Ask Engadget: What's the best GPS tracker for under $300?

Think fast! You've just stumbled upon this week's episode of Ask Engadget, and just like those "Choose Your Own Adventure" books from yesteryear, you've a few choices here. One is to leave like a coward; another is to really dig in and contribute; and another is to drop some knowledge and send in a question of your own to ask at engadget dawt com. While you ponder which route is best for you, here's Matthew's plea:

"There are so many GPS trackers on the market today to choose from. I'm just looking for basic monitoring abilities and decent battery life, and of course I want one that's as small and discrete as possible. Which is the best one for less than $300?"

No need to confess in comments what you use your own tracker for (trust us, we could narrow it down on our own), but do tell if you've found a winner. Bonus points if your module has landed your scandalous SO on a recent episode of Cheaters.

[KEROLiUKAS @ Jun 5th 2009 12:34AM]

Mio Moov series is nice since it runs CE you can throw pretty much anything on there.

[farnsworthiness @ Jun 5th 2009 10:25AM]

No, I disagree. You want the device as simple as possible for a covert tracking capability. You just want GPS hardware, a magnet and a way to offload the data such as bluetooth (great because you don't have to remove the device once you've placed it on the subject's vehicle) or a USB port (great if you need to download the data quickly once you've recovered it.)

Keep in mind that you are at your most vulnerable time when placing or approaching the subject's vehicle. If you limit the times you visit the vehicle, your act of tracking the subject won't get discovered .

Try something like: http://www.brickhouse-childsafety.com/pocket-track-pro-covert-gps-logger.html

[stalker @ Jun 5th 2009 12:34AM]

Activate Google Latitude on your subject's phone, and friend them up...

[Aguiluz @ Jun 5th 2009 12:57AM]

Mologogo seems to work on cheap phones too.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-h1NUD35ZKOk/track_anyone_for_under_20_dollars/
http://www.mologogo.com/

[mitch @ Jun 5th 2009 12:39AM]

ME!

[elbarto83 @ Jun 5th 2009 12:47AM]

you cost less than $300?

[rcarm @ Jun 5th 2009 12:59AM]

I'll take two!

[Eric @ Jun 5th 2009 1:39AM]

Unless Mitch is short for Michelle, I'll stick with Mologogo.

[Matthew C @ Jun 5th 2009 3:11AM]

Hmm... I didn't see recession antidote anywhere in the title. So... looks like its not a giveaway.

[Dominic @ Jun 5th 2009 12:39AM]

Wintec 201. Tiny, amazing battery life, and cheap to have.
Very basic feedback - 2 LEDs, but even has an extra "save this spot" button.

[Christian @ Jun 5th 2009 12:53AM]

Get a girlfriend, she will find you anywere!!

[m2h @ Jun 5th 2009 12:57AM]

I see you've met my ex.

[Troels @ Jun 5th 2009 1:08AM]

I use SANAV trackers.. I have both the CT-24 and the CT-58. - The CT-24 is just under $300..

They work flawless with many protocols (HTTP, TCP/IP and so on)

Then go to SourceForge and grap the wonderfull OpenGTS tracking software, to make your own tracker-server..
OpenGTS supports Reverse Geocode and many other cool features..

[Rex @ Jun 5th 2009 12:47AM]

Genie GT-31 Waterproof Sport GPS Data Logger

I use mine for geocaching, as a bike computer, to track photos, and to add to the open street map project. It's about 150USD for the non-bluetooth version (GT-31) and you add 15 for bluetooth (BGT-31). It has about a 30-45 hour battery life depending on backlight usage.

[frank @ Jun 5th 2009 12:48AM]

Heck, with todays prices, i'd ask for the best gps under $100.
My advice is that the majority of the usability is just in the device's ability to find a signal. Not the features, not the way it looks, just how quickly you can turn it on and get a signal.
With that said, I'd pick one with good software and hardware for gps receiving like
>TomTom One 125~$100
>Navagon 7200t ~$150
>Mio C520 ~$350

[FoxKenji @ Jun 5th 2009 2:10AM]

Unbelievable. The raging anti-Apple hordes are so intolerant they'll down-rank any one at the slightest mention of anything Apple.

[OLight @ Jun 5th 2009 9:59AM]

Reading Comprehension FAIL.

This isn't about a GPS receiver, it's about a GPS tracker with "basic monitoring abilities." Can your TomTom monitor someone's movements?

Double-fail, as the previous reply was completely irrelevant to the post.

Back under my desk with the tinfoil hat on...

[Addie @ Jun 5th 2009 12:49AM]

An iPhone.

[FoxKenji @ Jun 5th 2009 2:10AM]

WTF, unbelievable. The raging anti-Apple hordes are so intolerant they'll down-rank any one at the slightest mention of anything Apple.

