(above) Screen 3: The TeleType Bluetooth GPS receiver is a feature-rich, pager-sized device.
You can power it with three standard alkaline batteries or three NiMH rechargeable batteries. It also has a unique reset button that may speed up your satellite lock by clearing out old position data. This is helpful if you have moved over 100 miles from your last fix.
TeleType offers the Bluetooth GPS receiver as a stand-alone product, or bundled with its GPS software. In either case, the package includes a carrying case, an attachable magnet for mounting the receiver on your dashboard, a recharging cradle with AC power adapter, and an automobile power adapter. The carrying case is smart protection for the receiver, but the clip seems too slippery to be able to secure it to your belt or pants. You can charge the included NiMH batteries within the GPS receiver by placing the receiver in its throne-like charging cradle.
HP iPAQ Bluetooth GPS receiver
Hewlett Packard’s decision to introduce its iPAQ Navigation System (http://www.hp.com/go/ipaqnavigation) indicates the growing importance and acceptance of Bluetooth GPS technology. The package includes the receiver (Screen 4), the iPAQ navigation/mapping software, and a number of accessories.
(above) Screen 4: HP’s new Bluetooth GPS receiver comes with the iPAQ Navigation System.
The receiver works out of the box with a Bluetooth-equipped iPAQ or any Pocket PC with Bluetooth capability. It is a robust and stable device with LED indicators that protrude above the surface of the case, making them more visible when positioning the receiver at various angles. The receiver has continuous-use battery life of about 8-10 hours—over two hours more than that of its nearest competitor.
The package also includes an automobile power adapter and a vehicle mount. The navigation/mapping application includes street-level map data of the U.S. and Canada from Navigation Technologies (http://www.navtech.com). HP’s Bluetooth GPS distinguishes itself with robustness, stability, and an extended battery life.
CoPilot Bluetooth GPS receiver
ALK Technologies, Inc. (http://www.alk.com) markets the CoPilot Bluetooth GPS receiver as a stand-alone product or bundled with its CoPilot Live | Pocket PC 4 software. This receiver was developed by Emtac and is the successor to Emtac’s original CRUXII.
It works right out of the box, without installing drivers or “pairing” the receiver with a Bluetooth-enabled Pocket PC. It has an easy-to-use recessed switch that prevents the device from being turned on or off accidentally. It also has an antenna connection port (as do the HP and TomTom units). This lets you attach a GPS extension antenna to the unit to improve reception in natural and urban canyons.
The CoPilot receiver has a subtle black design (Screen 5), which blends with most dashboards. The stand-alone product comes with an automobile power adapter. The bundled package includes the automobile power adapter, a vent mount, and the user-installable GPS software. (I prefer charging my Bluetooth GPS in my office and only using the auto charger if necessary.) ALK does offer an optional AC adapter to power the receiver, but an AC power adapter should be included in the package as standard, since lithium-ion batteries should be maintained at a high charge level. ALK Technologies’ CoPilot GPS Bluetooth receiver is a sleek and fast device. With or without the software, it’s reasonably priced.
(above) Screen 5: The CoPilot Bluetooth GPS receiver has a hole in the top of its case (with a loop bar) where you can attach a carrying strap such as the iPocket Bungee from NiteIze (http://www.ipocketbungee.com), shown here.
Pharos’ innovative, versatile Bluetooth GPS receiver
The iGPS-360 from Pharos (http://www.pharosgps.com) is literally the flashiest Bluetooth receiver on the scene. This space-age-looking receiver comes with a shiny chrome chassis and a clear polymer window that radiates blue light when the device is running.
Pharos markets this receiver by itself, or bundled with its Ostia GPS software. The bundled version (Screen 6) includes a treasure trove of accessories, including a large embroidered bag with mesh pockets (some of which are large enough to fit a Pocket PC), a separate case for the Bluetooth unit, a CF adapter card, an extension cable for positioning the receiver when it’s attached to the CF card, a vent type of mount, a non-skid pad, and an automobile charging cable with the ability to charge your Pocket PC and receiver simultaneously. An AC power adapter is also included.
(above) Screen6: The Pharos GPS Navigator bundle includes its Bluetooth GPS receiver and a treasure trove of accessories.
Its unique and innovative modular design allows you to slip the actual GPS receiver portion of the device out of the chassis and into the CompactFlash adapter that comes with the bundle. You can then slip the combined unit into the CompactFlash slot of a Pocket PC. The 720 mAh lithium-polymer battery can be easily replaced by the user. A spare can be charged separately and kept as a backup, ready to pop into the receiver when needed. In addition, this arrangement makes it easy to replace the battery when the receiver’s battery wears out after 200-300 charging cycles (about two years of average use). Changing worn out batteries on other GPS receivers is not as easy. You can find the Pharos backup battery listed as a “Power Kit for Bluetooth GPS” on the MobilePlanet Web site (http://www.mobileplanet.com), or included as an extra in some Pharos Bluetooth GPS bundles.
Enhancing usability: Needed improvements and accessories
Bluetooth GPS receivers are fast and convenient, but the technology is new and therefore could use some refining. The blinking LEDs on all of the Bluetooth GPS receivers could be more subtle in order not to create distracting windshield reflections (and not to attract thieves). Perhaps a button could be added to future versions to switch between bright and muted LEDs.
Receiver sensitivity in “urban canyons” (areas blocked by especially tall buildings, power lines, dense foliage, or other interference) could be improved, but this is somewhat of an issue with all GPS receivers. Acquiring a strong fix before navigating into weaker signal areas can help maintain better reception.
Some users of Windows Mobile 2003 iPAQ Pocket PCs have reported a problem when using a Bluetooth GPS receiver, in which the iPAQ’s built-in Bluetooth port locks up the power on/off button. HP has posted a fix for the h5400, h5500 and h2200 series on its support site. Reportedly, the new h4000 series have the fix pre-installed.
The most obvious hardware usability issue is that since a Bluetooth receiver is a separate unit, it’s an extra device to carry around. Since it’s a wireless device, you can slip it into your pocket or Velcro it to the top of your backpack, without worrying about dangling cables. (You can also use Velcro to keep it from sliding around on your dashboard.)
Finally, the dashboard mounts that come with the packages in this review are minimal. If you use a GPS system in your car often, you might want to obtain an enhanced dashboard mount. Arkon (http://www.arkon.com) offers Pocket PC Multimedia mounts that enhance the audio output of your Pocket PC so you don’t miss voice navigation commands that are sometimes drowned out by road noise. Seidio (http://www.seidioonline.com) has a similar a mplified mount, which is also capable of powering a Bluetooth GPS receiver through an add-on cable. Arkon’s mount has a broader holding capacity which will allow for expansion packs. It also has a longer audio cable, which is needed to stretch to a bottom-positioned audio port such as the one on an iPAQ h5555.
Fast and convenient GPS solutions
All of the Bluetooth GPS units reviewed share a similar SiRF II/LP (for Low Power) chipset. What distinguishes them from one another is hardware design, usability, accessories, battery options, power management, and of course the GPS software that comes with them. Interestingly, the Bluetooth GPS receivers tended to be faster at acquiring satellite signals than the wired and CF receivers I’ve tested for previous GPS articles. Using Bluetooth GPS receivers is also a much cleaner solution that dispenses with a tangle of distracting cables.
All in all, Bluetooth is a rather efficient and harmonious way to connect a GPS receiver to a Pocket PC. King Harald �
��Bluetooth” would probably approve of it.
Bluetooth Comparison Chart
The following Bluetooth GPS comparison chart should help you figure out which Bluetooth GPS receiver is most suited to you or your company's preferences. The chart also involves some comparisons between the manufacturer's stated results and the average test results from several reviews.
(75 tests — 9 tests averaged in each set of TTFF)
TeleType GPS
www.teletype.com
Results of Bluetooth, Battery & Satellite Signal Testing
Battery LifeReview test:
7 hrs Alk/ 3.5 hrs NiMh
Manufacturer estimate:
6+ hours
Full charge time from AC chgr:
30 min
*TTFF (Time To First Fix) (sec);
Hot, Warm, Cold:
3, 28, 89
*TTFF mfg estimate (sec); Hot, Warm, Cold:
10, 45, 80
Satellite sensitivity: 12-Sep
Average # used: 12-Jun
Range (approx.):
up to 255' (80 m)
Hardware
Measurements:
2 11/16 x 14/16 x 14/16"
(67 x 48 x 22 mm)
Weight (approx.):
3.0 oz (85 g)
Battery or Batteries:
NiMH rechargeable or standard alkaline.
(Note: do not use chargers w/ standard alkaline batteries.)
650 mAh
Similarities
Protocol:
NMEA-0183 (2.2)
Chipset (LP=Low Power):
SiRF Star II LP
WAAS (Geostationary Satellite Signal Correction):
Yes
Trickle power:
Yes
Extras
Accessories or Extra Features:Magnetic mount, carrying bag, AC and DC charger, cradle for charging at your home/office
GPS maps: US, Canada or Europe
All of the above is offered in the World Navigator Premium package
Pricingw/o software:
$189.00
with software: $319.00
TomTom
www.tomtom.com
Results of Bluetooth, Battery & Satellite Signal Testing
Battery LifeReview test:
6 hours 50 min
Manufacturer estimate:
5+ hours
Full charge time from AC chgr:
1 hour 15 min
*TTFF (Time To First Fix) (sec);
Hot, Warm, Cold:
6, 21, 55
*TTFF mfg estimate (sec); Hot, Warm, Cold:
8, 38, 45
Satellite sensitivity: 12-Aug
Average # used: 12-Jul
Range (approx.):
up to 60' (20 m)
Hardware
Measurements:
1 14/16 x 3 7/16 x 11/16"
(47 x 87 x 17 mm)
Weight (approx.):
2.7 oz (76 g)
Battery or Batteries:
Internal rechargeable Li-Ion
600 mAh
Similarities
Protocol:
NMEA-0183 (2.2)
Chipset (LP=Low Power):
SiRF Star II LP
WAAS (Geostationary Satellite Signal Correction):
Yes
Trickle power:
Yes
Extras
Accessories or Extra Features:Pocket PC cradle with suction mount, swivel mount, air vent mount; BT receiver cradle; cable (for charging Pocket PC & BT GPS together with the same automobile DC charger); wall AC charger (including international plugs); magnetic mount
GPS maps: US or Europe
Pricingw/o software:
NA
with software: $449.95
ALK/CoPilot
www.alk.com
Results of Bluetooth, Battery & Satellite Signal Testing
Battery LifeReview test:
6 hours 45 min
Manufacturer estimate:
<=6 hours
Full charge time from AC chgr:
1 hour 30 min
*TTFF (Time To First Fix) (sec);
Hot, Warm, Cold:
3, 21, 40
*TTFF mfg estimate (sec); Hot, Warm, Cold:
10, 45, 80
Satellite sensitivity: 12-Sep
Average # used: 12-Aug
Range (approx.):
up to 270' (80 m)
Hardware
Measurements:
3 9/16 x 2 x 11/16"
(90 x 50 x 17 mm)
Weight (approx.):
2.0 oz (60 g)
Battery or Batteries:
Internal rechargeable Li-Ion
650 mAh
Similarities
Protocol:
NMEA-0183
Chipset (LP=Low Power):
SiRF Star II LP
WAAS (Geostationary Satellite Signal Correction):
Yes
Trickle power:
Yes
Extras
Accessories or Extra Features:DC automobile charger
GPS maps: US
Pricingw/o software:
$199.00
with software: $349.00
Pharos
www.pharosgps.com
Results of Bluetooth, Battery & Satellite Signal Testing
Battery LifeReview test:
6 hours
Manufacturer estimate:
6 hours
Full charge time from AC chgr:
2 hours
*TTFF (Time To First Fix) (sec);
Hot, Warm, Cold:
6, 28, 55
*TTFF mfg estimate (sec); Hot, Warm, Cold:
5, 40, 60
Satellite sensitivity: 12-Sep
Average # used: 12-Jun
Range (approx.):
up to 235' (70 m)
Hardware
Measurements:
3 6/16 x 2 6/16 x 1"
(85 x 60 x 25 mm)
Weight (approx.):
3.0 oz (85 g)
Battery or Batteries:
Li-Polymer, user-replaceable.
