Text 10828, 59 rader
Skriven 2010-09-28 15:49:27 av Michiel van der Vlist (2:280/5555)
  Kommentar till text 10767 av Robert Bashe (2:2448/44)
Ärende: If wishes were horses... 
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Hello Robert,

On Tuesday September 28 2010 08:26, you wrote to Ward Dossche:

 WD>> A number of the satellites are already in position.

 RB> Like "two" or "three"? Lotsa talk but not much action up to now.

There has been some delay. For a variety of reasons. The problems have been
solved though. There is no doubt in my mind that the system will become
operational in the not too distant future.

 RB>>> And just to remind you: all the personal navigation devices
 RB>>> around only work with GPS. Like to imagine what it would cost to
 RB>>> replace all of them?

 WD>> Not my problem ... I only need to replace 1.

 RB> Now all you need is a few ten or hundred million others who would be
 RB> willing to do that

Of course they will. These consumer gadgets have a life time from two to five
years maximum. You and I may want to keep using things as long as they do not
break, but the younger generations takes another position. The are like the
people when we were young who got a new car every two years. Do not
underestimate the "latest gadget hunger"of the younger generation.

 RB> for the sole pleasure of using a European system

The Gallileo system will offer more than just being European. Much better
resolution for one. Also usable at higher lattitudes.

 RB> (which is presently and in the forseeable future inoperable) instead
 RB> of using a working GPS system like everybody else.

Working until the US military decides to switch it off. Or reduce the
resolution again. The NAVSTAR system - unlike the internet - CAN be shut down
or crippled by the US government. And we do not trust them enough to not do
that when it suits their agenda. Not any more.

 RB> The PND manufacturers aren't likely to build a new model just for you
 RB> alone.

The PND manufactures probably already have advanced prototypes that can handle
both NAVSTAR and Gallileo. (At least the European PND manufacturers). Don't
worry, they will be ready.

 RB> When and if the Europeans have their system operable, and _if_ it
 RB> offers any advantages over the GPS system except for nationalist
 RB> ideology,

Do not underestimate that either. I think you have no idea what damage was done
in the last decade.


Cheers, Michiel

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