Emtac's new mini-S3 Bluetooth GPS receiver is smallest yet

We're suckers for anything laying claim to the "world's smallest" title in its category, and while we can't be 100% certain Emtac's claims about its new mini-S3 Bluetooth GPS receiver are accurate, there's no denying this thing is small. You shouldn't have much trouble pocketing the 0.7-inch thick girth, and the no-slip rubber casing should make it easy to keep the widget up on your dashboard. Just like everything else GPS-related these days, the device is based on a SiRFstarIII chipset, and conveniences like a user replaceable 8 hour lithium-ion battery and a mini-USB charging plug always help. The $99.99 pricetag ain't too shabby neither. You should be able to purchase this thing as of now.

[Via pocketnow]

[ComeGetVirus @ Dec 8th 2006 12:30PM]

The Holux GPSLim 240 weights 35g and is less than half the volume.

There are half a dozen similar sized GPS units to the Emtac. Its a standard form factor

[Bren @ Dec 8th 2006 12:47PM]

So, put this in the dashboard, fire up bluetooth enabled macbook, pda, with appropriate software and thats it?

[Vagrant @ Dec 8th 2006 2:08PM]

I grabbed a GoPass GPT-801 from Geeks. $60
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=GPT-801&cat=GPS
It's your regular Bluetooth SiRF GPS and the battery time is great. It charges via miniUSB and what was also a bonus is that it uses a replaceable rechargeable battery, the Nokia BL-5 no less. A bonus for me because I had several extra of these batteries. (It comes with AC/DC charger as well and a battery)
GoPass GPT-801: http://www.gopass.com.tw/Product/GPT801_Bluetooth_GPS_receiver.htm

Here's some software to use with your WM5 PDA.
WLS: http://wls.live.com
map4pda works well, but WLS has become my favorite even though it's betaware.

This is my first SiRF receiver and I was quite surprised by it's ability to pull in a signal in the house. I have an older Garmin unit and it has intermittent reception problems when I'm driving in the forests of California's Sierra Nevada. (stupid trees) ;)

[BobbyW @ Dec 8th 2006 2:47PM]

Does this thing work with a Macbook Pro under OS X and Windows?

I've had all kinds of problems with Bluetooth on my MBP - not sure I want to try another device. My Motorola headset only works until I close the app using it, then I have to start all over - remove the device and reinstall it.

[hijk @ Dec 8th 2006 3:34PM]

seriously, i just want a simple, small bluetooth gps that works with my treo 650. anyone have good results with any particular models??

[Jesse @ Dec 8th 2006 3:48PM]

I have the Holux GPSlim 236 (SirfIII), which is slightly smaller at 68x46x18mm. These "worlds smallest" claims are so silly :P

[aaron @ Dec 8th 2006 5:28PM]

Limited battery life at 8hours. I have easily gotten 17-18 hours out of my GlobalSat BT-338 (SiRF star III chipset) which sells for about 89 bucks. Additionally it is a user replaceable battery.

[Franknstein10 @ Dec 8th 2006 7:34PM]

Does anyone know of any GPS Bluetooth device that will work with a Blackberry?

[eric @ Dec 9th 2006 1:06AM]

I just got a Wintec BT data logger too. Rechargable battery, USB, bluetooth, the works.

And it certainly looks smaller.