I'm Looking for a GPS Gadget...

[Jason Dunn]

<p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/ppct/auto/1233075304.usr1.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p>I'm looking for a particular type of GPS gadget, and I'd like some input from Pocket PC Thoughts readers. I saw one of our banner ads here for Radio Shack advertising a gadget from Bushnell called the <a href="http://www.bushnell.com/gps/gps_backtrack.cfm" target="_blank">BackTrack</a> (see? advertising can be helpful!). I did a bit of reading on it, and it seems to be the exact type of thing I'm looking for. When I was on vacation in Japan in early 2008, there was more than one occasion when I had trouble finding my way back to our back-alley rental condo at night. The funny thing is that I brought a TomTom GPS with me, assuming (yeah, exactly) that even without maps it would still do basic point A to point B guidance - and it did not. Talk about technology failing me! So I've on the hunt for a cheap, simple GPS device that will allow me to mark a geographical point then be able to find my way back there again. This Bushnell Backtrack looks like it will do the trick, and it's not too expensive at $79.95 CAD from an online store. Any other devices I should be considering?</p>

[JesterMania]

Nice find, actually I would like something like this too! It has SiRF Star 3 which is extremely nice and is "weather resistant". :D One thing I would research if I were you would be how long this thing lasts. It uses 2 AAA batteries so unless you buy rechargeable ones, wouldn't it be slightly troublesome? It would be nice if you found one with a replaceable Li-Ion which might make traveling and charging a little more convenient. I'm just suspicious how long these AAA batteries can power a GPS unit.

As an aside, if you are a Windows Mobile user going to Japan, you should have probably considered Super Mapple Digital (http://www.mapple.net/smd/). It's probably one of the best GPS softwares for Japan and has a native WM client.

[Brainiac 5]

The BackTrack does look interesting - do you know how big it is? I guess big enough to hold 2 AAA batteries, but I can't find any specific size information. I'm wondering how "pocketable" it is.

I know that Garmin has some lower-end hiking models that don't even have mapping capability - those would probably also fit what you're looking for. For instance, the eTrex H, which is $99.99 US.

[plasticbiker]

I do a lot of hiking and biking and when I'm in a new area, I use my Garmin GPS to map the trails that I'm on. The cool part to this is that you can track how far you've gone, view a map of your path, then download it to your computer.

Garmin GPS's also have a backtrack feature to them that will guide you along the same route you took, not just the direction back to where you started. This is especially handy when hiking because its generally frowned upon to make your own trails.

[jjhall]

My old Magellan 4000XL will do this, and those can be found used for under $40 (USD) now if you watch for them. Sometimes the latest gadgets fail to see the forest 'fore the trees and leave out basic functionality that should not be removed.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Um, won't a GPS phone do this, and with maps to boot? Mark the location as "Home", then from wherever you are just enable directions to "Home". Depending on the software, you can get walking directions even.

That said, I like the Garmin GPS devices a lot. Though they're quite a bit more expensive than the Bushnell, they offer a lot of functionality.

[Chris Gohlke]

I'd look at a low end Garmin etrex. You'll get a lot more functionality. I just looked on Amazon and the cheapest is about $100 but the backtrack is only $53. I'd say the difference is the backtrack is a one trick pony, but therefore has a very simple interface the Garmin will do what you like but will do lots of other things and have a bit of a learning curve.

[tankut]

Assuming you have a Windows Mobile w/ GPS, why not use one of the phletora of ` breadcrumbs` software?

NoniGPSPlot is a very good example, but there are many others with various degrees of user friendliness/ease of use and features.

[Brad Adrian]

...do you know how big it is?
I couldn't find any actual specifications, but if you look at the user's manual on the Bushnell site, you'll see a couple of photos showing its size relative to the hand holding it.

[Yahdie]

As an aside, if you are a Windows Mobile user going to Japan, you should have probably considered Super Mapple Digital (????????Super Mapple Digital ??????????????? (http://www.mapple.net/smd/)). It's probably one of the best GPS softwares for Japan and has a native WM client.

Trouble is, he may not have heard of Windows Mobile....

Joking aside,I know this is OT, but I get increasingly irritated when I read smartphone articles including a recent Wired roundup of 10 applications for GPS enabled Smartphones,WM devices and applications were completely ignored; despite that fact that the same or an equivelant app exists for almost every entry on the entire list.

[kerrins]

Um, won't a GPS phone do this, and with maps to boot? Mark the location as "Home", then from wherever you are just enable directions to "Home". Depending on the software, you can get walking directions even.

