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by robryk 876 days ago
Something that has gps, can display a bit of a map, and is waterproof is somewhere between your two leagues and I think it's genuinely useful.
2 comments

Why a GPS? Do you ever go anywhere without your phone where a GPS would be useful?
Not the person you are replying to, but I find it vastly more convenient to not pull out my phone all the time to check the directions to make sure I am on the right track. With a smartwatch, checking directions feels about as frictionless and simple as checking an analog watch for time.

For those running, I can see it being useful as well. GPS for tracking the morning run, with zero need to carry your heavy phone with you. And (talking about apple watch specifically, as that’s the one I have experience with), you can even connect your wireless headphones directly and listen to music too without needing a phone.

It's great for outdoor sports - it's uncomfortable to carry your phone while running or swimming, for example.
Yes: using turn-by-turn GPS directions while riding a bicycle or motorcycle. My Pebble Time was perfect for this. I have not found a replacement.
When out backpacking its nice to have a GPS that is attached to your arm and always works, as opposed to fighting for signal with your phone.
yes. I do outdoor sports, mostly rowing. My phone is not that waterproof, I will not risk dropping it in the water. I would not be able to use anyway. I really like to do things without bringing a phone. Plus the whole privacy issue.
That adds a lot of power drain.