14 DAY TRIAL // Given Garmin's extensive experience in the field of GPS solutions, it should come as no surprise that they've decided to also release a consumer-grade GPS locator, the new GTU 10, that offers plenty of useful features, but, unfortunately, requires a permanent data connection to AT&T’s wireless network in order to deliver the tracking data. Similar to some of the other GPS location solutions we've come across, over time, the GTU 10 is an extremely portable device, measuring just 3 x 1.3 x 0.8 inches and weighing 1.7 ounces, while in the same time offering quite a good level of protection against water and sporting a carabiner clip and pouch, in order to get attached to the item one might want to track.
As any such device should, the GTU 10 comes equipped with a built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery that can go for up to four weeks between charges (of course, one will heave to do some heavy tweaking of the device's logging capabilities in order to achieve such an impressive functioning life).
It's also interesting to mention that the GTU 10 offers owners geofencing capabilites, as they can create up to 10 geofences (virtual boundaries) for the device so that when it enters or exits a geofenced area, Garmin can send an email or text message notification to you or authorized friends and family members.
Unfortunately, while the built-in GPS receiver does provide the necessary location information, things are a bit different in terms of actually delivering the recorded data to the user, a process carried out via AT&T’s wireless network, for a fairly substantial fee, of course.
So, while the GTU 10 does offer a year of Standard Tracking service included with the purchase (that means users will be able to access 10 points of daily track history), a more advanced feature called Deluxe Tracking will offer access to 7 days of track history, for ($4.99 per month).
The GTU 10 from Garmin has a suggested retail price of $199.99, but be advised, should you want to extend your Standard Tracking service beyond the 1-year limit, you'll have to pay an extra 50 bucks each year.