TomTom, a major Dutch manufacturer of GPS and satellite navigation systems with revenues of over 1.5billion Euros, has launched its entry level Start 20 GPS & Sat Nav system for the UK market. TomTom has a large market share in Europe and this new product should help the company establish a similar position in the UK market.
Features
The Start 20 has a 11 cm display, larger then similar priced other products. The design has been made ultra-slim with the mounting bracket capable of being folded flat to permit carrying in the pocket. The mounting bracket has been designed with strong suction cups to permit the GPS unit to be mounted on the windshield glass or the dashboard. A ball and socket joint on the bracket permits the display to be swiveled to suit the driver or a co-passenger. The display incorporates current touch screen technology so that the display is always oriented right, irrespective of mounting position. Power supply is through a USB cable that plugs into the 12 V car power outlet. The same cable can also draw power from a computer or iPad when used outside the car, for example when walking or biking. The slim design makes the Start 20 suitable for those uses.
GPS & Sat Nav systems primarily depend on map data. The Start 20 map data base has been expanded by some 2 million kilometers of additional roads compared to the earlier GPS systems. Additionally the ‘Points of Interest’ data base has been expanded. For example, previously only chain restaurants were included in the data base. The new version includes other restaurants.
The operating system of the Start 20 has been redesigned and now it has a better laid out displays with clear icons that are intuitive to use. The display can be customized to suit the user.
High Points
The Start 20 impresses by the improvements made in the map navigation system. In addition to the drive route being displayed as on the map, when the car approaches a road junction or turn-off, the GPS guides the driver to change lanes ahead of the turning. In addition road names are identified for the turn off, instead of only the road number. This makes it easier for the driver. The maps also get much more detailed at intersections and turn-offs. The lane change and road name information is also on the voice announcement system. The voice announcement can normally be kept off to avoid interference with music or conversation and turned on only to help at intersections and turn-offs.
The ability to carry the Start 20 in a pocket, suggests an application that TomTom may not have thought off. Finding your car in a large parking lot will need you to write down reference points, not always obvious. With Start 20 , you can unplug and carry the GPS system away. When you turn it back on, it displays the last location mapped and that, of course, is where the car is parked.
Most GPS systems provide routing based on distance or time based on expected traffic density. The TomTom system adds another variant, that of historical drive time data. For example the same route on at off-peak hours would take less time than at peak traffic time.
Low points
The screen response is slower than other makes of GPS & Sat Nav systems. This suggests an under powered device. Since TomTom has also built in an SD expansion slot for future software upgrades, the low power could impact future applications as well.
Real time traffic information is not supported. It requires not just a subscription but also a separate receiver. This should have been built into the system.
Price
The TomTom Start 20 is priced between 110 and 130 Pounds depending on the market. It is good value for money with the features it packs.
