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View Full Version : Need Some Internet with your GPS?


Pat Logsdon
04-28-2004, 08:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.gpspassion.com/fr/news.asp?id=296' target='_blank'>http://www.gpspassion.com/fr/news.asp?id=296</a><br /><br /></div>If you answered "Heck, yes!", GlobalSat has got a deal for you! GpsPassion announced that GlobalSat is launching the BT-318 GPS/GPRS receiver. "The BT-318 builds on the [previous generation] BT-308 with a more powerful and now removable battery, but the novelty is the optional Bluetooth GPRS modem cradle. This will be of immediate interest to future users of the internet based TomTom Traffic solution...another potential feature for this type of device would be an integrated tracking solution leveraging the presence of both GPS and GPRS modules."<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20040428_gpsgprs.jpg" /> <br /><br />I use my T610 as a BT modem for GPRS data, but I can see how this would be a great solution for people who don't have (or don't want) a cell phone. If you don't want to wait for <a href="http://www.tomtom.com/news/news.php?News=155&amp;Language=1">TomTom's Traffic</a> or don't want to use <a href="http://www.pharosgps.com/products/services/smarttraffic.htm">Pharos' solution</a>, you can always use the GPRS connection to access the free TANN (Travel Advisory News Network) <a href="http://traffic.tann.net/indexppc.htm">PDA page</a>, which is available in 11 U.S. locations. 8)

xyberfish
04-28-2004, 09:58 PM
now,The question is when and how much is going to be available in the US?

Pat Logsdon
04-28-2004, 10:32 PM
Good question! Unfortunately, I don't have any answers. This device was shown at CeBIT, but GlobalSat's site (http://www.globalsat.com.tw/english/profile.htm) doesn't mention it. It might be another few months before we see these things starting to trickle out of Taiwan.

SeanH
04-28-2004, 11:36 PM
I am not sure this is a good combination. If the only purpose would be to use your PDA in the car for Navigation and GPRS (Internet access) for traffic updates over then net this is good device. If you want to use your PDA for internet access every were you traveled you would a have to carry the PDA and this GPS GPRS (Internet access) device. In addition most people carry a phone with them or a phone PDA combo. It makes a lot more sense to get a phone with Bluetooth and GPRS (Internet access) to communicate with the PDA and a Bluetooth GPS for Navigation in the car. You can also use the phone for Internet access using GPRS (Internet access) over Bluetooth to a laptop anywhere you travel. Or a better/bigger option is a PDA/Phone with GPRS (Internet access) and a Bluetooth GPS for Navigation.

These are a few pics of my Bluetooth phone with GPRS/EDGE (Internet access)

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=26729&start=30

I currently do not have a PDA with Bluetooth. I am still waiting for one with

Microsoft PocketPC SE
An Intel CPU XScale CPU running at 520MHz
128MB RAM
64MB ROM
VGA 480x640 3.5” or 4.0” Display
WiFi
Bluetooth
1 SDIO slot no CF (CF makes a PDA to large)
And a form factor close to the iPAQ 4150

Then I will buy a Bluetooth GPS and have all the functionality of the GlobalSat BT-318 GPS/GPRS receiver with that new PDA and my cell phone that this is always in my pocket.

Sean

nosmohtac
04-28-2004, 11:40 PM
Do I understand this post Correctly ?
with this GPS,Icould use it to guide me, as well as go on line ? if that's Correct, I Would Imagine that I would
need to have GPRS service From a Carrier Such as TMobile

SeanH
04-28-2004, 11:56 PM
with this GPS,Icould use it to guide me, as well as go on line ? if that's Correct, I Would Imagine that I would
need to have GPRS service From a Carrier Such as TMobile
That is correct. In the US the GPRS providers are T-Mobile, AT&T and Cingular. AT&T and Cigular are one now.

Sean

nosmohtac
04-29-2004, 02:26 AM
That would be awesome, except that I live about 250 miles from the nearest GSM carrier. There is a local carrier that provides local GSM Coverage, but I don't think they have a data plan, and their coverage area is very limited.

gpspassion
04-29-2004, 11:44 AM
Just to update you guys, I have received the test sample and it's just like in the picture ;-) It doesnt' have the classic "dial-up" BT profile, so I"m going to need to work on setting up.

One of the reasons you would want this is that for now I have yet to see a CLASS A phone (http://www.gsmworld.com/technology/gprs/class.shtml) (an old Motorola 280 possibly) so you can't have simultaneous GSM/GPRS connections with a phone. I use that PocketPC/Phone combination on the road all the time and believe me it's annoying to get a call when you're downloading email!