TomTom intros customizable Start GPS in Europe
updated 01:30 pm EDT, Tue October 6, 2009
TomTom Start GPS lets users customize its look
TomTom on Tuesday has announced the upcoming release of an entry-level GPS automotive navigator for European markets, the Start. The device is customizable through the use of a choice of skins of different colors, as well as downloadable opening screens. The device is meant for users who rarely drive, or those who have not previously used a navigation device.
As such, it has a two-button interface and a 3.5-inch screen. The buttons are labeled as Plan Route and Browse Map. The internal database contains thousands of points of interest and the Start uses TomTom's IQ Routes to find the best paths depending on traffic. Tom Tom's MapShare feature, which lets users edit maps or get edits from other users is also included for free. Users can download different voices for the navigator's speech conversion.
The Start ships with preloaded maps of the UK and Ireland and is priced at the equivalent of about $190, while one with maps for 42 European countries costs $220. User interchangeable covers in six colors are available from a dedicated website, each priced at the equivalent of about $20. A US version of the Start remains a possibility but hasn't been discussed.
