TomTom Start2 Satellite Navigation System - Europe | 
| Brand: TomTom
Category: CE
List Price: £139.99
Buy New: £114.40
as of 7/9/2010 12:01 BST details
You Save: £25.59 (18%)
New (8) from £114.40
Rating:  17 reviews
Sales Rank: 352
Media: Electronics
Fragile: No
Batteries: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 5.2 x 5.2 x 2.9
MPN: 1EY0.002.01
Model: 1EY0.002.01
UPC: 636926037785
EAN: 0636926037785
ASIN: B003HIXTGE
Release Date: April 21, 2010
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 17
 Start2 - simple but satisfactory June 20, 2010
Dr. Ernest J. Hammond (France)
58 out of 60 found this review helpful
The name, Start2, implies what you will get - a GPS that has some specs of the other models either hidden or removed. However that's what I wanted.
I have borrowed more sophisticated GPSs, both Garmin and TomTom from friends, so I know what is to be had, but I did not find the bells and whistles all that useful. Recently I borrowed a Start and found that it did what I needed - which was to be directed to addresses in towns that I don't know.
So what's missing? The screen is small, but that can be a plus if you don't want a large object suspended above your dashboard, or in your pocket. Your options are more limited, but again, that may not be such a problem. For example, on the more sophisticated models you can specify, as an option, to go the fastest route, or the shortest route, or to avoid motorways. In my experience, those are not worth much. The quickest route, for example, can take you literally a 100 km further, just to shave 10 minutes off the journey. If you ask for shortest, you risk being taken through towns in some totally bizarre ways (I base this statement on transitting towns that I know).
The Start2 does some of this for you. For example it will start by trying motorways, but will check with you if you want to pay tolls. If you don't, then it will plot an alternative, often shorter but taking more time. It will allow you to specify "via", which is the safest way of getting it (or any other GPS) to plan a sane route.
The must-have options are still there, such as chosing language, voice, units and so on. And it still does nice things - like lane guidance, like telling you your speed, and also showing the speed restriction on that road, if known, and speed cameras.
The thing you might want to consider is price. You can get older, but more sophisticated, models for about the same money. Whether this has some more up-to-date technology embedded I don't know.
Anyway, simple is what I wanted, and I'm perfectly happy with it so far. Haven't tried to update the map, which has caused problems for some people on some models. I'm in no hurry!
>>>>Updated 3 July 2010: I have now connected the Start2 to my computer. I asked to update the map, but the response was that I already have the latest map, which is good. I did a "map share" update too. No probs at all. Also, power seems to be provided via the supplied USB cable so you won't need a mains adaptor.
What a difference! July 6, 2010
The Goat
16 out of 17 found this review helpful
I got this new european starter tomtom for a recent trip to france. I previously owned an old tomtom one and the progress over those four years is amazing. The satellite lock now happens in 20-30 seconds as opposed to anything up to four minutes. The new menu has fewer icons but doesn't seem to lose any core functonality. The speed camera warnings are very useful and spot on as I noticed many hidden cameras and was able to react accordingly. The lane guidance is great, as it allows me to get in the correct lane early. It can also read out street names in a weird computer voice which is quite nice to hear to check you're on the right track. The maps using the IQ routes are also a bit more intelligent - a local route that I take (and had to ignore on my old unit) is now recognised by this little guy. Not perfect but so much better routefinding than before. But the best new thing is the mount... it actually works!! I lost count of the number of times my old unit fell of the windscreen and I had to reach down and reattach it while driving along. This one is integrated just twist and it is straight on! Much safer and easier and one less lump of plastic less to carry about.
My only minor quibble is that I would like to press a button and explore the chosen route in detail. You can't pick a section and zoom in so you can't decide to say pick a little village halfway and think about where to go for lunch. I'd also prefer a case included. It could also be a smidge louder.
I'm glad I didn't go for the bigger XL units. For me paying less for a smaller unit seems like a double win!! Who needs a wide screen when the thing is two feet from your face anyway? Pay less, carry less and get the same mapfinding abilities. Easy choice!
I can honestly say that I'm thrilled that I took the plunge and splashed out on this unit as the rate of advance in satnav land has been a relavation! Don't delay - you really will be pleased with this if you buy one.
Brilliant Little Sat Nav July 15, 2010
S. Kellingray (Glos, England)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
After viewing my daughter using the TomTom Start with such ease, I decided to invest in one myself, however I decided to go for the newer TomTom Start2 following the advice from such shows as the Gadget Show etc. I carried out my own research on the product and almost changed my mind after reading reviews that suggested several problems with uploading new maps from the TomTom Home site and difficulties in general that people were having accessing some of the features. How glad I am that I did not heed the poor reviews that sowed seeds of doubt. I stuck with my choice of the Start2. What a BRILLIANT LITTLE SAT NAV it is. I found it easy to use and had it up and running in no time. I have all the features and more that I expected from a sat nav in this price range. My only disappointment is that in order to have the spoken street names feature you can not have one of the novelty recorded voices, only the standard male/female TomTom voice, but this is my only criticism. You can purchase with confidence because if you should be one of the unlucky people who experiences a problem you can visit the TomTom website which has a brilliant online help and support section or just phone the 0845 helpline phone number displayed on the site and speak to an advisor who will be able to help you sort out any problem you experience. I love this latest addition to my gadget collection.
This is a review of TomTom Customer Services! September 5, 2010
Ned Middleton (British professional underwater photo-journalist & author)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I already have a TomTom satellite navigation system and use it regularly. I rate this as a 5 Star product. I shall soon be travelling extensively throughout Europe by road and recently saw an opportunity to purchase a spare unit quite cheaply at a sale. Although an older model, the unit was still boxed, absolutely complete and appeared to be unused. It would not, however, switch on but, thinking it needed nothing more than charging, I took a chance and bought it.
I tried everything (As did my local store) but the unit simply would not switch on. Eventually, I contacted TomTom Customer Services and told them how the I had obtained the unit and that it was "NOT" under guarantee. Their service was exceptional. Firstly, they sent me a small package containing a cardboard box which, when assembled, fitted my TomTom unit perfectly and would clearly protect the unit whilst in the post. Secondly, the package also contained a Royal Mail "Special Delivery" envelope complete with address and tracking number. Postage and insurance were already paid by TomTom.
Within 24 hours of my posting the unit back to TomTom I received an email confirming receipt and within 7 days I got another unit back. TomTom had REPLACED my unit free of charge with a brand new and exactly the same model and ALL under guarantee!
So for those of you who are contemplating purchasing a TomTom satellite navigation system, I thought you might like to know about this company's follow-up customer services system. They are quite excellent and I hope this message is useful.
NM
TOMTOM Start 2 September 6, 2010
Bagpuss
Living abroad and only flitting back and too to the UK we found that we were having to spend too much time downloading maps and making sure we had directions of where we wanted to go to before we flew in. The TOMTOM Start2 has changed all that - marvelous gadget to have. Compact to put in hand luggage and quick and simple to set up when you get your hire car!! A good buy and definitely recommended
Showing reviews 1-5 of 17
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