[gps-talkusers] Re: Mike's perspective on which GPS is appropriate
- From: "Dianne B. Phelps" <d.bphelps@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 15 Jun 2011 19:20:49 -0700
I agree with that comment totally.
Smiles!
Dianne B. Phelps
-----Original Message-----
From: gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jim Noseworthy
Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 4:26 PM
To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: Mike's perspective on which GPS is appropriate
Hi Mike:
You're a class act.
Thanks.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael May" <mikemay@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 8:01 PM
Subject: [gps-talkusers] Mike's perspective on which GPS is appropriate
> As we see more and more discussion of iPhone and Android GPS apps, I
> thought
> it was time to remind folks of some points relative to the use and
> selection
> of a GPS product or products. Yes, some products are cheap enough now to
> have more than one.
>
> Like some other users on the list, I have numerous navigation apps on the
> iPhone, plus Mobile Geo on an HTC phone, The Braille Sense OnHand with
> Sense
> Nav and the BrailleNote PK with GPS. I haven't used Android yet but
> Charles
> and Gil from Sendero have so we have a pretty in depth understanding of
> what
> the options are. We can't forget Sendero Maps and APH PC talking maps on
> the
> PC nor Kapten and Breeze in terms of stand-alone units. We talk to
> customers
> daily and get their individual feedback on the various products. We also
> do
> a lot of training so we know a bit about the learning curve.
>
> Some will argue that Sendero has a vested interest and so our perspective
> is
> skewed. Those of you who have been with us for years and many versions,
> know
> that our motivation is to provide the most accessible navigation possible.
> We are first and foremost blind users who appreciate the power of
> independent travel.
>
> Here are some factors to consider.
> 1. Every product has its strengths and weaknesses. Not one size fits all.
> 2. Every user has a different set of needs.
> 3. Price and budget are a huge factor in the GPS selection process.
> 4. Most people can't afford multiple devices.
> 5. The more a product has to offer, the steeper the learning curve.
> 6. Different situations require different GPS functionality. Are you just
> walking around and want to know what streets are nearby verses researching
> a
> trip or planning a route. Are you on city streets or in the woods?
> 7. Any GPS is better than no GPS.
> 8. Everyone is an advocate and proponent of the product they use and know
> the best.
>
> This latter point is an important one. In parts of the world where the
> BrailleNote or Sense GPS products are not common, the perspective on GPS
> solutions revolves around the Breeze or the discontinued Wayfinder Access,
> or, these days, around Kapten. These products provide basic GPS
> functionality for a reasonable price and this is fantastic.
>
> However, this should not be confused with more comprehensive navigation
> access. If you only use and know the basics, you may think that is all
> that
> is needed. I would argue that you don't know what you are missing. Explore
> mode is extremely powerful. If your product doesn't have it, of course you
> are going to think virtual exploration isn't important. Manual route
> recording is another powerful tool that tends to be overlooked. Even if
> your
> product has it, there is some work involved in learning how to use it.
>
> User interface is a huge consideration when looking at the productivity of
> using accessible GPS. I guarantee you that if we are in a car with friends
> and looking for a place to have dinner, a BrailleNote GPS user is going to
> be much more help in finding a place and getting us to the restaurant than
> an iPhone Navigon user. The same thing goes for being in a taxi and
> getting
> off route. A regular Braille or QWERTY keyboard is just a much faster
> interface than flicking on a touch screen.
>
> So, when people ask what the best accessible GPS is, the answer that it
> depends on the factors mentioned above and probably some others. If you
> can
> possibly afford the money and time to have a PDA type GPS or Mobile Geo,
> you
> should go for it keeping in mind that you have to invest time as well as
> money to really take advantage of the cool features. I haven't touched on
> even a small portion of them here.
>
> That is my take and I am extremely happy to been involved in stimulating
> this product area over the past 15 years.
>
> Mike
>
> Michael May, CEO Sendero Group
> Developers of accessible GPS and distributors of technology for the blind
>
> Voice, 530-757-6800
> MikeMay@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> http://www.senderogroup.com
> http://www.AccessibleGPS.com
> http://www.CrashingThrough.com
>
> 429 F Street, Suite 4
> Davis, CA 95616
>
>
>
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