TomTom Start

A cool new navigation device that represents the ultimate in easy-to-use, intelligent route planning. With only a single button, TomTom is able to give drivers the fastest route to their destination, so they have total peace of mind.

TomTom Start makes smart use of the driving experiences of millions of TomTom users worldwide. It taps into over 800 billion speed measurements on the map to plan the fastest route, IQ Routes ™, and allows users to make their own map changes, and benefit from thousands of free map corrections made by TomTom users every day (Map Share™).

Available in six colours, the TomTom Start is the perfect travel companion. The device is lightweight, has a compact 3.5” screen and comes with an integrated mount, making the whole navigation package fit into a pocket, small bag or glove compartment.

The simplified menu gives users easy access to the safety camera database and thousands of Points of Interest pre-installed into the device.

For further personalisation, users can go to TomTom HOME desktop software to download a wealth of content, including start-up screens and a range of fun voices.

Availability and Pricing

The TomTom Start standard edition is available in black and white, from retail stores at £119 for a regional map and £139 for a European map. Changeable covers (StartSkins) are available via the tomtom website and retailers for only £14.99 per colour.

TomTom Start Features

• Plug & Go – no installation needed; plug in and tap the touch screen
• Simplified menu – two simple buttons, Plan route and Browse map
• Lightweight, 128g device with a 3.5” screen and semi-fixed EasyPort™ mount that folds neatly onto the back of the device, making the whole navigation package simple to remove and carry
• Loud and clear voice instructions.
• Best routing and maps
• IQ Routes technology – calculates the fastest route any time of day based on the driving experience of millions of TomTom users whose experience is included in the maps
• Map Share technology – drivers benefit from thousands of free map corrections made by TomTom users every day
• Accessories – optional upgrades
• Changeable covers (StartSkins), including matching protective bags. StartSkins available in: Flaming red, Ice blue, Electric green Deep purple. Sunburst yellow and Flaming orange are also available. Priced at £14.99 per colour
• Carry case, £19.99
• USB home charger
• USB car charger

TomTom XXL IQ Routes Europe

Remember the days when a large TV was 28 inches and you were working away on your 15-inch computer monitor – no wonder we all need glasses now! Well it appears that sat nav devices are going down the same route as televisions and monitors with the increasing trend for larger screens.

Following in the footsteps of Garmin (with their 5.4” touchscreen 1490T model), TomTom has launched its new XXL model. It is expected that TomTom XXL IQ Routes Europe prices will be in the region of £199.99 and it will be hitting the shelves of retailers in the run up to Christmas 2009.

The TomTom XXL boasts a large 5-inch widescreen to assist drivers with maps and directions. The TomTom strapline is See more, drive easy. This notion is also enhanced through the Advanced lane guidance to allow you to easily navigate those tricky junctions.

The TomTom XXL also features the latest IQ Routes technology that enables the sat nav to work out the fastest and shortest journey time according to the time of the day. This feature is now standard on the majority of TomTom’s latest models.

If you are planning a trip to continental Europe then the TomTom XXL also comes preinstalled with European maps for 42 countries. Updates to the maps are delivered through MapShare.

With the purchase of the new TomTom XXL sat nav, you will also receive 1-months free trial of speed camera alerts and petrol prices, which can be extended through a subscription to TomTom’s Live services.

Garmin Nüvi 1490T

Garmin have today announced the Garmin Nüvi 1490T in conjunction with The Gadget Show in Birmingham, UK, on April 17-19 2009.

The Nüvi 1490T is a top-of-the-range GPS SatNav for cars and lorries with a large, 5-inch touchscreen and a slimmer body style that is 25-percent slimmer than most nüvi models.

“The nüvi 1490T is designed to give drivers a big picture of the route ahead, while offering every-day conveniences customers want and need to take the worry out of traveling,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “With its enhanced pedestrian navigation capabilities and ultra-thin design, it’s also a perfect companion for travelers in unfamiliar territory who want to explore the city on foot or with public transportation.”

Garmin Nüvi 1490T Review

I don’t know about you but I’ve never liked those small screens on the current batch of SatNav devices, so I was particularly pleased to learn of Garmin’s plans to launch a 5-inch touch-screen GPS device. By the way, I’m off to the press day at The Gadget Show Live tomorrow so I’m hoping to get a first glance of the Nüvi 1490T at the Garmin stand so will write an update in a day or two.

I’m not going to go on about what a Garmin device will do because I’m sure you already know. What I will do however is set-out what the Nüvi 1490T will deliver .. well, that’ll be the 5-inch touch-screen then.

Ok, so there is a bit more to say. For example, the nüvi 1490T will save 10 routes, making multiple routes possible because the nüvi will calculate the most efficient route between multiple stops. This includes cross-continent automatic time zone updates.
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