[gps-talkusers] what do we really want from GPS?

Hi all, this is a topic I've been thinking about for quite a while and
wanted to se what other people thought.
Let me start by clarifying what I mean. I don't mean in terms of what the
GPS actually does. I for one am quite happy with what Trekker can do. What I
am refering to is the way GPS systems for the blind seem to be becoming more
complex. Let me try and explain.
When I bought my trekker in September of 2003 I bought it in order to use it
when I was out and about. for the weekly shopping trip, for when I wanted to
go and hang out with mates at the pub, to go to the cinema, you get the
idea. for these occasions I don't want a device that can write notes, input
diary entries, play Mp3s and on and on, I simply want a satellite navigation
system that is small and easy to carry.
I suppose my worry is that the more complex the functionality becomes the
more likely it is to be larger and more things to go wrong.
I don't think trekker is getting larger and didn't the Braille Note recently
get smaller? But I don't know about anyone else all I want from my GPS is
accurate information on where I am, what streets are coming up, nearby POIs,
the ability to input my own ones, creation of various kinds of routes using
various start and end points, pedestrian and vehicular modes, all the
various information options like number of satellites in view, a mode for
non mapped areas and oh yes up to date POIs.
In terms of the Trekker it makes sense for the visuaide to make the rest of
the functionality of the Ipaq accessible because otherwise youve got a PDA
that you can hardly use. But I never wanted to use the PDA in the first
place. Certainly when I upgrade to Maestro it will be nice to have that
access but the main purpose for me will still be as a mobility aid. When I
go shopping, or to the pub, or the cinema, or a restaurant etc thats all its
needed for.
Am I completely crazy? Or am I on to something here.
Yusuf


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