Earphones vs Helmet Speakers

[Horsedribble]

Hi Everyone.

I'm thinking of buying a Zumo soon but I don't really want the expense and hassle of modifying my lid with speakers. Plus I've never had much luck with anything bluetooth.

Do they work ok with Ipod style earphones? Or even used without sound completely?

For the record, I'm not particularly interested in getting it to run the phone or play music!

Thanks Guys!

 

[iangough]

I have managed for about 4 years without any audio assistance. If the sat nav is mounted in your line of 'general' sight, then should should notice the screen change in your vision. Also, if you have it set to count down till next turn (i.e. 3.5 miles till next turn) you know you dont need to look at the thing again for about 3.5 minutes....
I would say, mount the device, see how you get on, and make a judgement from there, as it will probably amount to personal preference anyway.

 

[Slowdown]

I use an iTech Clip headset - they come up cheap on e-bay(<£10) or they're ~£20 in phone shops (Orange do them for sure)

http://www.itechdynamic.com/en/products_spec.asp?cid=1&pid=01041

I can hear instructions up to about 60 with earplugs in and after that I just hear the 'bong' and look at the SatNav screen. The 'bongs' are particularly useful when combined woth the speed camera POIs from PocketGPSWorld. They're miles better than the Garmin ones. I don't want to go deaf, so aren't fussed about hearing it at speed.

PocketGPS World website - £20 a year for as many databases as they upload

Howto load POIs from Zumoforums The forums for all things Zumo

 

[Horsedribble]

Thanks Guys.

I was going to go silent but I do like the look of those clip on ear pieces. I might give that a go providing I can recaharge them on tour.

I've got one of those Borg implant looking headsets for the mobile phone which I've never used, but that won't go comfortably under the helmet, given a short piece of wire and a clip it would be ideal.

 

[earthmover]

From a personal point of view, I can't stand the voice prompts on a GPS. I do pretty much the same as Iangough.
Mark

 

[Boxerboy55]

Silence is Golden for me too

I wanted mine up and running quickly - and succeeded - so skipped all the audio business.

As stated above, all the necessary info is available on screen. I don't find I need some woman squawking in my ears. I'll pack in driving/riding if I ever become dependent on an electronic voice to keep me out of trouble w.r.t. speed cameras and other such highway distractions.

Sometimes I think I'd like some music, but then say no. I like some quiet time when I'm riding, focus on the surroundings and enjoy the Akra can crackling and popping.