A Road Warrior's Best Friend - the Holux GR-230 Bluetooth GPS Receiver Reviewed

[Dave Potter]

Product Category: Hardware, GPS Receivers
Manufacturer: Holux
Where to Buy: Semson & Co.
Price: Regular price: $259.99 USD - Sale price: $149.99 USD
System Requirements: Windows, Mac OS 10.x, Linux, Pocket PC and Palm device with Bluetooth or USB host capability.
Specifications: Size: 77.9 × 56.9 × 22.8 mm, Weight: < 70g, Power: 9+ hour lithium-ion battery.

Pros:

• Compact and light weight;
  
• Easy to set-up and use;
  
• Includes car, universal AC and USB charging adaptors.

Cons:

• Inadequate documentation;
  
• Battery charging is somewhat slow.

Summary:
If you've been searching for an affordable Bluetooth GPS receiver that doesn't compromise performance, the Holux GR-230 Bluetooth GPS receiver might be just the solution you're looking for. Compact, attractive, light weight, and accurate the GR-230 has the goods to satisfy the Road Warrior in all of us.

Want to learn more? Read on!


What's Included
The GR-230 comes with everything you'll need to get up and running with a Bluetooth-enabled Pocket PC or laptop:

• GR-230 GPS unit;
  
• Resource CD ROM;
  
• Universal voltage AC charger;
  
• Car charger;
  
• Charging cable.

Of particular interest is the charging cable. To charge the GR-230's battery, simply connect one end of the cable to the GPS unit and the other end to one of three power sources - the AC charger, the car charger or any PC/laptop USB port.


Figure 1: No shortage of charging options.

Initially, I thought that this same cable served as the data cable when using the GR-230 as a GPS mouse via USB (with a non-Bluetooth-enabled laptop) - but I came to realize that this was not the case. After several unsuccessful attempts I gave up frustrated only to discover later that an additional USB data cable (optional) is required for this functionality. Chock this experience up to poor documentation on the part of Holux. The packing list didn't even mention the cable that came with the unit - let alone describe its function(s). An optional data cable was mentioned - but it wasn't clear whether they were referring to the included cable or another cable altogether.


Set-up
Setting up the GR-230 takes just a few minutes and consists of pairing the unit with your Pocket PC and/or Bluetooth-enabled laptop and then installing the GPS Viewer utility (one installation program installs both the PC and Pocket versions). Once this is done, launch GPS Viewer and configure the connection by selecting a baud rate and scanning for a com port. You are now ready to open the GPS connection and test things out.


Figure 2: GPS Viewer - Pocket PC version.

Another documentation gripe I had was the lack thereof on GPS Viewer. There was no explanation of the other options and buttons available.


Figure 3: GPS Status.

With all of the public whining and complaining about Bluetooth in general, and configuration difficulties - I should point out that the above procedure went off without a hitch with both my iPAQ 4150 and with my Dell D-400 Bluetooth-enabled laptop. Finally a Bluetooth success story!


And Away We Go!
(...queue Willy Nelson's "On the Road Again" :rotfl: )

I tested the GR-230 using iGuidance V2.0 (stay tuned for a review!) and with MS Streets and Trips 2004. The GR-230 performed consistently well with both applications. Start-up time and accuracy were both excellent and were consistent with competitive GPS units. Battery life was also excellent especially considering the unit's compact size and weight. The unit's rubber feet held tight to my dash alleviating my concerns about 'dashboard ice capades'. The units four colored LED display provided ample diagnostic feedback regarding GPS, Bluetooth and battery status. I particularly liked the simplicity of the one switch operation - just turn it on and place it on the dash. Also worth noting is the unit's water resistant exterior and the connector for an external antenna - both of which I imagine would prove useful for marine applications.

Conclusions
All in all, the Holux GR-230 Bluetooth GPS Receiver is a solid, well constructed piece of hardware that performs as it should - well. Its size and weight are ideally suited to the rigors of being a Road Warrior. Best of all it works with any Bluetooth capable Pocket PC or laptop. So, as your hardware changes (it's inevitable), your GPS doesn't become obsolete. Price vs. features vs. quality - the GR-230 performs extremely well.

[Dave Potter]

Product Category: Hardware, GPS Receivers
Manufacturer: Holux
Where to Buy: Semson & Co.
Price: Regular price: $259.99 USD - Sale price: $149.99 USD
System Requirements: Windows, Mac OS 10.x, Linux, Pocket PC and Palm device with Bluetooth or USB host capability.
Specifications: Size: 77.9 × 56.9 × 22.8 mm, Weight: < 70g, Power: 9+ hour lithium-ion battery.

Pros:

• Compact and light weight;
  
• Easy to set-up and use;
  
• Includes car, universal AC and USB charging adaptors.

Cons:

• Inadequate documentation;
  
• Battery charging is somewhat slow.

Summary:
If you've been searching for an affordable Bluetooth GPS receiver that doesn't compromise performance, the Holux GR-230 Bluetooth GPS receiver might be just the solution you're looking for. Compact, attractive, light weight, and accurate the GR-230 has the goods to satisfy the Road Warrior in all of us.

Want to learn more? Read on!


What's Included
The GR-230 comes with everything you'll need to get up and running with a Bluetooth-enabled Pocket PC or laptop:

• GR-230 GPS unit;
  
• Resource CD ROM;
  
• Universal voltage AC charger;
  
• Car charger;
  
• Charging cable.

Of particular interest is the charging cable. To charge the GR-230's battery, simply connect one end of the cable to the GPS unit and the other end to one of three power sources - the AC charger, the car charger or any PC/laptop USB port.


Figure 1: No shortage of charging options.

