Customer Reviews

i-Blue 747 Bluetooth Data Logger GPS Receiver (Auto On/Off, 51 ch, WAAS, Bluetooth, USB, Push to Log, 32Mb Memory with Google Integration)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I used i-Blue 747 to log my ski trips, hikes and to geocode trip photos. This device captures data anywhere in my car, backpack or even inside my house. You can customize the logged data. Battery charge lasts for at least ten hours. I also use it with Microsoft Streets and Trips using bluetooth (If I remember correctly, I couldn't make it work with MS S&T using USB connection. MS S&T could see the GPS however it couldn't communicate with it.) You can download the data in CVS, kml or NMEA format. I wish it had supported GPX format then I wouldn't have to convert the files. The download is painfully slow. It takes few minutes to download few mb data from the unit to the interface (then you can save it to the computer in a format of your choice). Another minor problem is: You have to keep the device on the log mode to download data. When it appends some unnecessary entries to your log (you can make it stop logging using the interface but not before it adds at least a couple of entries). I have been using it for a month and overall I love this unit. It is small, light, aesthetic and captures gps data very well.

Addendum:
Yesterday when I came home from a skiing trip, I downloaded the data, saved it to a file and erased it from the device. When I opened the KML file in Google Earth I noticed that the data wasn't complete. It was just about an hour of data. However when I started downloading the data, the device was 60% full, which meant at least 7-8 hours data from my previous experience. I couldn't try downloading the data again because I had already erased it.

For the price, the i-Blue 747 is two products in one. It is a GPS receiver and a GPS data logger. As a GPS receiver, it can function in Bluetooth mode or as attached to the USB as a virtual COM port. In either case, it will output NEMA data. As a GPS data logger, it has 32Mb of onboard memory which can hold about 150k points. The i-Blue is powered by MTK Chipset making it comparably sensitive to the SiRFstar III.

The size of the i-Blue is 72 mm x 45 mm x 20 mm and weighs about 64 grams. On the side is a switch that turns the i-Blue on, puts it in receiver mode, and turns on logging. There is also a button on top that can be pressed to record waypoints. A non-skid rubber coating on the bottom of the unit keeps it from moving on the dashboard. It has it's own USB rechargeable Li-Ion battery that can probably lasts for more then 24 hours.

The included software "GPS PhotoTagger" is used to configure the i-Blue's logging options, download and erase data. Once the data is downloaded, the resulting trail can be plotted on a map with side windows showing speed and elevation. Photos that have the time synchronized can be geolocated on the map. The data can be exported to a number of formats so it can be used with third party programs such as "GeoSetter for Windows."

Some limitations are slow and occasional unreliable data transfers unstable software. The only interface with the i-Blue is a serial COM port. I may need to download data from i-Blue more then once to get all the points. The included software "GPS PhotoTagger" is used to download and plot data points. The software can be more reliable if there is a separate program used to interface with the i-Blue and download data. An even better solution is for the i-Blue to have a USB mass storage interface.

But, in conclusion, I have found that for the price, the i-Blue is well suited for what I bought it for. I have used the i-Blue with Google Earth on my T-Mobile Dash Windows Smartphone and with MS Streets and Trips on my Windows XP computer. I have also used the i-Blue to geotag my digital photos and plot my trips with speed and altitude information.

I use it to track mileage in the log, and with Streets and Trips in the car for directions, and with my windows mobile PDA. Accurate, Battery lasts all day. Plenty of room in memory to log several different day trips. Does log odd points when standing still, but not a real problem. Google maps and google earth are the best way to view the data. One button on top and you can mark any location. Haven't used the phototagging part of the included program, but seems straighforward. Good buy, very satisfied.

Excellent price, excellent product.
It seems to be a little bit confused when you stand for a while at the same place for extended periods, adding lot of records with distorted data (some times add points as far as 200 meters away!!).
While using it with a gps map with my pda.. it worked flawlessly.. and even really accurate (error < 10 ft).

small amout of memory (32mb)
medium software quality
good reception
long battery time

I use this GPS with my Laptop and my phones (blackberry & Sony-Ericcsson) without problems.

Pros: It commits with all the specifications offered

Cons: Switch position to use Bluetooth is difficult to locate if you try to do with one hand while you are driving.
Software is very basic