The Beeline is just a dongle that connects to the smartphone by Bluetooth app. It gives essential and intuitive directions when proceeding on your route with pointers and mileage countdowns, it's weather resistant and the size of a wristwatch face taking very little room. The software app works well and quickly recalculates when you alter from the prescribed route. The smartphone is safe from the weather in the tankbag or pocket. I can just leave the Beeline on the bike and don't have to worry about taking it with me like I would a mounted phone.
I've never warmed up to GPS and map graphics when I ride. I just want to know which direction to turn at the next juncture. I used to use map notes, write them in sequence and stick the notes in the map pocket of my tankbag. This is a similar thing. The only real draw back with any mapping software is customizing a route by editing deviations from the prescribed route. In the case of Beeline, I need to make waypoints and build one after another until I stop at my destination. It's very cumbersome to start with destination first and alter the prescribed route but that's true for all of the apps I've tried.
I could still use headphones for Bluetooth-ing music from the phone if I wanted to. I personally don't like to listen to music when I ride but I don't know why a Beeline would make any difference in that regard. I didn't know that there was a smartphone cop radar app but I want to get that. So far as switching apps when riding, Gas Buddy, maps, weather, etc., that wouldn't be anything I'd be comfortable with. I'd just pullover and check for those, although I know riders that use a mic with voice commands which again, I didn't care for it but it shouldn't affect the Beeline either.
I don't think Beeline is for everyone, particularly if you like maps and graphics. I find all that distracting and like the simple approach. I keep the general map route in my mind and just need the prompts to keep me on path where I'm going.
