Stellus SDIO GPS Hits the Market

[Pat Logsdon]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?ContentId=3883' target='_blank'>
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content...?ContentId=3883</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Stellus System, Inc. has announced the SSI-SDIO-1000, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver with a SDIO (Secure Digital Input/Output) interface designed for consumer-level applications. Stellus SDIO GPS combines a high-performance GPS antenna and receiver, with a SDIO interface IC (integrated circuit), in a compact housing that fits in a briefcase or pocket, and weighs less than one ounce. In addition, it is compatible with both Pocket PC and Palm OS based operating systems."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20050105_stellus.jpg" /><br /><br />It's nice to see more OEMs catering to the oh-so-svelte SD form factor, but I'm not sure I see the benefit of this device over a bluetooth GPS. In order to use this, you have to remove your storage card, which usually contain your maps, thus rendering the nice GPS unit useless. Unless you're using a dual-slot device, of course. But still, what Pocket PC these days doesn't come with bluetooth? Are you interested in this? Please explain it to me. :mrgreen:

[JonnoB]

Most have bluetooth, many do not. PalmOS devices comes to mind. This also may be much cheaper than bluetooth without the need for the GPS hardware to contain a BT radio.

[zetsurin]

Most have bluetooth, many do not. PalmOS devices comes to mind. This also may be much cheaper than bluetooth without the need for the GPS hardware to contain a BT radio.

If they could just combine this with 256MB like the Sandisc WIFI card then it would be a definite winner. It's rare that you would need to cover more than 256MB map data in one go. I actually install all of my internet software (Skype, etc) on the 256MB area of my Sandic SD WIFI/RAM card which makes great sense as the only time I can use that software with my iMate JAM (without forking $$$ for GPRS connections of course) is when I have the WIFI card inserted. It would be incredible to be able to also do that with my GPS software. At the moment I am using a bluetooth GPS which works great but I was switch to this in a heartbeat if it just had 256-512MB RAM onboard also (and yes, I would be more than happy to pay for that :lol: ).

[sponge]

One advantage over BT, why should you have to carry/charge/plug in yet an other battery/power source?

[jt3]

I agree that unless this device comes with built-in memory, it isn't going to have much of a market. Most devices that don't come with BT don't come with dual memory slots either. It would be perfect for local (say, one U.S. state) GPS use, but interstate, or worse, international use simply needs more memory than this product would allow on units with only an SD slot.

However, throw in 256-512MB of memory, or better yet, some way to plug an SD (or mini-SD, XD, etc.) card into the "thick" end of this device, and I'd pick this item over its BT cousins any day.

[surur]

I love this device! It looks svelte and solid at the same time, not fragile at all. I can easily imagine using this on my pocketpc. Of course I have dual slots, but remember many people now have large flash stores (e.g 96Mb) which should be enough for a city map or regional map at 32-64Mb (in tomtom at least)

As some-one else said, the Advantage is an integrated package with a reliable connection and only one battery to charge.

Surur

[Lday]

I'd love one of these! I have a 5GB Microdrive in my CF slot, and only carry disposable stuff on the SD card. Be nice to have my maps on the MD, and use the SD for GPS.

[Lex]

Compliments to the company for the device and concept but my first thought was, I'd crack that thing in half with it hanging out of that tiny SD slot. Would a similar device be more durable and stable within the wider CF slot? A device hanging a substantial distance out of the SD slot looks like an accident waiting to happen.

[welmoed]

This would be so much fun to have. Right now I use the Pharos hockey puck receiver, which sits on the dash and MUST be plugged into the car receptacle in order to function. It would be wonderful to be able to use GPS when walking around.

I didn't see any pricing information... is there a price point established yet?

As for the lack of memory, I look at it this way: if you're using this device, you're probably on foot, and the territory you'll cover should fit within a few maps that should fit in RAM. Or, as other posters have said, you've got dual slots. I would go for this before getting a BT unit because, as has also been said before, this would eliminate the need for another charger or battery.

--Welmoed

[zetsurin]

I recently contacted the manufacturers and got a promiding impression that they may in fact be looking at integrating memory with this module. Bring it on I say.

[dorelse]

Well for us hunters and fishermen out here it sure will come in handy! They are nice for marking deer stands or kill points (so i can find the deer again ) etc.

Tough to carry around a separate GPS receiver...of course Garmin has helped now as well!

With my x50v though, I'd want to stick with this combination over Garmin's offering for now.

[frankenbike]

I may be leaning to BT, but it's kind of a pain in some ways. I've got an Axim X30 and the only I/O slot is an SD slot.

I don't want to see integrated memory in one of these SD GPS devices. I want to see a memory card slot that lets me slot the full 1 or 2 GB in there. So I can use GPS, have my maps, and have my music.

[qtrade88]

Gentlemen,

Can anyone tell me where to get one of this toy?
Thank you.

[frankenbike]

Gentlemen,

Can anyone tell me where to get one of this toy?
Thank you.

It was just announced, so it doesn't appear to be available yet. Usually these announcements are a means to get vendor interest, so figure at least two weeks to a month, if it's already in production.