GPS modules break new ground

In an age of plug-and-play devices, hot-swappable peripherals and self-repairing operating systems, we expect our technology to pretty much explain itself.

We insist on the instant gratification of unwrapping our hardware, turning it on, and having it do exactly what the box says it’s going to do – no “ifs,” “ands” or “buts.” Unfortunately, in the case of the newest Global Positioning Systems modules for the Handspring Visor, you have to drop those demands – otherwise, you might end up getting lost.

Two of the newest GPS units – Magellan’s GPS Companion and GeoDiscovery’s Geode – don’t reward us “trial-and-error” types who think that the user’s guide is just a nice envelope for the warranty card. They do, however, represent a promising upgrade from older GPS systems that were less portable and more expensive.

Put differently, they’re better than what we’ve had but not quite what you’d expect if you’ve never used a GPS.

Better, in the sense that you don’t have to be a sailor or a tank commander to access the United States Department of Defense’s network of positioning satellites. The satellites can pinpoint your location to within a few feet almost anywhere on the planet. All that’s needed is a Handspring Visor and a couple of hundred dollars. And they’re not what you’d expect because you really do have to read the instructions and be patient, just as you would with any new technology.

Both units were relatively easy to set up, once I agreed to configure them by the book. GeoDiscovery directed me to its Web site to download its latest maps, while Magellan shipped with a CD that contained map information for the PDA. (As an interesting sidenote, I was able to test both systems simultaneously, which is to say the software for both modules played well together on my Handspring. Of course, I couldn’t use both modules at the same time.)

I liked the looks of the Geode. Its translucent casing and flashing lights made me feel as if I’d been cast as an extra on the next Star Trek movie. The Magellan module slid into the expansion slot easily and detached without any problem. It projected a sleeker, more corporate image.

At almost 6 ounces, the Geode wasn’t exactly lightweight, but that proved to be the least of my worries. I spent a good 10 minutes trying to get the unit to “see” the satellites, turning around and around in circles outside of my office door until I got dizzy. When I tried to power the Geode down, it refused. I had to detach the module from my PDA in order to turn everything off.

Ditto for the GPS Companion. It took several tries to get the module to spot the satellites. Once they came online, I struggled to make the maps that I’d downloaded work. (On second thought, I suspect that the software may not be playing nice, after all.) Although I could turn the Magellan module off, I almost preferred the “always-on” Geode because at least I could find myself on a map.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m really impressed by the possibilities that both of these devices present. Take the Geode, which follows signals from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Wide Area Augmentation System and makes it accurate to within three feet. Or Magellan’s navigation software that keeps tabs on your speed and direction, plus lets you beam directional data to another Visor.

This is all very cool, very 21st Century.

While I like the modules in principle, they don’t live up to their promises in practice. And at a $290 list price for the Geode and $180 for the GPS Companion, I think the technology may not be worth the investment for everyone.

Who should consider it? If you spend a lot of time outdoors and can’t live without your Handspring, you might think about buying one of these modules. Generally speaking, the Geode is a little bit more user-friendly and feature-rich than its competitor. With a price differential of more than $100, is it worth paying that much? That’s really for you to decide.

If, however, you’re looking for a robust guidance unit for driving, then I would continue to recommend Magellan’s system being used by the likes of Hertz. Every time I evaluate its NeverLost system, it seems to get better and better. My favorite feature is the voice prompts that allow you to keep your eye on the road instead of the unit. In time, I’m certain that these handheld units will talk back to you, too.

And that’s really what this comes down to – time. Unlike other hardware that I’ve reviewed in this column, neither of these modules is fatally flawed. They’re a little expensive, a little ahead of their time – maybe even a little buggy. But not so buggy that I couldn’t ever recommend them.

I think it’s only a matter of time before the technology in these GPS modules become a part of every new PDA and cell phone. Having a device that not only tells you, but also the person you’re communicating with, where you are is the next evolutionary step. Both Magellan and GeoDiscovery should be commended for putting themselves at the forefront of the handheld GPS market.

The companies will no doubt reap the benefits of their visionary decisions someday. So, probably, will we.

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

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