GPS Bluetooth Receiver and Data Logger – Visiontac VGPS-900

on June 22nd, 2009

I recently purchased a GPS device Visiontac VGPS-900, which is a Bluetooth GPS Receiver and Data Logger. This is a unique GPS receiver with data logging functionality having more than 2 million waypoints (which is way over than 100 thousand waypionts in a conventional GPS data logger) and voice recorder.

This is extremely compact, snugly fits nice in your pocket along with your PDA or mobile or in a backpack (click on image to enlarge).

More of its unique features below:

# 51ch. MTK chipset with enhanced positioning system technology (up to 1.5m accuracy with DGPS support)
# MicroSD Slot with support up to 2GB capacity (about 25,000,000 waypoints, more than 2 years)
# “Voice-Tag” function with built-in microphone allows adding live voice labels to any waypoint
# Push-To-Log (POI anchor key) enables you highlighting a POI at any time
# Unique SPY mode allows continuous standby logging of more than one month
# Smart operating lights and prompt sounds
# Auto ON/OFF function with car cable
# Built-in high capacity battery for up to 24 hours of operation
# User-defined speed alarm
# Slim design with impact resistant polycarbonate and stainless steel
# Time Album software supports Windows, Mac and Linux
# Built-in Bluetooth supports SPP profile

The battery backup is splendid, which lasted for 20 hours of continuous logging for me against the 24 hrs as claimed by the manufacturer, nevertheless, 20 hrs is just fine, I think. An interesting feature is the unique spy mode, when enabled, logs the GPS data to the Micro SD card in a continuous standby mode for up to 30 days with single charge.

I have been using this for my daily commuting, workouts and long travels and can say I am most satisfied for the money spent. I use it along with Nokia Sports Tracker, GPSed, and Google Maps on my Nokia E65. The other advantage of this is it can be used as standalone as data logger without any additional device. It gives a good fix in open areas but takes little longer in shaded or indoors and some times it even took more than 5 minutes to get a fix after a cold start. There have been good reviews of this product and one I recommend if you are interested for an in-depth review is Kevin’s blog-shmog.com.

This product is also being sold as Columbus GPS-900 and can be purchased for a good discount on buygpsnow.com and semsons.com.