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 This is a relatively new type of GPS receiver that we are just starting to test. There
are several companies that make them, and they are all very similar to one another. Pictured here is a typical model, this one from Socket Inc. (click here for specs).
The main unit has an integrated antenna and GPS receiver. It transmits the data via Bluetooth (click here for an introduction to Bluetooth), which is a popular radio
based protocol used to connect various devices together in what is called a personal area network. Many laptops and PDAs now come standard with
integrated Bluetooth and there are many ways to upgrade older ones to support Bluetooth devices.
There are a few advantages to a Bluetooth GPS receiver, but not necessarily for our application. Since there are no cables, you can put the receiver wherever it is
most convenient. That is great for hiking or navigating in a car, but for GPS2LT or GPS2PDA you still probably want the
GPS antenna on the roof. You probably don’t want the Bluetooth receiver up there; it may have trouble communicating with the laptop or PDA through the roof. You could use an external antenna (the Socket model shown here has an external
antenna jack) or you could use a reradiator.
These receivers are also very expensive right now (generally over $300 each) although that should change fairly quickly. That is a high premium to pay for dubious advantages.
We have a couple of these Bluetooth GPS receivers but have not finished our testing. When we are done we will post our results here.
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