An easy solution?

[Brian ROSEN]

I was looking at some modern GPS systems today. Some are very small, very cheap, battery operated and blue tooth. Why not just stick it in your pocket or tankbag and listen to instructions? I never have time to look at the screen anyway when I am using my garmin in town -when I need it;
Has anyone done this?

 

[Kritou]

Garmin scenario

1. Audio says "in .3 miles turn right" - at .29 miles however there is a turning to the right, but actually the routing requires you to follow the road to .3 miles where there is a sharp bend to the right which the GPS interprets as a turn - standby for "off route, recalculating" This happens very frequently

2. The road you are on bears to the right but the route you require to follow is actually another road that goes straight aheadish - the change of road will not be announced and once again you can expect to hear "off route, recalculating"

3. Approaching a large and complicated roundabout you hear "take fourth exit onto XXX street" - so round you go counting exits (not to be confused with service roads) and reading the signs. With a glance however at your GPS screen you could have spotted that your exit is the one at three o'clock and can devote your concentration on getting into the correct lane and watching the idiot in front who is about to cut you up

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Thank you

Yes, I do know all the drawbacks of trying to navigate without looking at a screen; However my main use of the GPS is in town (Lyon) which is full of one way streets - so a missed turning can mean a long detour; Jostling with cars, buses, trams and demons on scooters there is not much time to glance at a screen even when mounted high up. (I had my Garmin mounted on my previous 1200GS fitted with the GSA screen - but am trying to avoid the complication. Thanks anyway for your advice .

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

What phone have you got? Does it have GPS and give voice instructions? My Nokia E71 can do this and I suspect others can to.

 

[NorthernBoy]

I tried my Miomap on headphones once, and it was worse than useless. Without being able to glance down at the layout of the junction, I was constantly taking wrong turns. Being able to see which way you need to end up going really does seem to be critical, and I gave it up pretty quickly in favour of stopping and taking it out of my pocket when needed instead.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

The future?

What phone have you got? Does it have GPS and give voice instructions? My Nokia E71 can do this and I suspect others can to.

That sound like a step in the right direction; If a phone has a GPS and voice instructions via bluetooth it may well do all that I want. I will look into it. Thanks;

 

[bowser]

Do you know I am just the opposite, I never listen to my GPS I only ever look at the screen.