Since we started Sportsim in 2001 we have been dreaming about the perfect GPS. It’s funny to think back only 2 years ago when Garmin launched the Forerunner 201 in November 2003 introducing the first GPS suitable for training and 3rd party PC analyzis, but it had a big flaw. The memory was insufficient for a 4-hour marathon run! Luckily could Garmin make a quick fix on their firmware to solve the problem. Later we have seen several other fitness devices coming out from Garmins active product line and the next one will be the Edge for cycling in February. This year Timex launched their 3D GPS with the Trailrunner. This is the first time you can download position data from a Timex device.
There are also other producers out there as FRWD, GPS Sports, and Suunto that focus on in-house software. Navman SportTool is an interesting new player this year, but you can't retrieve data and analyze it on your PC, and thats no fun for sportsim users.
Point is:
- this is a growing market, so incumbent and new HW vendors will increase their efforts to flood the market in 2006 with new and better models.
OK, Lets give them some help! What do we want?
First - forget about the additional nicetohave requirements as online capabilities and MP3 player. Let’s focus on what we really want from our training device, right now.
My answer:
- we want a sport watch with added GPS and Heart Rate capabilities and this is how it will look like and function:
2-piece design
1. Sport watch (NOT larger than a Polar or Timex sport watch) with GPS chip, build in memory
2. Heart rate strap
Basic GPS Function
1st push on big button will engage the GPS,
- Clear symbol and loud noise guidance when GPS receives satellite lock
2nd push on big button will start time and tracking.
GPS options
Option to follow route with big arrows and guidance noise to indicate direction (similar to car navigation)
Option to follow route back (trackback function if you are lost)
Batteries
2 days – then we can bring it on a short hike, leave the hand held back home - this is way cooler!
GPS Chip
Get signals anywhere - in cities and in forest
Data upload/download
Wireless IR connection from watch to PC
Price
USD 150
Have a nice day :-)
Gjermund