Kindle Fire as a Motorcycle GPS system?

[JJ Moto Addict]

With countless smart phones & GPS devices:
it's really hard making a choice.

I'm wondering how cool the Kindle Fire would be at displaying a GPS map.

Add a weatherproof case and I may be in on this.

PS: That is a Kindle Fire with a google map pasted inside.
& the image is a ST net search.

 

[dcstrom]

There's only 2 problems that I can see -

1. you can't see the road
2. the Fire doesn't have a GPS


Other than that, great idea! ;D

 

[bonzer2u]

There's only 2 problems that I can see -

1. you can't see the road
2. the Fire doesn't have a GPS


Other than that, great idea! ;D

DOH........... ::002::

 

[colorider]

There's only 2 problems that I can see -

1. you can't see the road
2. the Fire doesn't have a GPS


Other than that, great idea! ;D

Plus it's wifi only.

 

[JJ Moto Addict]

Problem #1, "Can't see the road!"
How short are you? JK!

Problem #2, "No GPS!"
With internet access you can pull up maps.
So what if it doesn't track your location?

Problem #3, "Only WiFi!"
Maybe that's a limitation for the Kindle Fire as a map tool.
Problem solved in Kindle Fire 2.0?

 

[colorider]

Problem #2, "No GPS!"
With internet access you can pull up maps.
So what if it doesn't track your location?

The only place you will be able to bring up that map is when you are within wifi range.

I see you modded your post...

Sounds like you need something with either 3G or 4G...... So why not simply buy a real GPS???

 

[JJ Moto Addict]

The only place you will be able to bring up that map is when you are within wifi range.
So why not simply buy a real GPS???

Do you have a Kindle Fire?
Can you not open a map then save it for later viewing?

"Simply buy a real GPS."
Yeah, maybe, but I want just one gadget.
Galaxy Note, Appel iPad,...or something similiar?
Plus if I change from my crackberry.... it's so damn hard deciding.

Maybe the Garmin Oregon 450 GPS or the like?

 

[colorider]

Do you have a Kindle Fire?
Can you not open a map then save it for later viewing?

"Simply buy a real GPS."
Yeah, maybe, but I want just one gadget.
Galaxy Note, Appel iPad,...or something similiar?

No one has one yet that I know of. With no Internet access, not sure if you could even open the browser to launch google maps.

If your primary use is as a GPS, you are better off buying a GPS, IMHO..

I have an iPad (using it to reply to this thread), but would not want to use it on my motorcycle. Conversely, I have a Zumo 550 and would not want to use it for surfing the net, even if it could. Two different animals.

 

[JJ Moto Addict]

...your primary use...

I have an iPad, but would not want to use it on my motorcycle.
Conversely, I have a Zumo 550 and would not want to use it for surfing the net, even if it could.
Two different animals.

Obviously I'm day dreaming way too much.
Some hard core soul searching to the function of this farckle is needed.
Do I want a phone, tablet, gps, video screen, or what?

There are some crazy cluttered moto dashes out there & my goal is to avoid that.
It's crystal clear - I want 1 piece that does it all and more.
And I want it yesterday!

 

[Koinz]

No one has one yet that I know of. With no Internet access, not sure if you could even open the browser to launch google maps.

If your primary use is as a GPS, you are better off buying a GPS, IMHO..

I have an iPad (using it to reply to this thread), but would not want to use it on my motorcycle. Conversely, I have a Zumo 550 and would not want to use it for surfing the net, even if it could. Two different animals.

....but if you can slip your ATT enabled IPad in a tank bag Map case, it would be like having a paper map in there. The only thing is, you might have to cut out some of the clear plastic so you can run your finger on the screen to move the map.

I'm sure someone can write an app for it.

 

[colorider]

....but if you can slip your ATT enabled IPad in a tank bag Map case, it would be like having a paper map in there. The only thing is, you might have to cut out some of the clear plastic so you can run your finger on the screen to move the map.

I'm sure someone can write an app for it.

Mine is wifi only, and for the record, I would not buy one again. My next tablet will be Android based. I'm holding off for the new ASUS Transformer Prime!!!

 

[jajpko]

....but if you can slip your ATT enabled IPad in a tank bag Map case, it would be like having a paper map in there. The only thing is, you might have to cut out some of the clear plastic so you can run your finger on the screen to move the map.

