[OSM-talk] Alternate Bluetooth GPS to the NaviGPS

[Nick Burch]

Hi All

In the last couple of days, I've ended up showing my (non NaviGPS) 
bluetooth gps to a number of OSMers, all of who were keen on it, and many 
of who asked me to email the list about it. So, here goes!

I've got a BT74R, which is quite commonly sold in the UK as a Holox BT321 
(the Taiwanese company that makes it only sells to importers/resellers). 
You can find my review of it on the wiki:
     http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/index.php/GPS_Reviews#Holox
It's only 8 by 5 by 2 cm, and you can see a photo at:
     http://gagravarr.org/misc/holox_bt321.jpg

It's a small, light, cheap, bluetooth GPS with no display, and it's better 
at getting and holding a lock than a NaviGPS. (eg it'll work fine near a 
DLR train window, while a NaviGPS has to be held just right against the 
door, and even then only tracks about half time). Works great for cycling 
and driving, and is fairly good for town walking, except by lots of tall 
buildings.


If you want a GPS that shows you information, this GPS is no good. If you 
want a GPS that'll log on its own, it's no good. If you're happy to use a 
phone or laptop to log for you, want quicker fixes than a NaviGPS, want it 
to hold a lock when a NaviGPS won't but should do, then this is a good one 
to look at.


They normally sell on ebay for around 30-35 quid (inc p+p). However, 
someone seems to be selling them for 25 quid all in, but won't be 
delivering for a few weeks. Can't vouch for the seller, but worth looking 
at <http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZxrara1>, otherwise search on
(Holox,BT-74R,BT74R)

Nick