User-friendly basics
When I try out a new product, I hardly ever take a look at the manual but prefer to play around with it to get acquainted. This Start 50 is so sleek and simple however, I almost missed the on/off button, so I would suggest making use of the (equally simple) quick start guide to help you get started with the basics before you go on your first TomTom-aided drive.
When searching for your desired destination, I must say that the screen offers a bit of a challenge in its response when typing out the address, which can be frustrating at times. You'll have to press a letter more than once to get it going sometimes (refrain from shaking). To compensate for this, the quick search is intuitive when it generates the search results. You may have a run-in with this function as well when you search, for example, CTICC and no search results are delivered. Not to worry though, full words will get you there, so don't give up because it will find Cape Town International Conference Centre.
For ease of navigation, the EasyPort Mount is simple enough to manage and you can mount it either on the windscreen or on the dashboard, whichever makes it easier for you. For effective navigation, you can activate your Lifetime Maps, a simple process of connect and register which will allow you to access all map updates. You will be able to download at least four of these updated maps on your device per year which will keep the roads and roots straight for your device's navigational capabilities.
When you've gotten your destination on the map all you do is tap and go! This is where things get fun with its advanced lane guidance and easy to use interface which allows you to reroute to the other functions to manage your trip.
All main functions are included on the first page and for the rest you can slide across the screen. You can see the details of the route you're currently on, search for a new destination or choose one of your saved destinations, as well as add other settings to enhance your navigated experience - be it changing the voice of the navigator or adding POIs (points of interest) to your route.
The map itself is well-laid out and simple - no extra bells and whistles to distract from the basic information you need, getting from point A to point B. Although the graphics of the map is not awe-inspiring, it is clear and functional. When it's day and you're driving, it's day on the screen, when you are in the city, it's city landscape (well, semi-city) on the device. It's the small and simple things that made the TomTom experience to my liking.
By far my most favourite thing about the TomTom Start 50 is the pleasant voices of the navigators, as well as their pleasant manners. Previous experiences with GPS devices have made me wary of an English woman piping up, especially when I missed a turn and it starts re-re-routing-rerouting-re. If I missed a turn with the Start 50, it was patient and kept quiet while doing its thing and finding the next best route.
Although you miss out on superior functions, such as real-time traffic updates with the Start 50, it is, all in all, a great driving companion. Though there is room for improvement, its basic functionality delivers a great performance. Its simplicity adds, not detracts from the navigation. For a new, inexperienced driver especially, this little device will be of value. Knowing exactly where to go and which lane to take without an uppity English lady yelling at you when you make a mistake, just takes that extra bit of stress out of your commute or trip. Like I said, it's the small things.