I'm sure someone can write an app for it.

I also thought that would be a good idea. If you could load Streets and Trips I think that would work really well. At least for me. lol

 

[dcstrom]

I also thought that would be a good idea. If you could load Streets and Trips I think that would work really well. At least for me. lol

one thing you guys seem to be forgetting... one huge advantage of a GPS over paper maps is its ability to SHOW YOU WHERE YOU ARE. A Fire with saved map images, or even a tablet with Streets and Trips, doesn't show you where you are and so doesn't have a significant advantage over paper maps. Once you add the expense of the device, mounting, protecting from vibration and liquids, and the inability to see much of the screen in full sun - well, let's just say paper has clear advantages...

 

[jajpko]

one thing you guys seem to be forgetting... one huge advantage of a GPS over paper maps is its ability to SHOW YOU WHERE YOU ARE. A Fire with saved map images, or even a tablet with Streets and Trips, doesn't show you where you are and so doesn't have a significant advantage over paper maps. Once you add the expense of the device, mounting, protecting from vibration and liquids, and the inability to see much of the screen in full sun - well, let's just say paper has clear advantages...

Hmmm,, just like a paper map, you are not looking at it all the time. When I used paper, I would mark my turns on the screen in grease pencil. That was a long time ago. LOL
The tablet is just another way of doing something. jmho

 

[Koinz]

one thing you guys seem to be forgetting... one huge advantage of a GPS over paper maps is its ability to SHOW YOU WHERE YOU ARE. A Fire with saved map images, or even a tablet with Streets and Trips, doesn't show you where you are and so doesn't have a significant advantage over paper maps. Once you add the expense of the device, mounting, protecting from vibration and liquids, and the inability to see much of the screen in full sun - well, let's just say paper has clear advantages...

My biggest issue with a gps is the small amount area you get to see. With my iPad I can zoom in or out and still get good detail and upcoming terrain, towns, highway junctions, etc...

 

[Checkswrecks]

Maybe the Garmin Oregon 450 GPS or the like?

I've got the Garmin Oregon 550 and it's lousy for real use on the bike. Yes, it sorta works, but the screen is WAY too small to be practical and it washes out in sunlight badly. On top of those quirks, there are ADV threads about the power connection wearing over time with regular use.


The shortcoming of the Ipad are the temperature limits of (as I remember) 32f - 95f. Under the clear window of a tank bag, that 95f can be easily reached in summer when it just feels warm.


For the Super T, I have a $90 refurb Garmin 855 that works like a champ. I just have to put a baggie on it for rain.

 

[TierHawg]

I personally wouldn't use a cellular based device as a GPS. What happens if you ride out of cell range? Not uncommon if I venture into the mountain ranges around my area.

Side-story: I have the "Every-Trial" app on my Iphone. I went on a hike recommended by Every-Trail and used the built in phone GPS. Hike was about 6 hours long. Found out the battery on the Iphone when using the GPS lasts about 3 hours. ??? Doing the math, that means it was a fun hike getting out. Of course I didn't bring a paper map, I had a GPS. :'( Atleast, on motorcycle, the phone can be recharged.

 

[GrahamD]

I personally wouldn't use a cellular based device as a GPS. What happens if you ride out of cell range? Not uncommon if I venture into the mountain ranges around my area.

Side-story: I have the "Every-Trial" app on my Iphone. I went on a hike recommended by Every-Trail and used the built in phone GPS. Hike was about 6 hours long. Found out the battery on the Iphone when using the GPS lasts about 3 hours. ??? Doing the math, that means it was a fun hike getting out. Of course I didn't bring a paper map, I had a GPS. :'( Atleast, on motorcycle, the phone can be recharged.

Apparently this is why the camera suppliers are reluctant to put GPS in cameras as well. It sucks the battery. That is supposed to change the last I heard, but that was a year ago.

 

[elizilla]

Over on the MobileRead forum, someone is always talking about Mirasol, which is a color e-ink that's been "coming-soon" since forever. One advantage of the current tech greyscale e-ink is that it's easily viewable in direct sunlight since it doesn't depend on a backlight. Maybe if Mirasol ever arrives, and if the technology gets good enough to give a better refresh rate, we'll see GPS units with Mirasol screens.