A battery backup kit is available from Pharos for $49.00.
720 mAh
Similarities
Protocol:
NMEA-0183 (2.3)
Chipset (LP=Low Power):
SiRF Star II LP
WAAS (Geostationary Satellite Signal Correction):
Yes
Trickle power:
Yes
Extras
Accessories or Extra Features:(Package items may vary; check contents description.) Reviewed package includes CompactFlash convertible card and extension cable, large embroidered bag with mesh pockets and matching receiver case, and cable (for PDA & BT charging together). A thin mount is also included.
GPS maps: US or Canada
Pricingw/o software:
$249.95-269.95
with software: $329.95-449.95* *(w/CF & extra battery option.)
Hewlett-Packard
www.hp.com/go/
ipaqnavigation
Results of Bluetooth, Battery & Satellite Signal Testing
Battery LifeReview test:
8-10 hours
Manufacturer estimate:
8 hours
Full charge time from AC chgr:
2 hours 30 min
*TTFF (Time To First Fix) (sec);
Hot, Warm, Cold:
4, 31, 60
*TTFF mfg estimate (sec); Hot, Warm, Cold:
8 , 38, 45
Satellite sensitivity: 12-Oct
Average # used: 12-Sep
Range (approx.):
up to 80' (25 m)
Hardware
Measurements:
3 9/16 x 15/16 x 10/16"
(90 x 49 x 16 mm)
Weight (approx.):
3.5 oz (98 g)
Battery or Batteries:
Internal rechargeable Li-Ion 900 mAh
Similarities
Protocol:
&nb
sp; NMEA-0183 (2.3)
Chipset (LP=Low Power):
SiRF Star II LP
WAAS (Geostationary Satellite Signal Correction):
Yes
Trickle power:
Yes
Extras
Accessories or Extra Features:Automobile power adapter, vehicle mount
GPS maps: US and Canada
Pricingw/o software:
NA
with software: $329.00
(above) *TTFF testing methodology: All tests were performed with the same TeleType GPS software. The Bluetooth GPS receivers were shielded from satellite signals between tests. A TTFF is designated as “hot” when the receiver has recently acquired satellite positions that can be used for the fix. A TTFF is said to be “warm” when the receiver knows roughly where the satellites are, but needs to acquire new position data from the satellites before making the fix. A “cold” TTFF is when the receiver has no current position data for any satellite and needs to re-acquire all the satellites “from scratch.” For these tests, we defined a hot fix as one that occurred within 30 seconds to 3 minutes after a previous fix, a warm fix as one that occurred within 3 to 30 minutes after a previous fix, and a cold fix as one that occurred after a full hour of receiver inactivity. Ten tests were performed for each Bluetooth receiver’s TTFF results. The lowest test result for each receiver was removed from the averages. The overall average TTFF for Compact Flash and mouse/serial port GPS receivers, as tested for the July ‘03 issue, was 50 seconds. The overall average TTFF for these Bluetooth GPS receivers was about 28 seconds—this is a considerable speed improvement! Your results will vary depending on your location relative to satellites and on what interference may be near you, such as tall buildings, heavy foliage, power lines, atmospheric distortion, etc.
Pocket PC magazine, Apr/May 2004 Page 8