[gps-talkusers] Re: Mike's perspective on which GPS is appropriate
- From: Mike Arrigo <n0oxy@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:29:32 -0500
One thing I would say here, regarding the comment that a navigon user would not
be able to find the closest food places as quickly, it depends on how
proficient you are with the device. On Android, for example, you can pull up an
app such as around me or places, and find the closest resturaunts, and if one
sounds interesting, you can send it to the navigation app to get directions.
True, it doesn't have the settings to search in different directions, etc. but,
at least for me, I just want what is closest, I will deal with what direction
it's in if it sounds interesting, that's just my own view of course.
On Jun 15, 2011, at 9:20 PM, Dianne B. Phelps wrote:
> 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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