Bluetooth (short range, radio frequency communication standard for wireless connectivity) has quickly become a standard for device connectivity. By using a Bluetooth compatible device, you can wirelessly connect to a wide range of other devices including mobile phones, headphones, speakers, modems, access points, GPS, PDA, keyboards, laptop and desktop computers, etc. One of the newest devices to become Bluetooth compatible is GPS (Global Positioning Satellite).



GPS relies on a series of satellites that circle the earth and allow GPS devices to triangulate its location on the earth. The system, created by the U.S. Military and paid for by the U.S. taxpayers, can allow anyone with the appropriate hardware and software to plot their position on a map. With a set of maps and navigation software, the system will even give you directions to reach a location defined in the map database. Maps are available for most parts of the world. The first thing you need is the GPS hardware for your PocketPC.

Pharos makes a wide range of GPS solutions for almost every PocketPC on the market. While they have a number of choices for how the GPS connects to your PocketPC, let’s focus on the Bluetooth model. By using Bluetooth, your PocketPC can connect wirelessly to the GPS receiver. Many PocketPC have Bluetooth built-in. If you have a PocketPC that does not have Bluetooth built-in, you can add it by using a CompactFlash or SD Bluetooth adapter.

The Pharos Pocket GPS Navigator with Bluetooth contains everything you will need to have GPS and Mobile Navigation on your Bluetooth compatible PocketPC. The PT200 kit contains the GPS Antenna Module, Bluetooth Cradle, Rechargeable Battery, AC Adapter, Navigation Software, Maps for the US or Canada, PDA Car Charger, Vent Mount PDA Holder for the Car, Friction Mounting Pad for the Bluetooth, and a convenient Carrying Case.

If you do not need the software, maps, or extra accessories, the PT100 kit is available which contains the GPS Antenna, Bluetooth Cradle, Rechargeable Battery, and AC Adapter.

The installation is easy. Simply charge the battery on the Bluetooth Cradle and install the software on your PocketPC. You can select only the maps you need for you local area in order to save storage space. Additional maps can be loaded at any time from the CD. Turn on the Bluetooth Cradle, a blue light indicates communication with a connected device, and activate the Bluetooth communications on your PocketPC. The first time your use your Bluetooth GPS, you will need to “discover” and “pair” the two devices. This only needs to be done once. Once the GPS receiver has “acquired” a signal from at least 4 satellites, you are ready to go. The acquisition speed and performance of the Pharos Bluetooth GPS is extremely fast. It is the fastest GPS I have ever used. The software has a wide range of features and provides everything you need for door-to-door navigation with voice prompting. Voice prompts give you step-by-step directions while the display map shows your current location, route, and text instructions.

The latest version of software from Pharos will add some new features such as:

Multiple-stop routing will help you plan and optimize your entire schedule

New navigation screen views including graphical map, directional arrow, arrow/map split screen and text views

Recall up to 11 recent destinations with one-click

Save your favorite addresses and destinations for easy navigation

Select between miles or kilometers

Easy zoom in - zoom out function on the menu bar

Select between day and night mode

New map version 4.0.

The latest software will be included in the PT200 package. If you need to upgrade your software, you can contact Pharos. The Pharos software is easy to use and offers a complete set of features.

Using the Pharos software is easy. There are lots of options and features that allow you to customize the experience to your particular needs. Let’s just cover the basics. Start the program and select your GPS receiver and initialize. Then load the appropriate map for your area.

From the Find menu, you can select your origin point or simply choose the GPS location. Then choose the destination. There are different ways to specify a destination, but the basic way is to enter an address. Once the software finds the desired address, you can select a new route. The software will then calculate the directions to take you to the destination. Voice prompts will then give you step-by-step directions as you drive. If you miss a turn, the software will automatically re-calculate the directions and notify you of the error. It will then give you new directions from your current location.

The map will continually update and show your current location as you drive. If the GPS loses track of the satellites, such as when you enter a tunnel, the software will inform you that it has lost the signal and will “re-acquire” the signal and continue as soon as the satellites are available. GPS requires a clear line-of-sight to the satellites. So any tunnel, buildings, trees, or obstructions will prevent you from receiving a clear GPS signal. When you arrive at your destination, the software will announce your arrival and discontinue the voice prompts.

An additional subscription service called Smart Navigator is available from Pharos. Using Smart Navigator with a PocketPC equipped with GPS and a wireless communication link (wireless networking or wireless modem communication such as PocketPC Phone Edition, WiFi, or GPRS), the GPS navigation will also be able to provide real-time traffic data and local information such as restaurants, gas stations, etc. Traffic jams and trouble spots will be shown on the map display allowing you to navigate around the difficulty. Check the Pharos web site for additional information.

Two options which really enhance the flexability of the Pharos system are the CompactFlash Adapter and the Power Kit. Pharos has designed their latest products to use a detachable GPS Antenna Module. With the CompactFlash Adapter, you can remove the module from the Bluetooth Cradle and connect it to the CompactFlash Adapter to give yourself a portable GPS system for hiking or traveling away from the Bluetooth Cradle. An extension cable is included so that you can extend the GPS Antenna away from the PocketPC, such as having the GPS Antenna in the window of your car while holding the PocketPC. The Power Kit gives you an extra battery for the Bluetooth Cradle, Recharging Base, and Cable to connect to the AC Adapter or In-Car Adapter. This will allow you to always have a spare battery for the Bluetooth Cradle.

The Pharos Bluetooth GPS system is easy to use, has a very flexible design, and contains everything you need to add Car Navigation and GPS capability to your Bluetooth PocketPC. The addition of the Friction Mounting Pad, so the Bluetooth Cradle does not slide off your dashboard, shows how well thought out the total package is for real-world use. The price may seem a little high, but I have found that the Pharos system is one of the most complete and least expensive Bluetooth GPS systems on the market. I have used a Pharos GPS product for almost 2 years now and I never drive anywhere without it. I even take it with me whenever I travel. The comfort of knowing that I will not get lost allows me to enjoy my driving, whether at home or in a city I have never been to. GPS Navigation is one of the best uses for your PocketPC and Pharos is one of the best GPS systems you can buy.

Pros
Easy to use
Light weight
Coolness factor
Fast Performance
Software and Maps
Extremely flexible design

Cons
Expensive, but very price competitive
Rating: 9.5 out of 10 Stars.


Harvey Lee
--Technology Editor

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Product: Pocket GPS Navigator with Bluetooth
Manufacturer: Pharos Science and Applications
Web Site: www.pharosgps.com
Category: PocketPC / Hardware
Price: PT200 with US Maps - $369.95
PT200 with Canada Maps - $369.95
PT100 - $329.95
Optional CompactFlash Adapter and Extension Cable - $69.95
Optional Power Kit for Bluetooth GPS - $49.95
Supported Devices: Pocket PC 2000, 2002, or Windows Mobile 2003