Hello. I've wanted some sort of accessible GPS for years, and am
pondering trying to acquire one. I've done some research, but am
hoping that perhaps some folks here can help.
First, apologies if this message is off-topic for this list. One
description seems to indicate that it's a general-purpose accessible
GPS list (the main list description on freelists) while the blurb I
received in the introductory message seems to indicate that it's
about a Braillenote system. I'm hoping for the former and not the
latter. :)
I'm looking for a very accurate (good descriptions of intersections,
lots of data on locations, etc.) wireless solution. I don't need a
PDA or anything besides the GPS, as I'm quite happy with my laptop
and existing solutions. My laptop is a mac, though, so as much as I'd
like to investigate various PC solutions and just carry around a
small laptop, that isn't quite an option. Also, power/weight
requirements are a bit prohibitive, and I do tend to travel to
locations where a full laptop would be a pain to store.
I've done a bit of research, but all of the prices I've found thus
far seem very prohibitive. Specifically, I've looked at the Trekker,
and $1500 seems a bit steep.
With regards to the Trekker, is it possible to buy just the software?
I'm enough of a geek such that, provided the software itself is self-
voicing, I can probably snag my own PocketPC and external bluetooth
gear, and it seems like I could probably save some by virtue of
comparison shopping/buying used from friends. I've not seen this
option, though, so I'm wondering if perhaps it doesn't exist.
Given that I *don't* need a PDA/note-taker, are there any other
options that might cost less? Actually, I'd be willing to sacrifice
some accuracy in local map data, as much of my use would be for
revisiting places that I visit so rarely as to make memorizing
specific instructions impractical, so simply having the ability to
store personal POIs while at the same time using whatever local data
exists would be a huge step for me.
From what I've read of the Trekker, it seems like I'd also find its
offline mode invaluable/fun. I do like reading maps, and the ability
to browse the data available on my city would be extremely helpful in
giving me a more tangible understanding of its layout. Are there any
other solutions that meet my requirements and might cost less than
$1500 (plus, from what I've gathered, hundreds more for United States
maps?)
Failing this, are there any other options I might consider as far as
finding help purchasing an accessible GPS? It isn't a need in the
same way that, say, having an accessible computer is, but my mobility
skills are excellent, and having the ability to plan my own routes to
locations I've not yet visited or to pinpoint somewhere that I only
visit once per year would be incredibly helpful. I'm, unfortunately,
not on my state's commission for the blind caseload any longer, so
that option is probably out. Where else might I turn?
Thanks a bunch in advance.