[Nohone @ Jun 5th 2009 2:25AM]

@Fox:

No, we down rank it because it is the most wrong solution possible given the parameters of the question. Yes, the iPhone 3G has GPS, but no GPS tracking. It is not less than $300 (it starts at $199 but then you need to pay the monthly fees for 2 years). It is not discreet since we hear over and over that people supposedly flock around whenever you pull out your iPhone. And, from the question, it sounds as if it will be used to track somebody and they should not know that they are being tracked (hence the discrete part). If you are trying to plant it on somebody and that person is going somewhere, using your phone, any phone, is probably the most dumb-assed solution possible, as they will take it with them leaving you without a phone. Yes, I down ranked the person who responded the Pre.

Sometimes people down rank a comment simply because it should be. But instead, you would rather attack people who actually thought it through, and show yourself as a fool.

[FoxKenji @ Jun 5th 2009 10:21PM]

@ Nohone

Strange that you, a self-proclaimed iPhone developer, have the lack of foresight to very easily think of an iPhone App like "Spy Tracking Device" (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=306921676&mt=8) and others like it.
Using iPhone jailbreaking and unlocking it's quite feasible to circumvent the AT&T mobile fees. (Again, you would've been aware of such things as an iPhone developer.) Pairing these two things into any old 3G iPhone (not your own obviously, are you stupid or something?) would very easily make an inexpensive tracking device.

The Engadget question makes no specific reference to planting the tracking device on a person, yet you base your argument on that very assumption. So you never thought of the possibility that the tracking device could simply be hidden in a person's car, motorcycle, luggage, backpack, etc? Engadget does not define the length of time for tracking either. Your lack of vision is self-evident.

And lastly, you sink into the realm of the ridiculous with that about people flocking to the iPhone every time someone takes it out his/her pocket.

So clearly you didn't think things through.

[richard @ Jun 5th 2009 12:49AM]

PALM PRE

Updated maps both sprint nav and google maps!

[shotgunb @ Jun 5th 2009 1:00AM]

Garmin 10x bluetooth GPS with Mobile PC ($130 for both) is an AWESOME combo for my netbook (ok, it is over $300 if you include the price of the netbook). Works flawlessly with my eee 1002ha and gives me a 10" screen GPS. The unit is extremely small and has a 22 hr lithium ion battery... just toss it on the dashboard (rubber feet so it doesn't slide around) and start MobilePC... bluetooth synch's rapidly, and you are good to go. Awesome GPS alternative for business trips! Highly recommended

[m2h @ Jun 5th 2009 1:00AM]

Old PC, bluetooth tracker, somesoftware. Tada.

[OLight @ Jun 5th 2009 10:08AM]

"small and discreet"?

[Alex Chopra @ Jun 5th 2009 1:01AM]

iPhone

[GadgetNut @ Jun 5th 2009 1:11AM]

My Mom is the stealthiest living GPS tracker. There's absolutely nothing that she can't track. From my missing pair of socks to my most hidden pron mags...absolutely nothing is safe - my Dad will attest to it, too :-)

[Drew @ Jun 5th 2009 1:11AM]

Visiontac VGPS-900. GPS logging to a MicroSD card, Bluetooth, voice recording, waypoint button. Battery life is sufficient for a day's activity, even if you spend half of the day indoors (like I do at work). Outdoors with a steady lock, battery is excellent (24 hours+). Also has a 'spy mode' that will cause it to sleep for a user-specified time, then wake up and record a location, and then sleep again.

[Jeff R @ Jun 5th 2009 1:15AM]

HTC G1...?

[Jeff R @ Jun 5th 2009 1:16AM]

...with the my tracks app. amazingly precise, detailed and easy to transmit to online sources.

[KC @ Jun 5th 2009 1:18AM]

No one has answered the OP's question so far.

I think Super Trackstick (http://www.pimall.com/NAIS/supertrackstick.html) will do fine for $270, motion activated and has up to 4 weeks of battery life. It looks like a USB stick, and small enough to stash it easily.

And no, I am not affiliated to that company. I only came across them when I was looking for a way to track where my cat goes in the middle of the day.

[jackson moore @ Jun 5th 2009 1:37AM]

you have $270 to spend on finding out where your cat goes?

[KC @ Jun 5th 2009 1:49AM]

lol. I didn't say I bought it. I'm curious where the cat goes the whole day long and always gets home by 4:30pm, but I'm not curious enough to spend $270 to solve that mystery. Now if it was $50, I might be tempted to try it out.

[Steve Smith @ Jun 5th 2009 2:43AM]

Just bought a TomTom XL340S for $179 at BB ($70 off retail.) Seems great so far. Upgrade from TomTom One 3rd ed.

[Richard Glitter @ Jun 5th 2009 3:41AM]

Now tell us, exactly how do I use this as a "GPS tracker", which is what the question is asking?

[greenlight @ Jun 5th 2009 3:39AM]

I dunno the brand or anything but I bought some chinese POS for like $60 that works fine, and runs for ~24 hrs off of 2 AA NiMHs, logging every 10 seconds. It has 3 LEDs: Power, Signal and Memory full. And one button that doubles for Power and "Save this point".

[hopnite @ Jun 5th 2009 5:04AM]

My mobile phone and SmartRunner (http://www.smartrunner.de)!

