[OSM-dev] hacking outdoor GPS devices

[Stellan Lagerstrom]

On 2012-04-17 10:44, Florian Lohoff wrote:
> On Mon, Apr 16, 2012 at 08:26:56PM +0200, Mitja Kleider wrote:
>> Hello,
>>
>> I have a few questions regarding outdoor GPS devices:
>>
>> * Are you satisfied with the available devices? What would you change first?
> No - I have a GPSMap 60Csx - Form factor, battery life, display are all okay.
> I'd like to have the ability to charge it and a bluetooth mass storage solution
> to aquire the tracks as disassembling the device to get to the micro SD is
> broken by design. Firmware is aehm - broken - multitudes of bugs and UI mishaps.
> I dont need touch screen or those fancy modern stuff - it needs to be usable.
I have one of those, too. Really like it for mapping while biking. I use 
the USB connection for data, but BT would be nice.
Never really suffered from any bugs, but entering text is a real pain. A 
clickable scroll wheel would be an improvement, but is perhaps hard to 
make waterproof...
Ambivalent on the battery - it is also great to be able to buy batteries 
practically anywhere.
The display ought to have a raised rim around it to protect the glass 
from scratches better.

>> * If there was a device with open source firmware, would that be an
>> important feature?
>
Of course. I love to be able to fix bugs.
>> * Why would you but an outdoor GPS anyway instead of using your smartphone?
> More robust - Better battery life - Better display in direct sunlight.
>
All of that, plus that the UI is usable w gloves (which you need while 
biking at least half of the year), even in the rain, and still gives 
tactile feedback.
And the handlebar mount.

-- 
/Stellan