Latest GPS fad of Widescreen - Why?

[(RIP) Yamaha1]

Dunno if this subject has been mooted before - but why do we need widescreen format on a GPS unit?

Surely the maximum info we need is ahead of where we're going, yet on a widescreen format GPS, ahead affords the least available space - bearing in mind the position indicator is usually in the centre of the screen - with the lower bit showing where you've just come from.

This then leaves either side of the desired route with maximum screen space - showing great detail of places we DON'T want to see!!

If the display and GPS was rotated 90 degrees - then, yes, I would imagine a great improvement could be made with that format.

Please feel free to shoot me down in flames!! Discuss.

Mike

 

[John Armstrong]

I guess it's so they can put the controls on the screen and you end up with the same sized map area.

Which then creates the question, why bother? Because they can, and it means they can hike the prices up and tweak the technology inside the unit

 

[Steve]

Surely the maximum info we need is ahead of where we're going, yet on a widescreen format GPS, ahead affords the least available space - bearing in mind the position indicator is usually in the centre of the screen - with the lower bit showing where you've just come from.

This then leaves either side of the desired route with maximum screen space - showing great detail of places we DON'T want to see!!

Depends whether you use "North Up" or "Track Up" doesn't it?

Or doesn't that option exist on these fancy new gadgets?

 

[John Armstrong]

Or doesn't that option exist on these fancy new gadgets?

How many atlas's have you seen in Landscape format?

 

[Steve]

How many atlas's have you seen in Landscape format?

All of them, if you turn them sideways.

(Or upside-down if you're my ex-wife!)

 

[John Armstrong]

(Or upside-down if you're my ex-wife!)

I've seen maps that go North - South and South - North IYSWIM. One reason for getting a GPS, if Betty is wrong, it's not the drivers or passengers fault

 

[cookie]

How many atlas's have you seen in Landscape format?

all of them, if you consider the two open pages together.

 

[John Armstrong]

all of them, if you consider the two open pages together.

True I suppose

 

[gpsonaPan]

Actually I would say you don't need a screen anyways.

I believe there is a french "fit in your pocket" device that relies on voice commands. I.E. you speak where you wanna go and it tells you via Bluetooth how to get there.

I think I read about it on here within the last 2/3 months.

Pat

 

[Schtum]

Actually I would say you don't need a screen anyways.

I'd say you're wrong. I very rarely use voice commands on the bike. The visuals are far more important.

 

[gpsonaPan]

I'd say you're wrong. I very rarely use voice commands on the bike. The visuals are far more important.

In answer to that I would say it is more dangerous on a bike to look at the screen for visuals.,, Ask my G/f who was on back of my bike in Scotland late July 2007. I looked down at screen to see how far we had to go to next stop.

Looked up and a brick wall was in my vision. I missed wall but we both suffered broken bones as aresult. Momentary lapse of concentration there, I know.

Pat

 

[Schtum]

In answer to that I would say it is more dangerous on a bike to look at the screen for visuals.,, Ask my G/f who was on back of my bike in Scotland late July 2007. I looked down at screen to see how far we had to go to next stop.

Looked up and a brick wall was in my vision. I missed wall but we both suffered broken bones as aresult. Momentary lapse of concentration there, I know.

Pat

One of the reasons I mount the GPS above the clocks just below my normal line of vision.....

 

[gpsonaPan]

Sorry for late comeback,,Been in bed with dreaded 'flu thing last coupla days.

Any place that's safe for you may not be for others. I had my GPS on top of front brake cylinder with RAM brackets supplied in kit I had bought. I thought that was safest place. I know different now, obviously.

Be Safe.

Pat