TomTom have just released their latest line of stand alone GPS systems into the Australian market, and they have kindly provided a new Go Live 820 for us to review.

This quite compact unit features a 4.3 inch screen, a built-in windscreen mount, and provides the typical array of software features that we’ve become accustomed to seeing in these sorts of units: mapping, route planning, safety camera locations, school zone warnings, over-speed-limit warnings, points of interest, voice control, hands free calling on your mobile phone, and so on.

The windscreen mount is quite effective and efficient. The foot has a surround that you twist in order to engage the clear suction cap and have it secure itself against the windscreen. This mechanism was found to be simple but effective and quite secure.

Also of note is the power switch. Given that this sort of device is popular with thieves, it is therefore not the sort of device that you would be leaving unattended in your car. Therefore, you need to be able to quickly remove it from your windscreen (easily done due to the design of the suction cup as noted above), and then place it in your pocket, backpack or handbag as you leave your vehicle. In many GPS units that I’ve used, the power switch has been located along an outer edge of the device, and when secured in this way, I often find that they’ve accidentally powered themselves up, with the result that I’ve been given route directions from a disembodied voice hidden deep within my backpack. The power switch on the GoLive 820 has been recessed on the rear surface, where it’s well protected from such accidental disturbances, yet easily accessed when you need to turn it on or off from within the car.

In operation it was found to be quite quick in acquiring a satellite signal, route planning was similarly quick to perform as was the subsequent route calculation process. Route recalculation following the taking of a wrong turn was acceptably quick as well, making this a competent GPS for general use in about town.

But that is not the sum of the 820’s talents. Included in this system is a subscription to TomTom’s GoLive system. The GPS unit is equipped with a SIM card which activates the GoLive service the first time that you turn on the system. The purpose of this system is to call home (to TomTom’s GoLive servers) every two minutes, and provide you with updated real time traffic information.

This information is used within the GPS in a number of ways: it calculates, for instance, the affects of the current traffic upon your chosen route, and displays for you – in real time – exactly where you might expect to see these delays, and approximately how long you may expect to be delayed. Your calculated ETA, as displayed, is adjusted accordingly.

It’s also used to calculate comparative travel times on alternate routes, and where applicable, you may be offered the choice of taking an alternate route if that may lead to a reduction in your travel time. The voice messaging system keeps you appraised of the current status.

The real time adjustments made to your ETA, coupled with the ability to offer alternate routes, add a measure of value to the 820 that is difficult to place a real value on, but when you accept that time is one of our greatest assets, being able to better use our time through the facilities provided here can only be viewed as a good thing.

The GoLive is available for around $300, and includes a one year subscription to the GoLive service.