together a list of every feature you could think of for a GPS unit, then you’d probably be close to describing what the TomTom GO 930 has to offer:

• Bluetooth handsfree carkit
• Advanced Lane Guidance
• IQ routes (uses historical traffic information to determine the best route)
• Voice recognition
• Text to speech
• Bluetooth remote control
• Home docking station with desktop software
• Gas price downloads
• iPod connectivity (with optional interface cable)
• Integrated media player (audio/photos)
• Traffic information (through your mobile phone or optional RDS receiver)
• Maps of the USA, Canada and Europe
• Map Share (for creating, sharing and receiving user generated map updates)
• FM Transmitter
• Online services for weather, gas prices and device updates
• "Help Me"menu with first aid and car repair guides (in over 10 languages)

So, let’s take a look at the hardware portion of the TomTom GO 930 (tomorrow I’ll show you the software).

The TomTom GO 930 unit is housed inside a nice shiny black enclosure with a lightly rubberized back.

It has a bright 4.3" WVGA screen with automatic brightness settings (either based on the time, and through a light sensor). There is just one button on the unit (power), all other features are controlled through the touch screen.

On the bottom of the device are 3 connectors; power/USB, audio out and an aux port for connecting the optional iPod interface cable. There is also an SD card slot and a reset button.

On the back of the device is the mounting connector (for attaching to the windshield mount) and a plug for an optional external GPS antenna (hidden behind a rubber plug).

You really won’t need the external GPS antenna unless you plan to install the unit far away from a window. In my experience, GPS reception was amazingly strong, and even picked up a strong fix in the middle of my house, far away from any windows. 

The GO 930 ships quite complete. Besides the unit itself, you get a Bluetooth remote controller, a home docking base, a DC charger, an adhesive disk for mounting the windshield mount on your dashboard and a CD with the TomTom Home software. The only accessory I feel they should have included is a carrying case.

You’ll need the adhesive disk if you live in California or Minnesota as these states have banned sticking anything to your windshield.

The windshield mount is terribly disappointing. It’s hard to describe just how useless it is. The device doesn’t lock very well in place, and trying to adjust the angle usually results in it falling off.

It’s a shame that TomTom didn’t include a better mount, or a mount with active connectors (to power the device by mounting it).

The only upside to this mount is that it is nice and small, so carrying it won’t be an issue.

The remote control makes up for a lot of my windshield mount disappointment; not only is this a Bluetooth remote (which means it doesn’t matter which way you point it), it also comes with a nice cradle.

The remote has buttons for left, right, up, down, select, volume up/down, 2 menu soft keys and a play/pause button for the media player.

The screen on the GO 930 is brilliant; crisp, bright and perfectly readable in a sun drenched car.

It’s also easily readable from almost any angle, which means that the passengers in your car will be able to read it (and even control it with the Bluetooth remote control).

In fact, I found the display on the GO 930 to be one of the best I’ve ever encountered on a portable GPS unit.

2 photos of the display; it’s hard to make photos that show the true clarity of the display. 

With the notable exception of the windshield mount, every portion of the hardware on the TomTom GO 930 is perfect. It feels sturdy, has outstanding GPS reception and an awesome display.

In part two (tomorrow) I’ll show you every part of the software, and demonstrate the many features included on the GO 930.