TomTom Start 20 series too good for first-time buyers
Article by: Darren Griffin
Date: 13 May 2011
TomTom has announced the newest model in their range of satnavs, the Start 20 series.
Targetted at first-time buyers, this new model range is available in 4.3in and 5in screen sizes 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. For the Start 20 UK 4.3in screen version is £129.99, 5in £149.99 and the Western Europe 5in version is £169.99.
For more information see the TomTom web site: http://www.tomtom.com/.
 
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| Comments
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 Posted by algypan on Fri May 13, 2011 11:22 am |
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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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| Posted by Darren on Fri May 13, 2011 11:38 am |
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Liquid screen? Glossy you mean? In which case no, this is the same tech as has been used on older models.
Darren Griffin |
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| Posted by algypan on Fri May 13, 2011 11:46 am |
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OK thank you Darren (Sorry I meant What they call fluid)on the TomTom site
Allan
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| Posted by Darren on Fri May 13, 2011 1:08 pm |
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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.
Darren Griffin |
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| Posted by hoggies on Fri May 13, 2011 7:15 pm |
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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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| Posted by Darren on Fri May 13, 2011 7:20 pm |
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| 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.
Darren Griffin |
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| Posted by hoggies on Fri May 13, 2011 7:27 pm |
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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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| Posted by Darren on Fri May 13, 2011 7:29 pm |
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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.
Darren Griffin |
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| Posted by hoggies on Fri May 13, 2011 7:34 pm |
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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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| Posted by Darren on Fri May 13, 2011 7:56 pm |
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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.
Darren Griffin |
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| Posted by Guivre46 on Fri May 13, 2011 9:20 pm |
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Whatever the limitations on software etc., it just looks nice. Sometimes that is a good enough reason to get one.
Mike R [aka Wyvern46]
Go 530T - unsupported
Go550 Live [not renewed]
Kia In-dash Tomtom |
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