A New Standard of Performance - the i.Trek M5+ Bluetooth GPS Receiver

[Doug Raeburn]

<img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/raeburn-sept07-iTrekM5-00.jpg" /> <br /><br />I had a chance to try the <a href="http://www.semsons.com/im5blgpsre32.html"><b>i.Trek M5+ Bluetooth GPS receiver</b></a> during my recent review of <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/articles.php?action=expand,56877"><b>iGuidance</b></a>. This receiver is the latest state-of-the-art design in that it's equipped with an MTK chipset. This makes it one of the most sensitive GPS receivers available, as well as one of the most power efficient. <br /> <!> <br />For example, initial acquisition of satellites (warm start) took 20-30 seconds, and reacquisition of satellites after a stop was nearly instantaneous. Whenever I checked during use, the M5+ was connected to at least 10 satellites (it can connect to 32 satellites simultaneously) and it maintained its satellite connections at all times. Its ability to use <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WAAS"><b>WAAS</b></a> and other ground based augmentation systems makes its positioning extremely accurate, with an error of &lt; 3 meters.<br /><br />Another advantage of the MTK chipset in the M5+ is low power usage. I didn't take any trips long enough to drain a fully charged set of batteries, but the unit was going strong after 12 hours. To minimize power use, the M5+ automatically goes into sleep mode when no signal from a paired device (such as a Pocket PC) is detected, and it will automatically wake up when a signal is available. In case you do run out of juice on a long trip, it comes with a car charger and has a user replaceable battery, so you can carry a spare if you wish. A mini-USB based AC charger is also included.<br /><br />2 or 3 years ago, top performing BT GPS units were in the price range of $150+ USD. The M5+ outperforms any of those units and it retails for $99.95 USD. Semsons sweetens the deal with a current sale price of $59.95 USD, including a free windshield mount. It's a great deal if you're looking for your first BT GPS receiver and with its superb performance, it's a compelling upgrade from a 2 year old or older BT GPS receiver, especially at this price. Bundles with navigation software packages are also available.<br /><br /><i>Doug Raeburn is a data architect specializing in data warehouse design. He lives in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, USA.</i>

[indiekiduk]

Weird, I had read on GPS Passion forums that the people who have tried the MTK chipset had found its not even on par with Sirf III.

[Doug Raeburn]

Well, all I can tell you is what I saw. I have 2 Sirf III units of my own and the M5+ beat the pants off of both of them. And both of the Sirf III units provide typical performance for that chipset.

To get a second opinion, I lent the M5+ to a friend of mine who also owns a Sirf III BT unit, and he came back equally impressed, saying that M5+ handily outperformed his Sirf III unit.

So I don't know what you're seeing on the GPS Passion forums, but I guess I'm having lots more success with this chipset than they are.

[timware]

I think the point as that gpspassion takes a very analytical approach to testing. Chipsets tend to excel in certain areas and leave much to be desired in others. What makes gpspassion's (and forum users) testing/info so good is that they tend to look at a variety of applications, such as the use of static navigation. Walking... Driving... Foliage, Urban environments. There is rarely a "beats the pants off" winner. But rather you're able to figure out if a new technology is suited to your use.

enjoy
http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=81990

Personally, I think the MTK is a big winner because it has brought these BT GPS units down to such a great price. Competition can be a great thing. I'm going to stick with my Sirf3 units for now, but I will definitely tell others that ask me to consider the M5+ and other MTKs.