Pharos iGPS-500

We got a chance to peep Pharos's new iGPS-500 a couple of weeks ago (before we even really knew what it actually was), but today it's officially getting announced alongside Microsoft's big UMPC push at CeBIT as the GPS receiver to complement that mini tablet of yours. Basically it's a super tiny SiRFstar III-based modular GPS device that can connect either via Bluetooth (shown left), or SDIO / CF / PCMCIA adapter (right, sans PC card adapter, of course). What doesn't really come across here, however, is the size of this receiver. It's basically compared to like $1.25 worth of quarters stacked up. Expect to lay down $100 for a serial / USB version, and $200 for the Bluetooth version come April, when they're intending to ship.

[Peter @ Mar 9th 2006 3:37AM]

Kinda looks like the PSP GPS module...
http://www.pspzone.ch/media/specials/psp/E3%20Bilder/psp23.jpg

[Mark E @ Mar 9th 2006 4:05AM]

How long till you can attatch it to the back of the tablet to figure out where you left that sucker?

[Mark @ Mar 9th 2006 9:38AM]

I like the size of the BT unit although I'd be a little concerned it would fall down the vent if I threw it on the dash! What about software? And the battery life on the BT unit? Looks promising.

Mark

[buck09 @ Mar 9th 2006 12:29PM]

You can get the USB model of this for around $80 - Pharos OEM's their units to Microsoft, who re-brands them and sells them with the GPS editions of Streets and Trips. I've been using the USB model for a few years now and like it.

[james @ Mar 9th 2006 4:25PM]

I've been using it for a few weeks now. To use bluetooth you need the bluetooth adapter which has a battery built into it(~7 hours/charge).
The reciever fits into the bluetooth adapter.

For size: the reciever is a little under 2"x2"x1"

As for the falling into the vents, mine came with suction cups.

[John Marshall @ Mar 9th 2006 6:52PM]

The device that Microsoft rebrands and sells with S&T is Pharos older GPS-360.

[Andrew @ Mar 9th 2006 7:09PM]

how much is the CF version?

[Jeff Thelen @ Mar 10th 2006 1:03AM]

It kind of looks like a piece of nicotine gum. :)

[blarg @ Mar 10th 2006 12:04PM]

I was less than impressed with the accuracy of a Pharos GPS unit that I used a couple of years ago. It was unusable without an active antenna. If you're in the market for GPS, Magellan's units or anything with a Sony chipset are pretty solid.

[Jeffrey D'Ambra @ May 22nd 2007 11:52PM]

S&T 2006 comes with Pharos GPS-360 S&T 2007 comes with Pharos GPS-500. I have both and love the GPS-500 much better. Much more quick for cold start and a lot more accurate. The only downfall is I can't seem to find signed drivers for Windows Vista 64.

[Ron @ Oct 29th 2007 8:48PM]

Is there a way to get this work with the Mac?

[Bruce Watson @ Feb 17th 2008 9:36PM]

where can I buy the USB/Connector that comes with the 2007 model thatgoes between the reciever and the USB cable..?