The TomTom Go 300 builds on the now standardised Linux platform pioneered by the TomTom Go classic. It really up's the game of the all in one SatNav system, the form factor remains largely the same and the outer shell of the new unit has only cosmetic changes.

Inside however its a different kettle of fish, the biggest change is the introduction of Bluetooth to the range. All 3 TomTom units get Bluetooth however this one the 300 only uses Bluetooth for data connectivity with a GPRS or 3G enabled mobile phone. This enables TomTom traffic to make its first appearance on the all in one unit and on the higher 500 / 700 model enables Bluetooth hands free calling. Based around a 200 Mhz ARM920T processor and with 32mb of internal RAM the Go platform has more than enough power to provide a smooth and seamless navigation experience.

Much of the award winning interface remains the same, the large 320 x 240 clear LCD screen is low on reflection and conveys all the information you need, entering an address just got easier with big chunky keys and finally full UK postcode support. Common locations can be stored as favourites plus you can access a list of recently visited location and even navigate to a point of interest.

Once locked in the route is calculated with swift accuracy using the latest edition of UK Navteq maps which seem to have finally fixed a number of inaccuracies we'd spotted back in September with the original maps, routing also seems to be improved with a better algorithm which now seems to pick LP's normal route to work.

Also new to route planning in this version 5.0 software is the full itinerary  planning section, this is ideal for those who have a multi drop route or those who routinely drive to a number of locations in order like delivery drivers or reps.

A few cool extras we have been discovering with the V 5.0 software are the speed sensitive volume level meaning the Go 300 is nice and loud at high speed and just softens a bit when you are poodling along. Plus no sooner were we complimenting Garmin on their auto power on / off with the ignition and TomTom add the very same feature meaning there is no excuse for draining the internal lithium Ion battery.

On the move the 3D graphics are as good as ever and the spoken instruction are clear and loud, plus the user interface is now more customisable with you being able to choose what textual information you want on the status bar, so time to destination, distance, current time and even a compass can be switched on and off.

Guidance is up to tom-tom's high standards and rightly maintains the Go's status as the market leader in the all in one segment, Version 5.0 software tweaks further at the interface and manages to make the menu structure simple to use via the touch screen despite there being a number of extra options inside.

The Go 300 ships with the full UK map on SD card which slots into the unit, it is still possible to purchase further maps and load them on SD cards or of course you could go up the range to the 500 or 700 units for more inbuilt maps. As one of the few systems we've ever seen that is ready out of the box the Go 300 comes with a full kit of bits, including a sturdy suction mount system, carry case, maps, USB 2.0 lead and software.

Perhaps one of the surprises with the launch of the TomTom Go 300 is the price, it undercuts the outgoing Go classic by £100 at £239.99 further raising the bar and once again winning our full approval and best buy rating.

Published - 12/4/2005

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