Via Software Immaturity

[shiflerg]

I have owned a Go730 for over three years and I'm pretty pleased with it. I've been looking to upgrade to a newer version which I assumed would have the same features as the Go730 plus more (it is newer).

The first question is does the Via series have at least the same features as my Go730 (I paid $149.95) for about the same price? I don't use all the features of my Go730 but I think it does have a fm transmitter, bluetooth capability, mp3 player capability, voice control to name a few.

The second question is about the immaturity of the software. I read other places the product was introduced too early. Who would know the truth about this?? You guys who have it and use it.

One of the major issues I read about was the problem with having new maps at no cost (it was part of the original purchase price). Many said they could not successfully use this feature.

 

[canderson]

We're addressing these issues over in your other thread.

I'll address your 2nd question here, though. The MyTomTom application + current models does not have the functionality of the old Home + previous models. All kinds of things have changed, and for the most part, it's less features than were available before. As an example, the old platform allowed for as many 48 point itineraries as you could fit into the available memory. The newer models allow for one 4 point itinerary. So whether the newer models will be a disappointment will depend a LOT on your expectations for one of these units and how you use it. Without knowing exactly what features a user has found valuable in the past or expects to find on a GPS, it's hard to steer then toward or away from these new units.

Our cross-model feature guide (prep'd for us by mvl) tries to bring some clarity to all of this: https://www.tomtomforums.com/genera...el-feature-reference-updated-8-20-2011-a.html

 

[shiflerg]

You have answered my questions from the other forum site. My main interest in opening this inquiry on this forum is to understand more about the VIA features and its software.

I was looking at gpstracklog.com/compare/tomtom-comparison-chart on the internet and did see the VIA. It also listed the 730 as no longer a present offering. I went to Amazon to read the reviews on the VIA and this is were I started seeing the software issues.

I think you are telling me the VIA and its versions are not really a functional replacement for the 730.

I will not pursue this any further. I will just update my maps. My device was working over 1/2 hour after I turned it on (battery use only) so I will not worry about the battery. Hopefully before this one gives up the ghost, Tomtom will have a better selection of offerings. I do like Tomtom...