BT GPS receiver question? Tom Tom

[mjlomax2]

Hi! I am finally getting closer to being able to play with my X51v. It has been in my closet for about a month and a half, as it is my birthday present from my wife. My birthday in in about 2 weeks. So I was getting to order the Tom Tom software bundled with a BT GPS receiver, when I happened to notice a new one, or one that I have not seem before. It is a solar powered BT receiver. And I was wondering if anybody had any experience with this, know anything about it? Does it work well, stuff like that. I thought that sounded good because you could just keep this on your dash, and it would stay charged. Or is there a better on I should get. The 199.99 dollar price tag didn't seem to bad to me. Thanks in advance for anyones input Here is the link:

http://www.semsons.com/tona5usawiso.html

Matt

[Drifter]

Seems a good idea as it is one of a number of similar units.

$199 also seems good as is the fact that it is SiRF III, which means stronger and cleaner signals.

One thing does amuse me is the stated working time ..... 12 hours on battery and 15 hours on solar battery ???? By itself 12 hours is quite short compared to most as their are now a number of units that operate for 20 hours between charges, but 15 hours on solar ?????. Shouldn't it be continuous.
That implies the solar charger does not supply sufficient power to operate the GPS receiver in which case the missing important facts are a) is their an external charging facility or b) how long does it take to recharge in bright sunlight without being used.

Solar is only adding 3 hours of extra use which implies in intensive use, the unit will drain the battery.

However if you only use your GPS system infrequently ie you are not a commercial driver, then you should be fine... just remember to switch off the unit between trips.

[mjlomax2]

Thanks Drifter. I emailed them and asked them about the battery life, and if it comes with a ac charger or not. We will see what they say? Thanks again!