Review: Freedom Keychain GPS SiRF III Receiver
Score:
85%
Buy Link | Download / Information Link
"It works!". Hang on, that's a bit short; let's try that again.
"It works very well!"
Still a bit brief. Lets check what Steve wanted: "Anyone willing to do a 300
word review of the Freedom Mini GPS".
Could be tricky, the problem is its very hard to write a detailed review about an item that basically is a small matchbox size block of plastic with a LED, mini USB port and a switch and does what it says on the box.
Anyway, in the package you get the GPS unit itself, a USB to miniUSB charging cable and a car power supply to miniUSB charger. You also get a ring to allow you to attach the receiver to your keyring and a brief instruction leaflet. There is no mains charger, which may be a problem if travelling without a car or a handy PC.
There is only one switch on the device and connecting it to my Nokia E61 was as simple as switching on Bluetooth and searching for the device. Then, via Nokia maps, you just have to tell it what Bluetooth device the GPS unit is and that's it!
This is the first time I've used a portable GPS device - it took a couple of minutes to get a satellite fix, which is about what I was expecting. Reception seemed good. I had no problems using it from a train, so I imagine it will also work fine in a car. I have even managed to get reception inside a few buildings. It works fine with the reciever in your pocket and your phone in your hand.
One thing that confused me was that I'd left my phone switched on for a while without looking at it so my keypad lock had become activated. Upon unlocking my phone, Nokia Maps showed my position as where I was when the lock was activated and it did not update. Upon checking the GPS I had lost the orange light that signifies that it has found or is looking for satellites. I initially thought the battery was flat but I think its some sort of power saving mode. If you switch the GPS unit off and on then it wakes up and remembers the satellites it found, so immediately resumes giving your current position.
This power saving mode makes it a bit hard to give an accurate estimate of how long the battery will last but I suspect it is good for a couple of hours continuous use. Which is probably enough for most purposes, remembering that for long car journeys you can use the supplied car power lead.
The fact that you can keep it on your keyring means that it should always be with you and is probably nearly as good as having GPS built into your phone. Of course, it does not have assisted GPS but the reception seems more reliable than my friend's Nokia N95. I think the main problem will be: although I'm likely to have the GPS receiver on me, will it be charged up when I want to use it?
The Mini GPS is definitely a very useful addition to my E61 and its smallness is a big plus point. I can also find very little wrong with it.
Oh blast! That's over 500 words, Steve. Sorry.
Andy Langdon, AllAboutSymbian, 8th January 2008
Reviewed by Andy Langdon at