So you can cache, watch the weather, check the score of your favorite team, and listen to tunes (or traffic) all at the same time.

Engadget - Bushnell ONIX 400

quote:

Bushnell and XM announced their new waterproof ONIX 400 portable GPS device today. A world's first apparently, to pack real-time XM WX weather data and XM Radio. And listen up sportos, it also delivers an enhanced sports scoreboard with user interface, sports statistics and scores. The device features a 3.5-inch, 320x240 pixel display, 64MB of internal memory, MicroSD card for data and map services, and rechargeable Li-Ion battery. Battery life and pricing was not announced but we can expect the ONIX 400 to hit sometime this summer.

reepicheep

Interesting.

I can definitely see the use of weather data, especially for long hikes in the southeast. We've seen some very fast moving weather systems pop out of nowhere, and a warning to look for shelter would be nice.

On the other hand, the XM radio part I think would be more of a distraction on the trail than a use. (Then again, I believe more in enjoying nature while out in it, and most music detracts from that for me.) It may be useful in the car though, if you can plug it in to the stereo or other.

Overall, I look forward to more units offering weather reception in the future, since I think it's a nice feature.

Also Garmin has had systems which can pick up XM WX Weather XM NavTraffic and XM Satellite Radio for awhile now.

quote:

Originally posted by tyrithe:
On the other hand, the XM radio part I think would be more of a distraction on the trail than a use. (Then again, I believe more in enjoying nature while out in it, and most music detracts from that for me.) It may be useful in the car though, if you can plug it in to the stereo or other.

Good point. Could be distracting while out in nature.
Of course there are some classical stations that might be soothing while on a longer hike if you happen to be in the mood. Nice to have a choice.
I wouldn't buy it for playing music while out hiking, but would be nice in the car between caches.

I just saw the announcement and thought it was a good excuse to pop in the GGA forums and share.

reepicheep

quote:

Originally posted by AllenLacy:
Also Garmin has had systems which can pick up XM WX Weather XM NavTraffic and XM Satellite Radio for awhile now.

Yea...someone brought that up in the comments.
I think the posting was trying to say it was the first with the XM receiver built in to the GPSr.

reepicheep

Yea, it looks like the Garmin's are all for car mounted units. I also noticed on pcworld.com GPS Gets Smarter, Cheaper, Sleeker about GPS units from several companies.