[LINK] OT: Wanted: A Simple Watch for a Walker

[Roger Clarke]

I'm having technological solutionism inflicted on me.

I'd like a replacement wrist-watch.

The Casio I used for years as a referee (time in 2 time-zones,
stop-watch, run-down timer, alarm, that's it folks) needs replacement:
https://casiowatches.com.au/collections/digital/products/f91w-1
https://casiowatches.com.au/collections/digital/products/a168wa-1
https://casiowatches.com.au/collections/digital/products/a168wgg-1a

I'd like one, like that, but also with really simple, GPS-based displays
in relation to coords and altitude, and distance and altitude travelled.

Display as a 2D shape on a NS/EW grid would be good.

Overlaying it onto a map of the area isn't important, because I'm a
day-walker, and I'm rarely off-track.  (Occasionally I might use it when
driving, but that's not the purpose).

I can see all sorts of over-designed monstrosities, many of which are
extremely vague about the features they offer.  (You'd almost think that
these devices are about style rather than substance).

Link Institute advice much appreciated, on or off list.

More detail below if needed.

Thanks!  ...  Roger

___________________


There are a lot of amazingly over-designed wristwatches out there.

I want something that:
-   mainly tells me the time
-   has a readable display in high light and low light
-   has a decent band that doesn't roll around your wrist
-   has workable battery-life
-   has convenient and quick-enough battery-recharge
-   does not require any wireless connection with anything
    (but maybe has one, e.g. for time-synch'ing, or for map-download,
    or for app download;  but with default off)
-   does not require a smartphone
-   does not leak data anywhere

-   has GPS, switchable on and off (to conserve the battery)
-   uses GPS to tell you your coords, altitude and error-factor
-   has a mode that uses the GPS to:
    -   record a walk
    -   display distance and height done during that walk
    -   desirably, a schematic layout of the walk
    -   (probably overkill) the walk as an overlay on a map
-   has *no* ability to upload data anywhere, or data-leakage
    is easily and certifiably suppressable

[ Imagine someone, say, exercising on a military base, who's been told
not to disclose to anyone else where the walkways are.]


I have no idea what functions the 'low-end Garmins' support.
(URLs below)

AmazFit blabbers on without saying what functions it supports
Amazfit T-Rex      in the $150-200 range
     https://www.wareable.com/smartwatches/best-outdoor-watches-2236
Amazfit Stratos 3  in the $250-300 range

Things under $100 may have GPS, but don't say what they do with it:
TicWatch GTX
UMIDIGI Uwatch


https://www.harveynorman.com.au/garmin-vivoactive-3-gps-smart-watch-with-activity-tracking-gunmetal-with-black-band.html
(no GPS?) - $250?
https://buy.garmin.com/en-AU/AU/p/571520#specs

https://www.harveynorman.com.au/garmin-forerunner-45s-sports-watch.html
(has GPS) - $250?
https://buy.garmin.com/en-AU/AU/p/682416
https://www.harveynorman.com.au/garmin-forerunner-45-sports-watch.html
(no GPS?) - $250?
https://buy.garmin.com/en-AU/AU/p/641121
> The difference between the two is simply the case size; the 45S
features a 39mm shell, while the regular 45 offers a slightly bigger
42mm face

https://www.harveynorman.com.au/garmin-instinct-gps-smart-watch-graphite.html
(has GPS) - $400?
https://buy.garmin.com/en-AU/AU/p/621802

___________________

Roger Clarke                            mailto:Roger.Clarke at xamax.com.au
T: +61 2 6288 6916   http://www.xamax.com.au  http://www.rogerclarke.com

Xamax Consultancy Pty Ltd      78 Sidaway St, Chapman ACT 2611 AUSTRALIA

Visiting Professor in the Faculty of Law            University of N.S.W.
Visiting Professor in Computer Science    Australian National University