10-10-2007, 03:59 PM
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Review Coordinator Emeritus
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 451
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A New Standard of Performance - the i.Trek M5+ Bluetooth GPS Receiver
I had a chance to try the i.Trek M5+ Bluetooth GPS receiver during my recent review of iGuidance. 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.
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 WAAS and other ground based augmentation systems makes its positioning extremely accurate, with an error of < 3 meters.
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.
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.
Doug Raeburn is a data architect specializing in data warehouse design. He lives in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
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10-11-2007, 12:10 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 53
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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.
__________________
WiFiFoFum Pocket PC Wardrivingwww.Aspecto-Software.com
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10-11-2007, 12:21 PM
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Review Coordinator Emeritus
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 451
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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.
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10-20-2007, 04:54 AM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 6
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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/t...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.
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