Holux GR-239 uses cigarette lighter port for Bluetooth GPS

The Holux GR-239 is a Bluetooth GPS device with a very simple, cigarette lighter centric design: simply plug it in to your car's lighter socket, and it gives your Bluetooth-enabled device access to GPS data. It's also capable of feeding out its signal over USB -- if you don't mind wires all over the inside of your car -- and is based around the prolific SiRF Star III chipset which supports external antennae. It's selling for £60 in the UK right now, but there's no word on availability elsewhere just yet.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 2nd 2007 12:18PM]

But will it work with the iPhone? :)

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 2nd 2007 7:24PM]

No.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 2nd 2007 11:56AM]

haven't seen to many cigarette lighters with a clear view to the sky. i can't imagine this model working too well.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 2nd 2007 12:06PM]

My nokia thing works fine form inside my ashtray under the dash so I can't see there would be an issue with this.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 2nd 2007 12:34PM]

I would really like to see some initial reviews ont his baby. especially the part about how it affects the ability of the devices to geta lock on satellites vs others which can be mounted straight on the dashboard. the convenience factor is great but if it sacrifices connectivity then its not much use at all.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 2nd 2007 1:14PM]

My Holux 236 works from inside my glove compartment so I don't think this will have a problem

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 2nd 2007 12:15PM]

Once (if) Apple allows 3rd party apps for the iPhone, something like this could turn the iPhone into a fantastic car navigation system. Built-in GPS functionality is my #1 wish for the iPhone, but I'd be happy with a Bluetooth GPS receiver if there was software to support it.

*crosses fingers*

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 2nd 2007 12:45PM]

Not only do we need to wish for 3rd party apps on the iphone for this, the bluetooth in the iphone only works for headsets and not any other type of data. So there are a few things Apple would need to change to allow this to work (granted that they are both software fixes).

Still, I think you're bet is best placed in hoping for GPS support in iPhone V2.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 2nd 2007 1:59PM]

looks like you can get it on ebay now !!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Holux-GR-239-GPS-USB-Bluetooth-SiRF-III-Laptop-PDA_W0QQitemZ170088738181QQihZ007QQcategoryZ4668QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

from Daly City, CA, United States

69 bucks 19 shipping

could be an import but come on E they are here already!!!!

dm

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 2nd 2007 2:13PM]

With a 12 v power supply and a little re-packaging, this would be a great laptop GPS solution.

At least thats what I'll do to mine...welcome to planet MAKE

[bushi Posted Jul 2nd 2007 2:49PM]

Nice but be wared it won't work with the iPhones crippled blue tooth. This has been obligatory iPhone comment that must go in every post.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 2nd 2007 2:51PM]

I'm liking the laptop idea...also with a little work you could easily relocate/add a second cig lighter socket, so that this item could be mounted with a better "sky view."

As to Apple, I am sure they are working on something similar, but in a proprietary format, if not for V1 then for V2...I can't balme them, if you can get more blood from the turnip, more power to ya!!

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 2nd 2007 3:00PM]

Am I just having an immature day, or does this device look a lot like a part of the male anatomy? Maybe it works great (or maybe not) but the design team could have spent a little more time.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 2nd 2007 6:21PM]

That's a perfect blend of form/function/price.