Thinking About Buying a Rand McNally TND 730 - SAVE YOUR MONEY!

I've had my 730 since release and for the most part it has performed very well. It has locked up a number of times but not much since one of the updates that was supposed to address the issue. It crashes every so often requiring a reset. But I've gone days or even weeks between crashes so, for me at least, it hasn't made the unit unusable.

The only other real issues I've had with the 730 is that it often mistakes roads running beside the highway I'm on as the same road and gives me warnings and directions related to that road. It also has a bad habit of trying to route me off the highway an exit or two early and finishing the trip on city streets which would be a waste of time. I just check over my route and things like that can easily be corrected manually.

As for the Atlas, well, if that's your thing go for it. My memory isn't so hot and I can't be leafing through a big book or reading from notes while I'm navigating city streets. Not to mention that the Atlas is sorely lacking where detail is concerned. I love my GPS. I know how to read a map but for me a GPS is far easier to use. Obviously some of you love maps. I get that but arguing that to GPS users is totally pointless.

 

I have a Garmin. And it's "crashed" 2 times in 3 years. Not needing a reset, just reboot it. I think I'll stick with the Garmin if crashes happen every few days.

 

It doesn't crash every few days and my last full lock up was weeks ago. I don't remember when the last crash was. Most of it happened prior to the update and even then it wasn't terrible. It would usually freeze around large cities and Rand said it had something to do with memory allocation. It hasn't been a major issue and for the most part I have been very happy with the 730's performance.

 

thats what I meant. Lock up. When you say it hasn't "locked up for weeks" that's something that would concern the hell out of me. Like I said. Twice in almost 400,000 miles. I'll stick with my garmin, lol.

 

I understand that but I like RM better than any Garmin I've used. It hasn't been that big of an issue was my point. I'm not concerned at all.

 

I like the features on the RM. But I like how dependable the garmin is.

 

I didn't have any issues with my 720 until this latest big update with the new maps craziness. I'm looking forward to
having Mark send me the files so I can put it back in service. I don't know anything about the Garmin units.

I am also a big fan of the RM Atlas ... I use it constantly to jot down the major routes on my trip. Then I
can keep an eye on the GPS and over ride if it does something stupid with the routing...

 

I bought the TND 730 because all of the reports were in its favor…… NOT THE CASE!
In the first 30 days after the purchase, it has been in the shop for software upgrades 25 of them.
I am plagued with navigation errors that shut the system down, freeze ups that do not advance and by the time I realize that, I had almost missed the road I was looking for. ( I say almost because I had already mapped out this route using Google Earth and company recommended directions and knew of its approx. location)
I got the devise back after a “fix” and tested through my own town and in my own personal vehicle; a town I know quite well and in a car that offered no surprises. Programing a fully loaded trip (80k lbs) the devise placed me on two roads that were not only very truck UNFRIENDLY, they were dead ends!!!!
Every attempt I have made to the Rand McNally store to fix or simply refund the devise has been…. “Sorry, your 30 day trial is up, no full refund” and “call tech support, send it in for repair”…. I would not suggest this product until Rand McNally can fix the bugs AND offer better customer service!!!!!
Fortunately I have used the old fashioned methods of paper maps and google earth. Not always the greatest since a satellite picture does not show truck approved streets but better than being placed on a One Way street, going the Wrong Way and at Dead End !

 

For those that still use the RM MC Atlas, the RM tablet has the atlas in it. Very handy to take inside for trip planning while sitting in the restaurant.

 

To a degree, I agree. Trying to prove anything to anyone that is set in what they want to beleive is pointless. People that live by Only the GPS though will usually fail by the GPS too.....
Due to a few hard lessons learned, I use both methods for going somewhere. The atlas is Great for major routes but small towns are Not detailed, I agree and so a GPS is great. (when it works properly)
In South Carolina there is a small town that has a main route, a business loops and a bypass. All the same number route. Two of those routes are lined up and down the roads NO TRUCKS and every GPS program (Garmin, Qualcomm, RM etc) has routed around the correct route stating it is not approved and sends the trucks down one or both of the restricted routes. I talked to a local about it and the local community LOVES it cause the tickets it generates for the village.
Danville, Kentucky is the same situation. Lebanon Rd is a restricted route on one end, but not the other.