Any hints how to do this? I want to be able to tag a location when I park the car at Disneyland. I don't want to use something like breadcrumbs because that sounds like I would have to retrace my steps. I want to be able to tag a location as "parked", then later in the day get directions (back) to it no matter what my new location is.

[Jason Dunn]

Um, won't a GPS phone do this, and with maps to boot?

The problem are maps. Maps are expensive, and in the case of Japan for instance, I doubt I'll go back there again in my life. I actually tried getting maps for my TomTom GPS, and for an entire two-week period prior to my trip, TomTom's online store was down for maintenance, so I couldn't purchase anything. AUGH! Really frustrating. So I want something simpler than having to load up maps onto my device.

And if you're going to suggest a real-time map solution, data roaming is too expensive (not to mention my GSM phone didn't work in Japan of course!) and trying to get a local SIM and data package is more hassle than it's worth.

[Jason Dunn]

Assuming you have a Windows Mobile w/ GPS, why not use one of the phletora of ` breadcrumbs` software? NoniGPSPlot is a very good example, but there are many others with various degrees of user friendliness/ease of use and features.

That thought hadn't crossed my mind to be honest - I wasn't aware there were "breadcrumb" apps on the market, I assumed there were only the data-download type apps that I was already familiar with. Yet another problem with Windows Mobile not having a really great, centralized, organized app store.

NoniGPSPlot looks pretty basic, but I guess it would get the job done. Thanks, I'll take a look!

[mmidgley]

I have not used one of these 'breadcrumb' programs but it does make good sense to re-use (or rather make-use) of the device you are already carrying around, eh? Instead of buying more hardware (meaning another battery to remember to charge or buy), getting another software title for the ppc would work. I need to try one.

m.

[BevHoward]

Looking at this, would recommend almost any of the other low end handheld gps units such as the etrex previously mentioned.

While the Bushnell size is nice, the specs indicate only three "waypoints" which is very limited. It also looks like the information is limited to "direct line" from where you are to the point you want to return to.

All of the handhelds I have seen allow backtrack either by "breadcrumbs" but they also give a direct line heading and distance back as well which works in the parking lot.

"breadcrumbs" is valuable for things such as backtracking a trail where direct line might direct you across a canyon or lead you into a blind alley in the city.

Garmin also has a line of small, relatively inexpensive gps known as "Geko" which are primarily "backtrack" gps units without maps.

I've had a Magellan Explorist 500 (now discontinued) for several years and it has been a fantastic tool (after going through the steep learning curve...) was a costco special for under $200 including usa detail maps, small, rugged, weatherproof, long battery life with a huge number of capabilities plus it uses SD card storage which is a major consideration. Garmin has a number of units with similar in capabilities but much more expensive for comparable units, plus there are other handheld mfg's as well.

Back to the ppc apps... would assume that most allow you to "mark" your current position as a "poi" ...once you have done that, you can later select that poi and ask the app to give you directions to that point... it may want you to walk down an interstate, but, the display should give enough information to get you back.

Hope this is of value to someone,
Beverly Howard [MS MVP-Mobile Devices]

[j2inet]

Assuming you have a Windows Mobile w/ GPS, why not use one of the phletora of ` breadcrumbs` software?

NoniGPSPlot is a very good example, but there are many others with various degrees of user friendliness/ease of use and features.


I made a program on my phone that would point in the direction of a waypoint and indicate the distance. A shortcoming of the program is that if you are not moving it cannot determine in which direction you are facing. This is because GPS can only infer direction from position changes. This device includes a digital compass. The device knows how it is oriented and thus can always point you in the direction of your waypoint.

To date the only mobile phone of which I know with the proper hardware for implementing this functionality is the T-Mobile G1.

[leo.01]

i think it is good to have a GPS which are not from mobile device. what i mean is purely a GPS systems.

i do have one. 'Garmin' and i found out that the device is very userful to me when i was travelling, especially those place i dont even heard of it.

you guys can try one.

[Robertb]

i think it is good to have a GPS which are not from mobile device. what i mean is purely a GPS systems.

i do have one. 'Garmin' and i found out that the device is very userful to me when i was travelling, especially those place i dont even heard of it.

you guys can try one.

To all:

I use to sell special pre-loaded SD cards for GPS and I found the best way to really get a feel for what is out there is a Hunting and Fishing and Hiking expo or trade show near you. Every Summer there are hundreds of them. Go to the Gamin or Lowrance website. They normally post all the events and shows they will be doing. Go to one of those events and touch and feel and try their devices and get their expert help to zero in on exactly what you need. Target also carries a fair line of Hiking GPS units.