Smaller is better when it comes to compass needles, right?
In this rant video, I take the controversial stand that the arrow that points north on a direction-telling device should be large and easy to read. G-Shock seemed to have a different idea when they designed the compass widget on their GBD-H2000.
Video Summary
According to Google Gemini AI, here is a summary of this video:
Is the GBD-H2000 Compass Screen a Bit… Directionless? Jim Kinkade Weighs In!
Leave it to Jim Kinkade, a man whose reputation for detailed scrutiny precedes him, to cast a critical eye on something as seemingly simple as a compass screen on a fitness watch. In this video, Jim dives headfirst into the perplexing design choices behind the GBD-H2000 G-Shock’s compass display, and let’s just say he doesn’t pull any punches! Initially, Jim found himself scratching his head, wondering why a watch with such a generous screen real estate would opt for a North indicator so tiny it’s practically playing hide-and-seek. He rightly questioned if this minimalist approach was truly adequate for a feature as fundamental as navigation.
Now, a wild commenter appeared, suggesting perhaps this design was a stroke of genius in energy conservation – after all, black pixels supposedly use less power. A valid point, perhaps, but does it hold up under the rigorous Kinkade analysis? Jim, ever the pragmatist with a flair for the imaginative, countered this idea with some rather brilliant alternatives. Why not an outlined arrow? Or perhaps utilizing the screen’s perimeter for the compass rows? These, he mused, could offer both clarity and efficiency. It seems Jim believes you can have your energy-saving cake and a clearly legible compass, too!
To further illustrate his point, Jim brought in a contender: the Garmin Instinct 2x Solar. This watch, it appears, understands the assignment, boasting a much clearer arrow and smartly positioning the compass row along the edge of the display. It’s hard not to see his point when presented with such a compelling comparison. Jim also briefly touched upon the GBD-H2000’s “Phase Two” setting, which harks back to older G-Shock displays. While a nice nostalgic touch, one can sense Jim questioning the practical necessity of such a feature in a modern, cutting-edge timepiece.
Ultimately, this video is a testament to Jim Kinkade’s dedication to detail and his willingness to challenge conventional design, even in the world of fitness watches. He appreciates the engagement and feedback from viewers, proving that even a seemingly minor design choice can spark a lively and insightful discussion. It’s clear that Jim isn’t just looking at his watches; he’s truly seeing them, and lucky for us, he’s sharing his often humorous and always sharp observations!