Archive for March 14th, 2006

Trimble Introduces Quadband GSM/GPRS Version of the TrimTrac Locator

Mar 14, 2006 , ,

Trimble introduced today its newest member of the TrimTrac™ locator product family. TrimTrac 1.5 locator is a small, lightweight asset-monitoring device that requires little, installation when used in its battery-powered configuration.

Hardware and setting options allow the device to be configured to meet a variety of demanding installation and operational requirements. Like the original TrimTrac locator, motion-based reporting continues to be an important tool in minimizing power consumption and recurring communication costs.

Trimble’s TrimTrac 1.5 locator, along with offerings from multiple location-based Application Service Providers (ASPs) that are compatible with the original TrimTrac locator, will be showcased at CeBIT, in Hanover, Germany.

Cost-effective, Universally Available Communications

The TrimTrac 1.5 locator supports all GSM frequencies (900/1800MHz and 850/1900 MHz) to take full advantage of cost-effective GPRS data rate plans and the near universal roaming capability of SMS text messaging. The TrimTrac 1.5 locator takes advantage of both technologies by automatically selecting GPRS wherever such service is available, while relying upon SMS text messages as backup when outside GPRS coverage. This helps minimize recurring communication costs while allowing the greatest coverage possible.

Hardware Options, Expanded Capabilities

A variety of hardware options are available to enhance the suitability of the TrimTrac 1.5 locator to particular application requirements. These options include optional plug-in modules plus a miniature external GPS antenna that allows for more discrete, protected installation of the TrimTrac 1.5 locator.

Two optional plug-in modules are offered: vehicle adapter and control modules. Both modules provide connection to external 9-32 VDC power to eliminate the need to change batteries and can monitor inputs of three different priority levels. The control module also provides two outputs that can be used to control other on-board devices or systems, such as door locks, immobilizers and remote start systems… press release

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The best GPS phones of CeBIT 2006

Mar 14, 2006 , , ,


At CeBIT 2006, GPS phones are finally making their debut en masse; some even get bonus points for strong business performance, and we’re here to tell you which ones caught our eye.

Mio Technology Mio A701

Blazing performance, good looks and a compact form factor; with the exception of the lack of one-handed navigation, the GPS-enabled Mio A701 makes for an excellent alternative for road warriors aiming to reduce the number of devices carried. Its high-resolution display switches effortlessly between portrait and landscape mode, while AGPS support enables accurate navigation in areas where satellite reception is poor. Bonus features include Windows Mobile 5.0, a 1.3 Megapixel camera and considerable amounts of memory. Due out this summer, €650 EUR. More…

BenQ-Siemens SXG75

The smallest and lightest GPS handset currrently available, the Linux-powered BenQ-Siemens’ SX75 presents a perfectly legible user interface on its 2.2-inch screen housed in a candybar form factor. Complete with 3G connectivity and a 2 Megapixel camera for video calling and still picture taking, it’s a well-rounded alternative for consumers looking for GPS but not willing to compromise on other features. Also sporting a stereo FM radio with RDS and RS-MMC memory expansion, the SXG75 is available now for €375 EUR. More…

Fujitsu Siemens Pocket LOOX T830

The Fujitsu Siemens’ Pocket LOOX T830 is an impressively compact yet connectivity-laden device which in addition to GPS also boasts 3G, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 and USB 1.1 as well as a row of business-oriented features including a decent thumbboard and a 2 Megapixel camera for video calling. Unfortunately, its display is not only of low resolution but also rather small at 2.4 inches, and as such does not lend itself well to GPS navigation in addition to being somewhat cramped for ordinary use. Due out this July, the device is expected to sell from €700 EUR and upwards. More…

BenQ-Siemens P51

Nearly identical to its P50 predecessor, the BenQ-Siemens P51 improves on the maker’s first proper business phone with features including Windows Mobile 5.0, built-in Wi-Fi 802.11b/g and even integrated GPS. Alas, despite these features and snappy performance, the device lacks support for 3G or even EDGE – but at least includes Bluetooth and a top-notch, 2.8-inch touch screen. Its thumbboard is also quite comfortable, but is difficult to use in daylight as its silkscreened keys offer virtually no contrast… via

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More details about new TMC module

Mar 14, 2006

Soon a TMC module will become available for the new GO’s. We’ve got the first photo’s and a few details about this add-on.

As announced last week at the CeBIT fair in Hannover, TomTom will offer the oportunity to TomTom GO 510, 710 and 910 owners to receive traffic information via TMC (Traffic Message Channel). For this an RDS/TMC antenna antenna needs to be purchased, which then should be connected to the mount of the new GO’s. Additional info about this antenna has become available today.

Operation
The TomTom RDS/TMC antenna receives TMC signals that are being transmitted by local or regional providers. When these signals are received, traffic info is decoded from them. Possible problems on the road are then shown on the right hand side of the GO screen, by means of icons. If one of those icons is tapped, additional info is shown about the cause and nature of the problem. The GO can then use this info to calculate the most optimal route… via

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Live pics of BenQ Siemens P51 from CeBIT 2006

Mar 14, 2006

A few months after marketing in Europe of PDAPhone with keyboard BenQ Siemens P50, it is from now on PDAPhone BenQ Siemens P51 which was revealed at the time of CeBIT of Hanover and which has the characteristic to integrate a receiver GPS.

PDAPhone BenQ Siemens P51 has same form Factor that P50 and has a screen TFT LCD QVGA of a size of 2.83 inches for 65 000 colors, an operating system Windows Mobile 5 MSFP, an integrated receiver GPS, a port for memory board SD/IO, a processor ARM 920T PXA 27x and a numerical camera of 1.3 Megapixels.

PDAPhone BenQ Siemens P51 lays out of more than one double connector industry Bluetooth and Wifi 802.11b/g in more than one port USB for synchronization of data between the apparatus of pocket and a PC. Integrating a keyboard QWERTY, P51 has a software of reading of numerical musics via formats MP3, AAC and AAC+ and has a its 3d… more on mobinaute in French.

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