Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
An even smaller keychain GPS receiver
A while back I was awed and wrote about what I thought was a miniscule GPS receiver that fit on a keychain. Well, I just received an even smaller one from Proporta.com that is even more awesome.
The Freedom Keychain GPS 2000 comes in black with a rubberized coating, weighs 0.77 ounces, and measures 1.81 x 1.26 x 0.58 inches with a swivel detachable hook on one end. On one side is a slider power switch and a mini-USB port for charging.
In the box, you get a power charger for your car and a USB cable for charging from a computer. There is also a small printed user’s manual with instructions offered in ten languages.
Some of the important technical data are as follows:
· Bluetooth v 2.0
· 10 meter range
· MTK chipset
· 51 channels “all-in-view” tracking
· ARM7EJ-S processor
· Protocol: NMEA 0183/ V3.01, GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC
· Baud rate 115,200
· Frequency L1, 1,575.42 Mhz
· Tracking Sensitivity 158dBM
· WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS enabled
· P:osition deviation: 10 meters 90% 2D RMS 1-5 meters
· Velocity: 0.1 m/sec
· Cold/warm/hot start: 36/33/1 sec
· Rechargeable 350 mAh Lithium polymer battery
Operation is simple and straight forward. After charging the device, switch the power on and pair it with your GPS navigation device via Bluetooth using the normal procedure.
On the end opposite the keyring hole are a series of LED lights that glow blue for Bluetooth connection, orange for GPS, red for battery, and green for charging.
Once you are paired with a navigation device, you are good to go. This miniscule signal grabber is a powerful little fellow. You don’t even have to have it in plain view of the satellites in your windshield. You can keep it hooked to your ignition key while navigating, and it will receive the signal just fine. You can also put it in your pocket, backpack or purse.
I’m not certain how long the battery lasts. The longest I have used it so far was about four hours, and it was still going strong. It has a power feature that allows the device to go into hibernation mode when there is no activity from your handheld device, and the lights stop flashing. It will wake up instantly with any signal from your navigation device.
You are probably wondering how much this little guy costs, and the answer is $129.95. You can get one from www.proporta.com. Shipping is an extra $4.95, by the way.
If you do not already have GPS software for your pocket pal, I recommend OCN from buy www.buygpsnow.com, Co-Pilot 7 from www.alk,com, and Ostia from www.pharosgps.com. Be sure to get the version that comes on an SD card that will also accommodate micro and mini SD slots. Prices start at $79 for the navigation software.
With this powerful GPSer on your keychain, you will never have to ask for directions again, and you can be a real man.
Super Micro-Charger
It seems that Proporta’s products keep getting smaller. I just received an amazing little charger that is about a third smaller than the last one I reviewed from Proporta. But then it only has about half the storage capacity.
Proporta is now offering a Mobile Device Charger-Micro that will charge from any USB port. It will store up to 1700 mAh, which is enough power to gas up almost any portable device such as an MP3 player, camera, phone, GPS receivers and more. It does it amazingly quickly too.
It comes with an assortment of eight different adapter tips to fit the most commonly used formats. I have to insert one of my pet peeves here, which is the non-standardization of connectors. Why not just make a mini-USB connection standard so you can use the same cables for all devices? Anyway, if you don’t find the connector you need for your device, ask Proporta, they may be able to supply the one you need. You get one free one with your order to fit your particular device.
The Proporta USB Mobile Device charger Micro is not compatible with the Microsoft Zune, Asus Eee PC, Apple iPhone or Nokia N95 8GB. If you are looking for a charging solution for your Nokia N95 8GB or iPhone, please see our Proporta USB Mobile Device Charger (USB Rechargeable Battery), which is compatible.
At first I lamented that the kit did not come with a car charger or an AC charger. But, sifting through my mobile kit paraphernalia I found a car charge that you can plug a USB cable into. I also found an AC charger that you can plug a USB cable into as well. So, I am pretty much set up to charge this little puppy about just about anywhere.
It’s very simple to operate. It comes about 75% charged right out of the box so that you can start using it immediately. To charge it, just plug the USB cable into the in port and the other end into your computer. A series of blue lights flash to indicate charging and stay blue when fully charged. As the power in the unit decreases the blue lights diminish to indicate the power level.
To begin charging another unit with the mini-charger, select the appropriate adapter, connect the cable and push the power switch. As the power in the unit decreases the blue lights diminish to indicate the power level remaining.
In addition to the array of tips, it comes with a handy retractable cable, a USB cable with standard and mini tips and a nice nylon drawstring carrying bag.
You really should not leave home without one of these mini life-savers. You never know when you are going to run out of juice at a meeting, on a plane, or when your car is broken down. You’l l be glad you have this emergency backup supply to get you going again and again. Actually, it is supposed recharge the average device two and a half times.
To make this vital accessory part of your travel kit, go to http://www.proporta.com/search.php?q=mobile+survival+kit+micro.
It will set you back $44.95 plus $4.95 shipping. I deem this crisis-averter a must-have appurtenance and a prudent investment. I notice from the Website that you can add a car charger and AC charger as I mentioned above if you do not already have them. Unfortunately, the battery does not have enough hunk to recharge laptaps. For that, you will need Proporta’s portable laptop battery.
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