Initially, I thought that this same cable served as the data cable when using the GR-230 as a GPS mouse via USB (with a non-Bluetooth-enabled laptop) - but I came to realize that this was not the case. After several unsuccessful attempts I gave up frustrated only to discover later that an additional USB data cable (optional) is required for this functionality. Chock this experience up to poor documentation on the part of Holux. The packing list didn't even mention the cable that came with the unit - let alone describe its function(s). An optional data cable was mentioned - but it wasn't clear whether they were referring to the included cable or another cable altogether.


Set-up
Setting up the GR-230 takes just a few minutes and consists of pairing the unit with your Pocket PC and/or Bluetooth-enabled laptop and then installing the GPS Viewer utility (one installation program installs both the PC and Pocket versions). Once this is done, launch GPS Viewer and configure the connection by selecting a baud rate and scanning for a com port. You are now ready to open the GPS connection and test things out.


Figure 2: GPS Viewer - Pocket PC version.

Another documentation gripe I had was the lack thereof on GPS Viewer. There was no explanation of the other options and buttons available.


Figure 3: GPS Status.

With all of the public whining and complaining about Bluetooth in general, and configuration difficulties - I should point out that the above procedure went off without a hitch with both my iPAQ 4150 and with my Dell D-400 Bluetooth-enabled laptop. Finally a Bluetooth success story!


And Away We Go!
(...queue Willy Nelson's "On the Road Again" :rotfl: )

I tested the GR-230 using iGuidance V2.0 (stay tuned for a review!) and with MS Streets and Trips 2004. The GR-230 performed consistently well with both applications. Start-up time and accuracy were both excellent and were consistent with competitive GPS units. Battery life was also excellent especially considering the unit's compact size and weight. The unit's rubber feet held tight to my dash alleviating my concerns about 'dashboard ice capades'. The units four colored LED display provided ample diagnostic feedback regarding GPS, Bluetooth and battery status. I particularly liked the simplicity of the one switch operation - just turn it on and place it on the dash. Also worth noting is the unit's water resistant exterior and the connector for an external antenna - both of which I imagine would prove useful for marine applications.

Conclusions
All in all, the Holux GR-230 Bluetooth GPS Receiver is a solid, well constructed piece of hardware that performs as it should - well. Its size and weight are ideally suited to the rigors of being a Road Warrior. Best of all it works with any Bluetooth capable Pocket PC or laptop. So, as your hardware changes (it's inevitable), your GPS doesn't become obsolete. Price vs. features vs. quality - the GR-230 performs extremely well.

[yanathin]

Sounds like a great receiver... but does it come with software (such as TomTom) at all, or would I have to purchase that seperately?

[jmbneaf]

Nice Review Dave. I am thinking about getting one of these.

What type of USB DATA Cable does it use? is it a USB "A" (laptop port) to a (GPS port) USB "B" 4 pin mini or 5 pin mini ?? or is it :roll: proprietary?

I have a couple of these cables laying around and would hate to buy another one and have it already.

Thanks,

Jim

[Dave Potter]

Originally Posted by yanathin

Sounds like a great receiver... but does it come with software (such as TomTom) at all, or would I have to purchase that seperately?

Unfortunately, the receiver does not include navigation software. You would have to purchase it separately.
My review of iGuidance Version 2.0 should be posted soon - check it out. I highly recommend it!

[Dave Potter]

Originally Posted by jmbneaf

Nice Review Dave. I am thinking about getting one of these.

What type of USB DATA Cable does it use? is it a USB "A" (laptop port) to a (GPS port) USB "B" 4 pin mini or 5 pin mini ?? or is it :roll: proprietary?

I have a couple of these cables laying around and would hate to buy another one and have it already.

Thanks,

Jim

It uses a 5 pin USB "A" (laptop port) to a mini USB "B" (GPS port) cable. I am not sure if it is proprietary or not. Pin specs can be found here:

http://www.holux.com.tw/Temp%20web/d...0%20Spec-E.pdf

[Underwater Mike]

Dave,

Nice review. Also some additional rankings over at GPSPassion.com.

This unit was not really high on my list because of the lack of bundled software, but the sale price brings it closer to a decent value. My question is on the battery: I know that it's internal Li-I, but do you know whether the battery is replaceable once it stops holding a charge well?

Thanks.

[jmbneaf]

Originally Posted by Dave Potter

It uses a 5 pin USB "A" (laptop port) to a mini USB "B" (GPS port) cable. I am note sure if it is proprietary or not. Pin specs can be found here:

http://www.holux.com.tw/Temp%20web/d...0%20Spec-E.pdf

Dave,

Thanks. I already have a cable like that in hand.

-JB

[Dave Potter]

Originally Posted by Mike Donatello

My question is on the battery: I know that it's internal Li-I, but do you know whether the battery is replaceable once it stops holding a charge well?

The battery is not user replaceable, unfortunately.

[Underwater Mike]

Originally Posted by Dave Potter

The battery is not user replaceable, unfortunately.

Well, I guess that eliminates me worrying about how to explain the purchase to my wife! I am really reluctant to buy anything without a user-replaceable battery. :dilemma:

From the Holux FAQ:
How can I replace the battery for a GR-230 as its is not removable?
So far, we don't suggest user to change the battery since it has to replace form our side. Maybe you concern the battery have to replace, but please be mentioned GR-230 have 1 year warranty, we can replace battery without any charge for you within one year from you purchase it.

[EnderTheThird]

I ordered one of these on E-Bay for $129 shipped about 2 or 3 weeks ago. It works like a charm and I haven't had any problems. It saved me a ton of time last week while I was in Vegas with a rental car. Very nice receiver.