The concept of transforming your PDA into a Global Positioning System (GPS) device isn't new; in fact, GPS add-on products have been available for several years. However, up till now, these GPS modules required the use of a CompactFlash slot or some sort of cabling configuration to connect to the handheld device, or they attached to the PDA via a sledlike apparatus. In most cases, the GPS units themselves were often bulky and unsightly, adding unwanted weight and girth to an otherwise sleekly designed PDA.
Now, thanks to Bluetooth wireless technology, you can easily turn your PDA into a fully functional handheld navigation system without using cables, sleds, or in some cases, an expansion slot. With a free expansion slot, you can carry maps (which are memory intensive) on a spacious storage card and not have to worry about consuming your handheld's internal memory. Bluetooth technology really pays off when using these devices as vehicle navigation aids. Wireless connectivity allows you to place the GPS receiver in a spot that has a clear view of the sky, while the PDA can be held or mounted for optimal screen visibility and easy access to menu screens.
In addition, each receiver comes with software that typically includes maps of the United States, a points-of-interest (POI) database, and features such as route recalculation. Some models, such as the Belkin GPS receiver, have advanced technology for better satellite reception. Other specs to be aware as you're shopping for the perfect travel companion are rated battery life and included accessories. The TeleType and the DeLorme receivers particularly shined in both categories. The three major PDA manufacturers--Dell, HP, and PalmOne--also each offer Bluetooth GPS receivers for their respective handhelds. Finally, don't forget to invest in a healthy-size memory card for carrying maps.
The GPS receiver uses Bluetooth technology to eliminate the need for connecting cables, and a high performance GPS antenna to ensure the best possible reception wherever you go. The high performance GPS receiver is ideal for use in urban environments. On the road or walking around the city streets, it will make sure you find your way with ease. It can be configured to work with a variety of Pocket PC, Palm devices and Smart mobile phones
Nemerix integrated in Wireless GPS Receiver
NemeriX, a Swiss fabless semiconductor company specialising in ultra low power semiconductors and solutions for GPS and location-based services, today announced that TransystemInc., has incorporated NemeriX's GPS chipsets into its i-Blue Wireless GPS Receiver.
January 23 2007, 11:09 AM (evertiq)
The i-Blue Model 727 is a portable GPS receiver that sits on the dashboard of automobiles, and connects to laptops or PDAs via Bluetooth technology to provide comprehensive LBS services. Its performance is enhanced by NemeriX's 42 channel architecture, which delivers GPS time-to-first-fix times in cold start mode. The i-Blue 727 model features the NemeriX NJ2020 hosted GPS baseband processor.
"We've selected the NemeriX baseband processors for a number of reasons, including minimal power requirements," said Casber Hsiao, Director of Sales & Marketing for Transystem, Inc.
Bluetooth-less?
Ideally, your PDA will already have built-in Bluetooth capabilities, leaving the CompactFlash slot available to accept additional mapping data. This is important if you're planning a long-range trip and want street-level maps throughout your journey. However, if your PDA isn't Bluetooth ready, you can always purchase an adapter, such as Belkin's Bluetooth PDA and PC adapter combo card, which brings wireless connectivity to your PDA or notebook, but you'll sacrifice an expansion slot in the process. And as we mentioned before, you can find CompactFlash GPS add-ons or, alternatively, buy a handheld with a GPS receiver already built in, such as the Mitac Mio 168 or the Garmin iQue 3600.
Description
The GPS receiver uses Bluetooth technology to eliminate the need for connecting cables, and a high performance GPS antenna to ensure the best possible reception wherever you go. The high performance GPS receiver is ideal for use in urban environments. On the road or walking around the city streets, it will make sure you find your way with ease. It can be configured to work with a variety of Pocket PC, Palm devices and Smart mobile phones.
Small and lightweight
Portable: can be used in the car, or in your bag or pocket for use on bike or on foot
Integrated GPS receiver based on SiRF Star III with 20 Channel All-in-view tracking
Acer
n310, n311, N50
Dell
Axim X51, Axim X51V
Eten
M600
Fujitsu Siemens
Pocket LOOX 720
HP
iPAQ H4150, iPAQ H4350, iPAQ HX2190, iPAQ HX2490
Imate
JAM, Jamin, PDA2K
O2
XDA Exec
Orange
SPV M1000, SPV M2000, SPV M3000
Palm
Treo 650, Treo 700P, Treo 700W
Qtek
9000, 9100, S100, S110, S200 T-Mobile
MDA Compact, MDA Compact II, MDA III, MDA Pro, MDA Vario
Nokia
E61, N80 |