[martip @ Jun 5th 2009 5:05AM]

Transystem Inc. - photoMate 887
http://www.transystem.com.tw/products/index_detail.php?mcat_no=2&cat_no=33&pno=21&ver=en

66 GPS Channels (it even works in your pocket!), very small, accurate, good battery life (rechargeable battery with power supply or mini USB), tracks every 5 seconds, navigation mode (via bluetooth through phone, pc or pda) and tracking mode.

Bought in Italy for €70 (about $99).

Good!

[Noel @ Jun 5th 2009 6:38AM]

My hobby is flying hot air balloons.
We use a Genie BGT-31 and a small symbian/iphone app.
The guys in the retrieve vehicle have a Dell D820 with an
Option wireless Gobi 2000.
They track us on google earth with real-time updates every
10 seconds.

[Lewis Stephens @ Jun 5th 2009 6:54AM]

Spot Messenger!
Hands down. They will give you the hardware if you will subscribe for $150 for the first year.

I've had mine for nearly 18 months and love it, so does the family. I ride long distance motorcycle rides and had mine from Mexico to Canada, Coast to Coast and l lot pf places in between. I t just worls and they are improving the web interface. I leave for Alaska from Key West next weekend and I'll have Spot with me so family and friends can ride along. I have two means of looking at the result that are shown to the public and more info available to the account owner.
It shows my location every 10 miniutes and has check in messaging as well as help and emergency services.
I think it is a bargain for what I get.

[Arcizio @ Jun 5th 2009 7:35AM]

no doubts
http://www.mr-lee-catcam.de/pe_cc_i9.htm
it's developed for cats' use, but really interesting also for other uses. I just bought one, so not sure about its features, but really really promising. A cool alternative could also be the upgraded version, even if it has some limits (no internal memory), but also a lot of pros.
http://www.mr-lee-catcam.de/BINARY/Manual_CatTrack_Live2.pdf

fbrz

[waltja26 @ Jun 5th 2009 9:02AM]

If I ever find a cat with one of those on their back, I'm taking it for one hell of a joyride!

[Genuis Bartender @ Jun 5th 2009 8:24AM]

iPhone

[sbn @ Jun 5th 2009 8:13AM]

I have to agree with the Wintec device. I have used many GPS units but my 3 year old Wintec 200 still outperforms all that I have tried. This very small bluetooth unit has a memory for 130,000 waypoints, user programable to save those waypionts by time, speed, heading or range with a regargable battery that lasts all day. Once connected, recieves data in my pocket or on the dash for a later overlay to GoogleEarth and at the same time sending out the bluetooth signal to my netbook for realtime GPS. If I were to buy one today, it would be another Wintec 201 or maybe the i-Blue PhotoMate 887 which looks good per the specs and is 40% smaller. Both these can be had for way less than $100 if you know where to shop.

[nemi @ Jun 5th 2009 9:24AM]

How about this one for $100 shipped?
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.22969

The TLT-1B GPS, GSM Tracker is a vehicle remote positioning device with built-in GPS and GSM, GPRS technology in compact size. It can transmit the longitude and latitude coordinates to your cell phone by the SMS. By this, you can find its location on the Google maps? Or other map software. The tracker uploads positioning data through GPRS to a designated server. The user can look for real-time location-tracking, historical trajectory through the Internet. Guard against theft of strongbox, vehicle and outdoor equipments, cargo.
- Features:
- Built-in SIRF Star Chipset, excellent for fixing the position even at a weak signal status. Work well even in areas with limited sky view like urban canyons.
- Built-in GSM, GPRS module, support GSM 900, 1800 MHz.
- Support voice call.
- Support SMS communication or GPRS TCP connection.
- Get the position information via mobile phone SMS, or examine the path on the Internet.
- The available SMS takes the control command change tracing function or switch GPS.
- Support establishes three telephone numbers. SOS button send out exact location for immediate rescue, action.
- One key for easily use.
- The major technological index of the device is in conformity with the international standard of GSM mobile phone.
- Portable, compact size, low power design.
- Support cut-off electricity and oil function and recovery command
- Support electronic fence function

[jmk @ Jun 5th 2009 8:51AM]

Track and trace tracker from SMARTposition is the cheapest and provides most functionality (sold via http://www.vindenvolg.nl/).

[Egoist @ Jun 5th 2009 9:03AM]

jmk is right, "track and trace" from SMARTposition costs 49 EUR and is the best (http://www.vindenvolg.nl/)

[jimps @ Jun 5th 2009 9:07AM]

What's the difference between a GPS tracker and GPS logger? Can both do geotagging for photos?

[Ed Husar @ Jun 5th 2009 10:57AM]

Data logger themselves don't geocode photos. You have to have a data logger to capture the track, your camera matched as close as possible to satellite time, and third part software to match the two together.

I use an Amod AGL3080 as my data logger and houdahGeo (http://www.houdah.com/houdahGeo/). I am on a mac but there are a handful of good Windows options for software.

Works like a charm.

[mcurrens @ Jun 5th 2009 9:19AM]

It's amazing how many people either didn't read the text, or have ZERO idea what the word TRACKER means when associated with the word GPS.