Freedom Mini GPS, the Smallest GPS Unit in the World

GPS units are not cumbersome devices, but they are not small either. Most devices are about the size of a PDA, not something you can easily tuck away in your pocket.

Freedom Input, who tout themselves as being the home of the world's number 1 Bluetooth Keyboard, have announced the smallest GPS receiver on the market.

Being about the size of a car key, the Freedom Mini GPS is able to give GPS power to PDAs, mobile phones and notebooks, the only requirement being the presence of the Bluetooth technology. The device can be attached to a key ring, or it can stay in your briefcase, handbag or rucksack and still provide a good connection with the satellites; at least that's what the company says.

Despite its reduced dimensions, the mini GPS is able to simultaneously connect to up to 20 satellite channels and ensure about 10 hours of working time.

The device, priced at $100, is powered by a rechargeable 450mAh Lithium Polymer battery that can be charged with the car charger cable and USB charger cable, both included upon purchase.

Here are some specs you might find interesting in case you're a GPS savvy:

Chipset – SiRF Star III. 20 Channels "All-In-View" tracking. Protocol: NMEA 0183/GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC, VTG, GLL.
Baud Rate: 57,600 bps. Frequency L1, 1,575.42 Mhz. Tracking Sensitivity: 159 dBm..
Position deviation*: 10 meters 90%. 2D RMS 1-5 meters. Velocity: 0.1 m/sec..
Effective temperatures: Storage: -40°C +70°C. Working: -20°C +60°C. Air humidity: 5 – 90%
Internal Ceramic Patch antenna. MMXC connection for external antenna.

Bluetooth Specification:

Connection to PDAs, SmartPhones, Blackberrys and all suitable Bluetooth enabled devices (UMPCs etc.) via Bluetooth Version 2.0 Class II. (CSR BC04.) 10 Meter range, using Serial Port Profile (SPP)

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