[Bri720a]

I am looking to replace my Zumo595lm some point soon. I have an interest in checking out an Android Auto screen. I would love some feedback from those who have used one, plusses/minuses and do you miss the dedicated GPS.

From what I am thinking.

AA positive:
I like the functionality of AA and apps etc available.
I use google maps a lot currently. (navigation/hazards/speeding etc)
Easy to adjust routes, change locations, find needed stops etc.
Music/podcasts etc. are very important to my ride.
Need to see who's calling/texts etc. (yup - when I'm gone days at a time 15-16hours day on bike I want to see if I need to call back or stop to txt)
A variety of other apps/settings etc I like available on phone.
Able to not have phone on my bars and put it in my pocket or tank bag.

AA Negative:
Loss of cell service = loss of a lot of functionality. I often am out of cell service out west (on every ride out of town i lose service at some point).
Relies on phone so no redundancy if something happens to it. (twice on trips had issue with phone)

Zumo XT2 Positive:
Dedicated GPS no cell service required.
Like seeing elevation and a few other dedicated GPS functions.
Simple to find gas stations and distance to them on the fly. (I ride tank to tank a lot)
Tracking and history of rides.
Planning long rides in basecamp or similar
Some phone functionality easy to access some things.

Negatives:
Need phone as backup to routing (garmin has led me wrong more then a few times)
Limited phone integration.
Warnings for speed traps hazards etc are not as up to date.
Cost

In some ways I would like both but I really don't think I want all of that on the dash.

What other experiences / things / thoughts might you add that I am missing?

Thanks for your thoughts!
Brian

 

[Bri720a]

This is some very useful information and has given me some things to consider.

My biggest concern is still the usefulness of Google maps when I don't have cell service. I know maps can be downloaded but I'm not convinced that is the best solution. I will have to explore a few of the other apps out there for navigation also.

I have ordered an inexpensive AA display to check out and see how I like it. I definitely understand the concept and how it works I just have not ever used it, in a car or otherwise.

Thanks for the input so far.

 

[Bri720a]

I am pretty sure Explore has really moved to the Tread app from Garmin. I did take a look at that this past week and looks fairly useful to route apps etc. I saw it posted as the best way to set and adjust routes on the XT/XT2 from a phone.

Tread® - Apps on Google Play