An Easy, Portable GPS Solution for Non-Tilt Owners

[Chuong Nguyen]

Since I've had a Tilt, I've been spoiled by GPS navigation. However, Freedom Input (http://www.freedominput.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=96&Itemid=81), makers of the Freedom Mini GPS Keychain, sent me a portable Bluetooth GPS solution and I wanted to put the device through its paces as not everyone has a smartphone with built-in GPS.

What really sets the Freedom Mini apart from other GPS solutions is its small size. Measuring in at 2 X 1.50 X 0.75 inches, the unit is about the size of a car alarm remote and fits nicely onto a keyring. At first glance, I was skeptical about the device's performance because of the small package. I had used the Globalsat 359 (http://pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=reviews&id=871) unit before, and the Freedom is a bit thicker, but much smaller.

In testing, I was surprised at the Freedom's performance. The GPS locked onto satellites quicker than my Globalsat and performed equally as well with its SiRF Star III chipset. Warm and cold start times beat out the Globalsat anywhere from a few seconds to a good ten seconds. I don't know if my Globalsat unit was slow, but a cold start on the Globalsat took a good few minutes near a window. The Freedom did it in well under a minute--about forty seconds (non-scientific testing).

The Freedom unit had no problems pairing with my Treo 750 or the AT&T 8525, although it should be compatible with a full range of Bluetooth-compatible Palm and Windows Mobile devices as well as OS X, XP, and Vista computers running GPS software. The device came with a USB cable, car charger, a keyring, and the GPS itself; no software was included. I used the Freedom Mini with both TomTom and TeleNav.

Freedom truly made GPS easy. For me, it seems less of a struggle than the Globalsat as the Globalsat would sometimes lose reception and tune right back in whereas I had no glitches with the Freedom Mini. Had I tried and experienced the simplicity of the Freedom Mini unit prior to purchasing my AT&T Tilt, I would probably stay with a two-piece solution as it was just that much of a joy to use and take on the road.

Before you dump your non-Bluetooth-integrated device in favor of a built-in solution, I would suggest evaluating what your needs are. The Freedom is an inexpensive add-on at $99 and offers just about the same ease of use as a built-in solution. It's small enough to go everywhere with you and considering that it can sit on your keyring it will most likely go everywhere. Moreover, the 9+ hours of battery life will keep you going on long trips; I got about 9.5 hours of use.

I talked to the folks at Freedom and they will be offering new products in their roadmap in the near future. I can't imagine what they will think of next as the Freedom Mini is just about as perfect as they come.

[masa]

Hello

i bought the same the last week, but i just begint to use it 2 days ago.
Firts impression, very smal and easy to pari with my touch;
Tomtom find the gps freedom key quicly.

I will try know with to way in the forest.

j@ne
cedric

[Brandon Miniman]

This product is a really good idea. Not only do you not have to fumble with a hockey-puck GPS in the car, but if you're on foot and have your keychain in your pocket, you have GPS!

[masa]

In 3 hours, i will try with tomtom and my touch. Normally i've 45 mn to go to my destination.
i will hope it use the same way than me because i don't go by expressway ;)

j@ne
cedric

[Rainman]

That's a pretty good find Chuong. My dad would absolutely love something like this since he likes to keep things on his keychain. But he has a Holux 236 receiver right now. I do have one questions though. Is the battery user replaceable? I assume it is, but one can never tell. :D

[Chuong Nguyen]

The battery isn't user-replaceable to my knowledge. There are small screws on the back of the device that you can tinker with, if you like.

This is a great product. Although my Globalsat unit was small, I never remember to bring it with me when I am in a friend's car until we get lost. Since this is on a keychain, and I always have my keys with me along with my smartphone, I will always have GPS.

I absolutely love this thing and will get one for one of my bosses for Christmas.

[Chuong Nguyen]

This product is a really good idea. Not only do you not have to fumble with a hockey-puck GPS in the car, but if you're on foot and have your keychain in your pocket, you have GPS!

I completely agree! For the last week and a half before I got my Tilt, I had attached a string to the lanyard loop on the Globalsat and tied it to my keychain. Too bad Freedom thought of this clever idea before I did!

[Rainman]

The battery isn't user-replaceable to my knowledge. There are small screws on the back of the device that you can tinker with, if you like.

This is a great product. Although my Globalsat unit was small, I never remember to bring it with me when I am in a friend's car until we get lost. Since this is on a keychain, and I always have my keys with me along with my smartphone, I will always have GPS.

I absolutely love this thing and will get one for one of my bosses for Christmas.

That's too bad you can't replace the battery. It still amazes me that there are still some devices out there that do not let you replace the battery on your own. But it's still a very cool GPS unit.

[masa]

Yesterday i tryied it during 2 hours with a car.
I put GPS in the trunk to test the sensitivity of receipt.
100% reception during ant road. And about battery i didn't charge it yet. Same when i received it, the battery was already charged.

Very good product ;)

j@ne
cedric

[aGaPe]

Oh, i reckon your GPS posting totally spared me some major dough & time trying them all! Am looking forward to getting one soon & with these awesome positive comments/reviews on the Freedom unit, really got me sold on it! =)