Re: GPS question.
 

basically this is receiving signal from "somewhere" lets say and tells you in the UK where the traffic has build up, how much delayed you will be and can recalculate your route around it.........or at least this is what my zumo does

Re: GPS question.
 

The bluetooth enables the gps to communicate the voice part to you via a bluetooth headset so you can keep you gps in your pocket. Great if you are walking or riding and you don't want your gps on show, it also relays phone calls to you from your mob phone.

Re: GPS question.
 

so as I don't want it speaking to me ever, I don't really need that then.

Re: GPS question.
 

Mark,I have the Tom Tom 1 which I keep in my pocket and only stick on the tank when I am looking for the street/place or petrol. Cheap as chips,3hrs battery.on/off switch plus I can charge from the bike if required. I just pre-load the post codes,switch on and use it for the last couple of miles to find my destination

P.S. You can switch various functions on/off like the voice or POI's

Re: GPS question.
 

Like all things gizmo, the price/feature ratio is coming down all the time. For what you want I think your approach is right, get the cheapest version available.

You might find it's a lot more useful than you first thought, in which case in a while you can get something else (when prices have dropped again). Otherwise a basic GPS will do you well.

I have a Zumo which is expensive by any measure. Sure it will do a lot of "stuff" but if you don't need/want "stuff" then it's a waste of tokens.
For example the Zumo will act as a fuel gauge when in the bike mount (it shows a gauge on screen) though you need to remember to reset when you refuel and just enter the typical range per tank and it warns you when you get near empty and a fuel pump icon shows on screen. One touch gives you the list of nearby stations. Nice, but necessary?? :smt102
A fancy trick is uploading the track you've ridden and "flying" it on Google Earth. Again, a good trick but you can live without.

Re: GPS question.
 

As said above, most GPS systems have a base POI data base, even old cheap ones floating about eBay. You've said you don't plan on using it other than to find stuff when in strange locations so just about any unit aimed at a motorist would do that job (some of the walking ones wont list parking/fuel etc).

You need to know though that it takes a few mins for a GPS to work out where it is when powered up, it will take even longer if powered up in a different location to where it was powered off and it may never work out where it is if you are moving.

After you've had the unit for a while and realise how handy it can be on the bike you will need to hope the one you brought was water proof ;)

Re: GPS question.
 

thought I'd made it clear, it's an indulgance and I only need it for one purpose really, perhaps need is to strong a work even, the wife has a Navman one in her car, so I'm aware of the time to logon to the sats and get it's location, but as to "finding I need it all the time" or wishing it was waterproof", isn't a concideration, I much prefer to know where I'm going before I set out and being well traveled I can most of the time within this country, and my motorbike clothing and tankbag are both waterproof, so can't see the issue there, I won't be looking at some little screen or listening to someone tell me which way to turn, whilst I ride thanks.

Keeping my eye on a few on Ebay at the moment, but I do like that Navman one with the petrol button, designed for us old folks :D

Cheers Mark.

Re: GPS question.
 

You did, its just that I know one or two (me and all) who would never have had a GPS and it was only after trying one out I discovered I needed a better one ;)

For something that is small (will fit in M/C jacket) and would have the find option for fuel and more keep an eye out for a Garmin V, B/W screen, battery life is better than 6 hours, buttons big enough for M/C gloves and has the all important POI data base though it will be a bit out of date now. Thats one of the down sides to any unit, the POI does go out of date as its very rarely updated unless you go buy a new unit