Despite its retro looks, this is a powerful navigation device.
The PT-200 can utilize both GPS and GSM positioning, and the GSM is tri-band
so you can take it anywhere in the world and get a signal. It's a mobile phone,
sort of. You can send out an SOS message with just one click of a button. You'll
have to preset a call-out number for that function, but that shouldn't be too
much trouble. You can also take a call from a preset number. The battery claims
to provide standby time of more than 50 hours with a talktime of 4 hours, which
is pretty impressive. That's more than two days for the signal to transmit and
for you to get help if you're really in trouble.
In other news,
GlobalSat comes to the rescue with their TR-101, a handy GPS with a GSM
Module. Basically the TR-101 can send the exact position of your kids by SMS or
by GPRS over the internet at any time, but it can also be used as a phone with
the possibility to record up to 3 different telephone numbers. It uses a full-on
SiRF Star III chipset, and can be remote controlled via other phones or through
Online software. There's also an SOS button for emergencies, Google Earth
integration for visualisation, and quad-band GSM support to keep track of the
little bugger all over the globe. No word on price or availability.
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