Like most 8120 owners, I love my WIFI, but I was bummed at not having GPS like the 8110. GPS is a big deal since I like to travel. But I’ve noticed that most receivers can be bulky and remembering to grab it can be rather cumbersome. So when the opportunity came up to review a GPS receiver, I jumped at the chance.
The receiver I had the pleasure of reviewing is the Freedom Keychain GPS 2000 manufactured by Freedom Input Ltd. The smallest of receivers that I’ve seen so far which weighs in at a mere .77oz (22g). This neat little receiver is a keychain that allows you to take it where ever you go.
The GPS has the ability to run for 9 hours on a full charge. And if there is no activity, lets say you restart your BlackBerry or turn off the Bluetooth, the GPS will automatically shut off, saving the battery. If you have drained the battery, it will show you a red LED telling you it needs to be recharged. In which case, you can recharge in the car with the car adapter or on your computer with the USB cord. I absolutely had no problem charging it while driving. After the initial charge, it paired to my BlackBerry within seconds and I was up and running using Google Maps to track my location.
NOTE: The Freedom Keychain GPS 2000 does not come with any type of mapping software but is compatible with a long list of map software including BlackBerry Maps, MapQuest and Google Maps.
It’s a tad expensive as far as receivers go, but I have yet to see another keychain-type hit the market. I can guarantee this is one GPS that you’ll never leave behind.
Price: $74.95 in the BerryReview Store.
Technical Data:
Bluetooth MTK 6601 Bluetooth V.2.0, Class II
10 meters range
SPP: Serial Port Profile
GPS Specification
Chipset: MTK
Channels: 51 channels – All-In-View Tracking
Processor Built-in: ARM7TDMI
Protocol: NMEA 0183/V3.01 GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC, and RTCM
Baud Rate: 57,600 to 115,200 depending on mobile
Frequency: L1, 1,575.42 Mhz
Tracking Sensitivity: -158dBM
WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS Enabled
Position deviation: 10 meters 90% 2D RMS 1-5 meters
Velocity: 0,1 m/sec
Cold/Warm/Hot Start: 36/33/1 sec.
Battery: Rechargeable 350mAh, Lithium Polymer
Storage temperature: -20C +60C
Working temperature: -10C +60C
Air humidity: 5-90%
Antenna type: internal ceramic patch antenna
Size: 46 x 32 x 14.7 mm / 1.81 x 1.26 x 0.58 inches
Weight: 22g / 0.77 oz.
Summer ( View Profile) - Posts: