audio only satnav

[Davman]

I'm a cyclist and would like to know if an audio only satnav unit exists.

What I would like is a gps unit that contains all the mapping info, auto routing, adding routes planned on a computer, POI info etc but without a screen. I have used my PDA loaded with TomTom navigator 6 running it with the screen turned off using the audio instructions only to guide me (single earpiece). This worked really well which made me think that a simple audio only unit would be great as I’m sure the costs would be much lower and battery life much longer without the need for a screen.

The closest I’ve come to finding such a device is this: http://www.kapsys.com/modules/movie/scenes/content/index.php?fuseAction=learnuse&rubric=learnuse&article=products_kapten
However you can’t load pre-planned routes onto the Kapten plus so it doesn’t fit my needs.

Does such a device exist? The potential is huge as routes could easily be shared using the many on-line sites such as ride with GPS and BikeHike. The same unit could be extended to use as an audio guide to city tours giving detailed info to POI. I appreciate smart phones are capable of this kind of functionality but their cost and battery life are issues that leave a gap in the market for a low cost audio only personal satnav unit.

If anyone is aware of such a unit then please let me know.

[Andy_P]

I'm surprised you've had so much luck using just the audio instructions from your PDA.

I've always been struck by how many situations require a fairly good look at the screen to find out exactly where I need to go.
A few preprogrammed phrases like "Bear left, then turn right" often don't convey anywhere near enough info if the junction is complicated.

But as for your actual question, I haven't heard of any, as I suspect the market for them would be rather small.

TomToms do have an option to turn the screen off between instructions, though, if that's an help.

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