DeLorme Earthmate --- A GPS Solution Designed From The Ground Up!

By , posted Sunday, Oct. 10th, 2004
Reader Comments: 5

Form --- Function --- Fantastic!

You want a GPS that will function with your Bluetooth enabled iPAQ and a non-bluetooth laptop. There are a variety of choices out there, so what GPS device do you get? DeLorme has designed a device that has form, function and is utterly fantastic!

The new Earthmate GPS Receiver coupled with DeLorme's Bluetooth Wireless Earthmate GPS PowerPack gives the iPAQ user the ability to use the Bluetooth capability of their device as well as the ability to use their non-bluetooth laptop with a USB cable. DeLorme's Earthmate works so well that you might even decide to add a Bluetooth adapter to your laptop.

I was really impressed when I opened the package from Delorme. It is hard to believe that so much can be done with a device that is so small. About the size of a pocket watch and twice as thick, this device has the ability to guide you flawlessly wherever you want to go. If you choose to go wireless, the Bluetooth PowerPack can provide power to the GPS for use with your Pocket PC. What is really neat about the PowerPack is that two sources, a rechargeable battery or 4 AAA batteries can power it while you are on the road. This is a great feature if you are going to be away for several days without the ability to recharge your PowerPack. You just have to slip in 4 AAA batteries and you are good to go. DeLorme really gave some thought into providing multiple power sources…you always have a backup (as long as you keep a box of AAA batteries handy)!

Attaching the GPS unit to the PowerPack is quick and easy. They do have a different way of attaching it but it is designed so the GPS can't mistakenly fall off. It is a very slick unit. An on/off switch, AC/DC power connection and the USB connection are all located in an easily accessible location in the front of the PowerPack. It is a well thought out design making it very easy for the user to get connected.

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...and good thoughts they were Dan!

I use my BlueLogger constantly but it may not be the solution for all which is why I wanted to try the Earthmate. For a GPS solution, the Earthmate met every expectation. If you don't have Bluetooth on your PC, then it is a perfect solution.

Posted by Jack Cook, Tuesday, Oct. 12th, 2004

One huge advantage of the BlueLogger is that you can track where you've been without having to have the PDA or laptop turned on and running the app all the time, just to log a track. Just turn the BL on, throw it in the top of a backpack, or dash and take off. When you want to find out where you are, just pull out your PDA or laptop, and you'll get an almost instant connection because it already has a fix. Check your position and whatever else you need to do, and then turn the PDA or laptop off to save the battery, all the while the BL is still logging for you. I'm pretty sure DeLorme is also working on a PDA version of the BlueLogger Manager software, so you will be able to upload the track from the BL directly to your PDA and see where you've been, and us it to get back.

I actually favor it over my BT PowerPack when using it in the car or RV. Whenever I need to stop, the PDA goes with me, so I have to cut the GPS connection. With the BL, just stop the app, take off, then when you come back just hook up again. The log will now show how long you stopped to, without having to look at two or more logs.

Just some thoughts....Dan

Posted by Dan Lawyer, Tuesday, Oct. 12th, 2004

Thanks for the nice comments guys...I appreciate it!

These unit are really two distinct units. The Earthmate is strictly a GPS solution where as the BlueLogger not only serves as a GPS but has the ability to log where you are and where you go without having an iPAQ with you. At a later point in time, you can download the "points" onto your iPAQ or PC and view it on a map.

The BlueLogger is strictly Bluetooth so you need to have Bluetooth capability not only on your iPAQ but on you PC as well.

You can't go wrong with either...it depends on your needs. I have been using both and am really pleased with their capabilities.

Posted by Jack Cook, Tuesday, Oct. 12th, 2004

Excellent review! I'm still readily considering a GPS solution Jack, but now I'm torn between the Earthmate GPS unit you previewed here and the Blue Logger that I was considering previously.

Under which situations is the Blue Logger a better choice? Or the EarthMate GPS?

Posted by , Tuesday, Oct. 12th, 2004

Great review Jack. This unit looks like it has some great enhancements over previous units. Wish my GPS could do some of the things this unit can do.

Reidan

Posted by Reidan, Sunday, Oct. 10th, 2004

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