GPS Navigation On A Watch

In my opinion its a novelty at this point. Very few people turn on GPS services with their phone because of the battery drain and with a watch it would be even worse.

Only if it has a HUD hologram, otherwise it's too small to be practical.

I'll bet the battery life on the MAC Watch is terrible IF it comes with GPS. I haven't heard if it does or not. Maybe they are working on Solar Powered. But in the meantime, I foresee a lot of people wearing these and pulling a long cord out to tether themselves to an outlet. Yeah, that's progress.

I'll pass.

... if not a requirement. Then there are also professions & situations where you are required to leave all cell appliances at the door. How soon will it be before you will have to leave your smartwatches at the door too?

which watch or watches have the GPS navigation built in that we are discussing?

The idea of relying on a watch-sized device for reasonable navigation is completely absurd.

Of course, in 2-5 years, I'm sure I'll eat my words.

Would you like fries with that order?

Would you like fries with that order?

Would you like fries with that order?

Some of those places where you have to leave your smartphone outside, you also have to leave your fitness band outside, like Fitbit.

...That requirement exists today (and has for many years). Most places that require a Security Clearance requires that you leave any & all devices that can record information at the door (phones, cameras, watches, etc).

I used to work in that environment when I lived in the Wash DC area, and even 20-30 years ago you were checked before (and after) you went into some sites....

From a practical standpoint, I find it hard to envision a useful system with such a small display area. Events may prove me wrong, but I am certainly not about to become an early adopter.

- Tom -

I bought a Garmin Fenix GPS watch 3 years ago. While I agree in part with the comments on battery life and display size made by Box Car and KenSny, the watch does have its uses.

For highway navigation, the unit is practically useless but it does have some value when used on a smaller scale. Retracing steps while hiking, downtown shopping, and locating your car in a large parking lot are a few things I use it for occasionally.

Although a fitness device would be a better choice, I also use the Fenix for time and distance measurements while exercising.

Don’t buy one thinking it will replace your Nuvi.

At present not practical unless you have a very, very long extension cord, we may have to wait until the miniaturize and make pocket size nuclear power plants

I had never heard that fitness devices had to be removed also. I understand the phone and/or recording devices but what is the reason for the band.

I would think it's so small that you cannot even see anything.

Several years ago, I purchased a Garmin Foretrex 101. While it is most definitely larger than a typical watch, it does fit nicely on my wrist. I still use it for geocaching, and find that it is very convenient not having to hold it in my hand while using it. Other geocachers have frequently asked about it.

I understand this model was also very popular with our Service Members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan because of its hands free usage.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the-trail/discontinued/fo...

Not only drain battery uses up your data also which is a problem with those who have a certain amount of data per month