Recently, I got a gift in the mail from Joe Kee, our friend over at BuyGPSNow.com.  In fact, inside the box was the Navibe GB735 Bluetooth GPS Receiver.  His offer to send it to me could not have come at a better time.  With the approach of summer comes family vacations, which means I will have several perfect opportunities to test this thing in real life travel over the summer.

Here is the outer box.  Let’s open it up and take a closer look.

The first thing I noticed when I opened the box was how small and light this unit is.  Underneath the upper packaging, there is also everything you will need to power the device.

The unit comes with a standard AC Adapter and Car Adaptor.  They connect to the GPS unit with a mini-USB plug (a USB end connects to the slot in either power adaptor.)

I appreciate that the GPS charges using standard connectors (mini-USB on one end and standard USB on the adaptors).  This means that I can use the same portable charger I carry in my gadget bag to power and charge this unit, and there is no need for additional bulky cords.

Here is a picture of the battery which comes with the unit.  It is extremely small and light.  The box does not have any information about battery life, so we will be testing that out.  There is also a lanyard which allows you to easily carry the unit when you are walking and a CD-ROM with the drivers and other information.

Here is a picture of the whole package (CD-ROM not shown).

Finally, the package includes a non-powered universal mount.  There is also an option to purchase a powered mount to fit your device.  I asked Joe to help me out and send one that would fit my Axim.  Kindly, he was happy to oblige.

As you can see, the powered mount uses the same stand as the universal mount, but has a powered head which is customized to fit your device.  This means that when your Axim is in the mount, it will also serve as a charging cradle. 

In addition to everything else I have mentioned, the Navibe GPS also features:

• Navibe GB 735 Bluetooth GPS Receiver is powered by SiRF Star III chipset, with 20-channel satellites, faster time to first fix (TTFF).
• Using the latest SiRF StarIII firmware version 3.2 which has WAAS/EGNOS enabled out of the box for improve GPS position accuracy.
• Static Navigation turned OFF to improve and offer better real time accuracy and usability for Geocaching and navigation in walking mode.
• SiRF star III chipset delivers high sensitivity for greater availability in far more environments, and provides superior location performance, both indoors and out.
• It communicates with Host platform (WM5 Smartphone, WM5 Pocket PC/ PPC Phone, Treo 650/700/750/680, Laptop…) Via Bluetooth Serial Port Profile.
• A replaceable battery enables the Navibe GB 735 Bluetooth GPS Receiver to run for up to 10 hours.
• A sliding battery lid makes it more user-friendly. With its tiny and delicate look, the OnCourse Bluetooth GPS is definitely your best choice!
• 3 LEDs showing the status of rechargeable Li-ion battery, GPS status and Bluetooth status.
• Bluetooth operation range:10 Meters.
• ROHS compliant (for deployment into European countries).
• Support active antenna connector (MMCX). (FYI: Not needed for most cases even in downtown environment such as downtown New York City or San Francisco due to the use of very sensitive SiRF Star III Chipset in this receiver)

So, I want to thank Joe Kee for sending the Navibe GPS>  I am excited to start testing it out on the next vacation my family decides to take.  If you think this is the GPS for you, it typically sells for $69.95, but is on sale now at BuyGPSNow for only $59.95.  Stay tuned throughout the summer as I will be posting my additional thoughts on this unit.

Tags: Navibe, Bluetooth, GPS, justanothermobilemonday

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