Paradoxically, most of the fuss surrounding TomTom of late has been associated with a
certain smartphone -- a class of devices that signals the end to the dedicated SatNavs TomTom builds. Still, TomTom hasn't given up the fight yet as they've just announced the TomTom Start, a Є129 entry-level GPS navigator with 3.5-inch display and choice of six StartSkin covers costing €15 per -- you know, so you can change the look of your GPS unit every time you reupholster your car's interior. The device cost climbs to Є149 for a European map pre-load instead of the base, regional offering. Start features TomTom's IQ Routes and Map Share technology to find the fastest route benefiting from the aggregated map correction data fed by the hoards of local TomTom-ers. Look for it in the UK and Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway... someday, TomTom doesn't say when.
posted Oct 6th 2009 4:24AM
Dedicated GPS units ftw.
You're right, DR House. Dedicated GPS units SUCK BALLS because people steal them. I don't have a computer or television for the same reason. They're great until somebody breaks into your house and steals them.
That's why I never had a girlfriend. I don't need anyone breaking into my basement and stealing her.
those look like toilet seat covers
They would serve more purpose as toilet seat covers!
well, if you look just behind the light blue one, you CAN actually see a toilet seat! :D
well if it was a toilet seat, they could then call it "TomTom Go"
What's with Є, some new Cyrillic currency? :)
lol
Amazing ... Tom Tom try to make an ailing package look more attractive (by the addition of crappy covers granted!) but then charge you more for the pleasure ... nice one guys!
By the way; I have a Volkswagen Golf with free upgrade to Ferrari F355 for sale at £180,000 if anyones interested?
Bah, everyone knows it's all about the F458 :D
That seems like a fairly cheap price (imo, I have no experience with GPS), but then again, nothing beats the price than the pirated garmin on a N95.
"Paradoxically, most of the fuss surrounding TomTom of late has been associated with a certain smartphone -- a class of devices that signals the end to the dedicated SatNavs TomTom builds."
That is the dumbass thing I have ever read. And I read plenty of dumb things on Engadget, many are from this same blogger.
I agree. TomTom's iPhone app and mount and so forth costs far more than a standalone TomTom device, and seems to be far more hassle. Why would I want my satnav software to run on my phone which I'm going to replace every 18 months as my contracts expire and I can get a better one? If I get a standalone unit, I can keep it for as long as I can get map updates for it. I don't have to worry that changing smartphone platform is going to require me to buy another ridiculously overpriced satnav solution for the phone.
Maybe if it was genuinely cheaper than a separate device, and I was confident enough that I'd get another phone on the same platform and could transfer the app across without buying it again (hahahahahaha), and it had suitable options to allow me to use the satnav while also blocking incoming calls and other crash-inducing distractions from the phone's normal functions, I would consider it. At the moment though, no. Dedicated device all the way.
"certain smartphone"??? Don't dare to say "iPhone" or you might get all the haters riled up.
This has gotten ridiculous.
Why does Engadget bother to report on TomTom? You despise the PND and especially anything from TomTom. Still loving the disastrous Dash though don't ya?
Now that I bought TomTom for iPhone (expensive) I need the car kit which has had
the " coming soon" sign up for 6 weeks now.
Meantime the software alone in your iPhone while driving does not do much and I am beginning
to regret having not waited until the package is complete.