A report in the press today stated that tests had shown that tuning a radio while driving could increase a drivers reaction time by more than using a mobile phone,I have steering wheel mounted audio controls so do not have a problem,but have noticed that a lot of modern car audio systems have small fiddly controls.
It brought to mind navigation systems with colour screen displays,I know that they have a voice giving instructions to the driver but the temptation to look at the screen must be difficult to resist,what do others think?.
ndbw
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Its not so much looking at the screen as fiddling with the menus etc. I drove a newsih Audi A6 is Germany and found their soft-menu system an utter nightmare and very distracting to use.
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Having been brought up on crystal sets and domestic wirelesses that were powered by rechargeable lead-acid accumulators and grid bias batteries, modern car radios have far more options than I am ever likely to need!
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L\'escargot by name, but not by nature.
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You shouldn't have to look at a well-designed radio in order to operate it, just as you don't look at steering wheel butons. Modern radios with their multicolour matrix displays of animated diving dolphins and skyscraper flypasts and buttons that need cocktail sticks to press are rubbish, complete rubbish. Even Blaupunkt seem to be going this way and they always used to have very good quality units with excellent features, but very simple and large controls. Standard integrated radios seem the best for human interface.
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Dont see why they cant just be simple with big buttons, What do you really need it to do? I need a couple of stations presets and a search button, Maybe when they are all digital it will be easier as you should be able to listen to your favorite station anywhere in the country so the need to station hop as you go out of range will be removed.
As for the Satnav's I have to say that I dont look at the screen that often, And I find it no more distractin then the normal instruments or doing regular mirror checks, But then I don't rubberneck at accidents either,so I suppose if you are the type of person who is inclined to look at everything then you would be easily distracted by them.
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Stick with Alpine head units - nice big buttons, great quality, and instant familiarity...
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The stereo in my Mazda 6 is the easiest to use( especially on the move)of any stereo i have ever seen.Nice big easy to find buttons and pretty good sound for a standard fit system.In my previous car the kenwood stereo it had,made BMW's "i" drive system look simple.i usually ended up changing radio station by accident when i had intended to turn up the volume.Imagine having a motor with no stereo?.It's the only thing that saves my sanity in the traffic.
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My Ford one is fantastic.
Whether you like Fords or not - you have to admit - it's dead easy to up the volume, change cds etc..
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Adam
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Agreed adamski. My Ford 7000 model is an absolute doddle to master and use.
Much thought went into the design and ease of use of the Ford 4000 to 7000 series 1997 to 2002 model years although the Sony derived units and the other current Ford units have taken a backward step IMO.
Although sound quality is not the best, ease of use certainly is!
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Slightly off topic, I recently bought my mother one of these new DAB radios for home use as the reception in my hilly part of the world is so poor. A huge improvement.
My van radio is useless ( a newish Panasonic single slot CD model)and wondered whether you can buy these new digital thingies (with CD) for cars yet?
Would be grateful for any advice
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Buy a Becker. State of the art Technolgy, German build quality, sensible buttons. Simplicity personified. Why bother with anything else ?
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Oh yes and they do a DAB.
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I'm driving a temporary replacement volvo FM, and the volume knob has broken off. can turn radio on to default volume level, but cant alter it. can listen when parked with engine off, but a waste of time when moving.
I'm more than happy. though, with the family vauxhalls, and their standard fit units. Steering wheel controls are easy to reach/use and when I need to look, the separate display is not too far away from my line of sight, and easy to read. I do so hate radios that are a long way away from your ahead line of site, like some cars used to have them mouted really low down in the centre console.
Drifting slightly OT, there are too many vehicles with too many toys in them now, all a potential distraction to the driver. I actually think that we have passed the point of information overload of the driver, what with radio (cd, multichanger) satnav, phone (even with hands free), speed camera/radar detectors, climate control & vehicle instruments. And thats before you even look out of the windows!
Not having a rant this time, just stating facts cunningly disguised as my opinions.
WTM
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I must admit I find the steering wheels buttons for the radio so much more useful than I thought I ever would.
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