Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality is one of the most sought after add-ons to a Windows Mobile hardware and software platform, and for good reason. With the ability to not only find and track but also to extend services to Internet location-based services (the "killer apps" for this category), GPS technology can bring an entirely new and exciting experience to the Windows Mobile platform.


Forward-thinking Windows Mobile manufacturers have been embedding GPS receivers into their devices for a few years now, negating the need for a third-party receiver. But until such options become a standard feature, GPS hardware and software will continue to be a popular add-on category. This article takes a snapshot of the diverse GPS hardware and accessories available today for the broad line of Windows Mobile designs.


GPS Receivers


All GPS receivers collect signals from GPS satellites and relay them to navigation programs and other software. But the performance of these receivers can vary. The trend with all mobile devices is toward smaller, more powerful hardware with longer battery life. This evolutionary path is reflected in the GPS hardware market as well. Many of today's advanced GPS receivers are based on SiRF III, a low power, high performance chip set that vastly enhances GPS lock-on reception capability due to its fast Time To First Fix (TTFF) combined with its ability to simultaneously interpret up to 20 different satellite signals. This makes SiRF III-embedded GPS devices especially well suited for signal acquisition and tracking in variable terrain, from densely populated cities to deep forests.


Currently, nearly all new portable GPS receivers designed for laptop PCs and mobile devices communicate with them via Bluetooth. And while these receivers can certainly be used with Bluetooth-enabled desktop PCs, there's little reason to do so unless such a PC is stationed on a moving platform. 


The receivers featured in this article represent a cross-section of the most sophisticated GPS devices available today that have been specifically optimized for the Windows Mobile platform. Each device has its own shape and size, but they all deliver the same data. Few are bundled with software, so it's important to verify if there are any compatibility concerns between the device and your preferred GPS mapping applications.


Globalsat BT-359, SD-502


$106, $149

.99 for SD-502, usglobalsat.com


Globalsat is a company that has been an aggressive player in the GPS market and has manufactured several sophisticated GPS receivers ranging in size and connectivity design. For example, their popular BT-359 Bluetooth model shown here is optimal for both Bluetooth-enabled laptop and mobile devices. They also offer the SD-502 SDIO, a receiver designed for "legacy" PDAs with SD card slots. The SD-502 is based on the earlier SiRF II chipset, which is less powerful (and power hungry) than the SiRF III. While I eventually got the SD-502 to work with my device, the BT-359 was easier to set up. 


Haicom HI-406BT


$149.95, haicom.com