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TomTom Start 20 series - too good for first-time buyers?
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Darren
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PostPosted: Fri May 13, 2011 11:58 am    Post subject: TomTom Start 20 series - too good for first-time buyers? Reply with quote



TomTom has announced the newest model in their range of satnavs, the Start 20 series.

Targeted at first-time buyers, this new model range is available in 4.3in and 5in screen sizes (the Start 20 and Start 25 respectively) and comes with the latest software platform, NAV3, previously seen on the GO 1000 and VIA models.

Uniquely, the Start 20 series has a sensor which rotates the screen allowing the mount to be used on the windscreen or the dash. It's a neat feature but I can't help feeling that the opportunity to offer a portrait display option has been lost here.

Otherwise it's a very sleek unit that makes the more expensive GO 1000 and 1005 models look rather boxy and boring. The shell has a smoothly curved rear with the fixed, adjustable, mount and large speaker. A recessed micro-USB connector provides power and a computer connection and an as yet unused (to be activated with a later update) microSD slot is also provided.

The standard TomTom faire is all present here including IQ Routes and Lane Guidance. Custom POI support is still limited as it is with the other NAV3 models but the situation is improving.

There is no LIVE functionality in the models announced today and the Start 20 features a resistive touch screen (GO 1000 has capacitative) but all in all it's a great model and to my eyes at least, a much fresher design than its higher spec relatives.

Pricing is very keen. The Start 20 UK 4.3in screen version is £129.99, and for the 5in Start 25, the UK version is £149.99 and the Western Europe version is £169.99.

For more information see the TomTom web site:
http://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/products/car-navigation/start-20-regional
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Last edited by Darren on Fri May 13, 2011 12:44 pm; edited 2 times in total
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algypan
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PostPosted: Fri May 13, 2011 12:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Darren, This looks like the sort of thing that would suit me as these days I do not go very far but still like to have a decent sat nav. One question tho Is it the new liquid screen? I find with my old one that on a sunny day i can hardly see it
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Darren
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PostPosted: Fri May 13, 2011 12:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Liquid screen? Glossy you mean? In which case no, this is the same tech as has been used on older models.
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algypan
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PostPosted: Fri May 13, 2011 12:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

OK thank you Darren (Sorry I meant What they call fluid)on the TomTom site
Allan
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Darren
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PostPosted: Fri May 13, 2011 2:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've had one of these for some months now and its very nice. Notwithstanding my complaints with regard to NAV3, the Start 20 is a very nice unit and I prefer the screen tech used here, less glossy and the loss of some of the multi-touch gestures is a small price to pay, they added little IMO.
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hoggies
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PostPosted: Fri May 13, 2011 8:15 pm    Post subject: Tomtom Start 25 EU Reply with quote

Hi Darren,

I've been looking with interest at the Start 25 EU, but nowhere can I see if it allows you to 'Navigate to' using Lat/Long co-ordinates.

It's the main reason I haven't bought an XL2 IQ.

Here in France, you can't use Postcodes and sometimes Lat and Long co-ords (using Google Earth) is the only way to get to where you want to go!

Thanks for your help
David
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Darren
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PostPosted: Fri May 13, 2011 8:20 pm    Post subject: Re: Tomtom Start 25 EU Reply with quote

hoggies wrote:
I've been looking with interest at the Start 25 EU, but nowhere can I see if it allows you to 'Navigate to' using Lat/Long co-ordinates.

I'm happy to confirm that 'Navigate to - Latitude Longitude' is present on this model.


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hoggies
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PostPosted: Fri May 13, 2011 8:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks Darren.

Sorry to be so dumb, but can you explain what you mean by

'Notwithstanding my complaints with regard to NAV3'

and

'the loss of some of the multi-touch gestures is a small price to pay'

David
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Darren
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PostPosted: Fri May 13, 2011 8:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

NAV3 is rather dumbed down, you don't have access to the device filesystem and many features are not yet fully implemented but it is improving.

The GO 1000 has the glossy screen and you can swipe across the screen to move through the menus. This is not available on the Start model here.
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hoggies
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PostPosted: Fri May 13, 2011 8:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Darren, Thanks - once again!

I think I could live without those, anyway.

It sounds pretty good to me - might just have to have one...

Cheers
David
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Darren
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PostPosted: Fri May 13, 2011 8:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I like it. It's simple but functional and the design and mount works really well. If you can stretch to the 5" screen then I'd go for it, the extra 0.5" makes a huge difference to the overall experience.
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Guivre46
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PostPosted: Fri May 13, 2011 10:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Whatever the limitations on software etc., it just looks nice. Sometimes that is a good enough reason to get one.
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MaFt
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PostPosted: Sat May 14, 2011 12:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Looks, to me ,in both design and functionality to be the Via Live but without the Live. I like the VIA live (though the current POI install is a PITA) - it's a good unit.

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Darren
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PostPosted: Sat May 14, 2011 12:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

MaFt wrote:
Looks, to me ,in both design and functionality to be the Via Live but without the Live. I like the VIA live (though the current POI install is a PITA) - it's a good unit.

Ah, is that the difference! I wasn't clear on how the Via differed but hadn't appreciated that they were all LIVE enabled.

So that answers that then!

Must admit I think this design (Via/Start) has a lot more going for it than the GO 100x which is just another anonymous box.
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Andy_P
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PostPosted: Sat May 14, 2011 1:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

There's also the Start 25 with a 5" screen, which is VERY nice.

The only huge disappointment with them (for me) is the appalling audio quality compared to the Go1000/2000 models. Maybe I've just got a duff loudspeaker on mine, but it's REALLY tinny and horrible.

I suspect there may be LIVE versions planned, but maybe we won't get hose in the UK, as TT seem keen to produce confusingly different ranges in different markets these days.
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