Diminutive Spark Nano GPS tracker gives suspicious parents real answers

Not that sneaky, minuscule GPS trackers are impossible to come by, but with kids growing more and more mischievous, outraged parents are demanding more options. At least that's the word passed on by Lightning GPS' Jason Lazarus, who has just recently decided to make its ridiculously small Spark Nano available to the public. You see, this here company has generally thrived on providing covert GPS trackers to military and law enforcement, but now even civilians are being allowed in on the fun. The device, which is obviously used to track whatever or whomever you wish, is about the size of a 9-volt battery and can easily withstand bumps, bruises and the occasional drink spill. Users who implant one can track the subject via the web (shown after the break) or phone, and you can count on five solid days of continuous tracking when the rechargeable battery is topped off. It's shipping now from BrickHouse Security for $299.95.

[letstakeawalk Posted Mar 18th 2009 6:45PM]

Helio (Virgin Mobile, now) offers it as "Buddy Beacon".

http://www.ulocate.com/buddybeacon.php

My Drift came with GPS and Google Maps built in. It's been handy the several times I've forgotten where I parked my car in an unusual location. Just tag the location, and pull it up later when I'm heading back to the car.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 9:51PM]

I'm using sprint family locator for $5/mo... compatible with all new sprint phones, cheaper than this thing

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 6:10PM]

Cool now I can be like James Bond and track goldfinger to his secret hideout.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 6:14PM]

Or if they have a Windows Mobile smartphone/PPC, the parents could just install SmartPhoneTracker on there and track them for FREE that way.

[fencesitter Posted Mar 18th 2009 6:20PM]

Yeah, everyone's getting up in arms about bad parenting and using these things to track your kids. It's obviously not just for that, but let me digress a moment here.

I agree that you really want tracking on the phone if you want to track the kid.

I'm just reminded that when caller ID came out, everyone thought it was an assault on their liberties and right to be anonymous (if they so chose). Nowadays, people embrace caller ID- how many of you ignore calls with blocked caller ID? Now, how many of you only answer it with since it's probably your parent who still blocks caller ID?

I think it's going to be the same way with locating services. Already there are many ways to show someone's location- this device, phones, Google Latitude, and other social networking services, I'm sure. Knowing someone's location obviously has its benefits, working around the privacy issues has to be worked out... or get people used to such invasions of their privacy:)

One simple thing to do would be to have someone's phone timestamp when it's been pinged and from whom (or from what phone number). Or have a "get lost" mode where it refuses to respond to a ping unless overridden. And log that too. That way at least there's no anonymity in tracking the kid (and the kid has a chance to come up with some excuse for being where he was, "Oh, I left my phone in John's car and he just got it back to me. Yeah, the battery must have been almost dead then too." :)

Argueably, the parent should just call before pinging the phone, so the service (carrier) could possibly buffer that location in case the kid decides to both ignore the parent's call and then turn off the phone. Yeah, that enforces a, "Oh, that's my mom calling, I'd better answer it," response out of fear of being called out (pardon the pun) why they were ignoring the call when they were at their friend's house instead out of respect for the parent, but if the kid truly wants to get lost, let him buy his own SIM card. (and ditch all his belongings in case this device is hidden there :)

[BigD145 Posted Mar 18th 2009 7:12PM]

When answering machines came out, people ignored their phones. Before answering machines came out, people ignored their phones. Nothing has changed.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 10:29PM]

ever heard of GPS signal jammer? it only cost 100 bucks and come with 3 antennas

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 7:07PM]

You could strap this baby on your cat and see where it roams about.

[Hydra Posted Mar 18th 2009 7:00PM]

When you marry an american women, it should come free /implanted in her

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 7:39PM]

i think this has awesome potential for use in my field, i install home automation and security devices for my clients. this is a small form factor military grade gps unit. with the case off i would be able to fit this into a number of appliances, home pc, laptop, television, safe ect.

or stalk my dog when he runs away......

[GetYOID Posted Mar 18th 2009 7:41PM]

"kids growing more and more mischievous"? HUH? Are you kidding? Its PARENTS that have become more and more ABSENT from the parenting role. For the past 2 generations we've seen nothing but brats being raised by brats themselves and these so-called "parents" dont know the first thing about being mom or dad. The only know "friends"..... idiots.

[pohatu771 Posted Mar 18th 2009 7:42PM]

I can see this being incredibly helpful for those who own guitars or other instruments expensive enough to justify the added $300... you never know when something will walk off at a show.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 7:50PM]

kids everywhere in fear of their social life

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 9:09PM]

So glad to have grown up in the 80's. Not that my parents could have afforded said device.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 8:30PM]

This is NOT the smallest, fastest and least expensive by any means as they proclaim. The sentryGPSid personal location device (http://www.sentryGPSid.com) appears to be the exact same size (if not even made by the same manufacturer). And at just $185 for the device and $19/month for the monthly service, the sentryGPSid also is A LOT cheaper and lists all of the exact same features!

[GetYOID Posted Mar 18th 2009 8:44PM]

Subscription services are out. People hate subscriptions and will no longer tolerate it.

[FILA Posted Mar 18th 2009 9:00PM]

nice now you can keep track of your enemies so you know when to...Now you can keep track of your girlfriends to make sure there not at...now you can keep track, of OH MY GOD

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 9:52PM]

Here in japan kids have those pink cellphone with GPS and alarm in case they get into trouble. Its not always working but they have been able to save a few from creepy pedophiles. We got a lot of those otaku (nerds) turned sexual maniacs here. Sad.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 9:55PM]

stalkers best friend :(

[steel Posted Mar 19th 2009 9:47AM]

Don't understand the pricing w/ these things. $300 upfront, and $50/month. My TomTom does all of the tracking internally and displays it and I got it for

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 19th 2009 11:33AM]

I got a RoamEO GPS Dog Tracking and Locator System and love it!

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 19th 2009 12:34PM]

GPS, striving to destroy relationship, friendships, etc. on a daily basis.

[Wwhat Posted Mar 19th 2009 2:53PM]

Isn't it about time a law is drawn up that stipulates you cannot put a GPS tracker on people older than 8 without written and voluntary agreement of the wearer? Or what are they waiting for? A wad of cash as bonus before doing their job?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 19th 2009 3:41PM]

Zoombak offers the same size device and service for a fraction of the price

zoombak.com

I saw Zoombak at RadioShack for $99 after rebate.