I just received my Freedom Keychain GPS 2000 Bluetooth Reciever by Royal Mail today! Woot!! Wow! It's tiny! It looks about the size of one of those package of Listerine breath freshener strips. I don't even know how they can get all that into such a small package. Anyway, beyond my first impressions (which are quite good) here is what we have:
Technical Data:
Bluetooth MTK 6601 Bluetooth V.2.0, Class II
10 Meters range
SPP Serial Port Profile
GPS Specification
Chipset: MTK
51 channels "All-In-View Tracking
Processor Built-in ARM7TDMI
Protocol: NMEA 0183/V3.01 GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC, and RTCM
Baud Rate: 57,600 to 115,200 depending on mobile
Frequency L1, 1,575.42 Mhz
Tracking Sensitivity: -158dBM
WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS Enabled
Positon deviation: 10 Meters 90% 2D RMS 1-5 Meters
Velocity: 0,1 m/sec
Cold/Warm/Hot Start: 36/33/1 sec.
Rechargeable 350mAh
Lithium Polymer Akku
Storage temperature: -20C +60C
Working temperature: -10C +60C
Air humidity: 5-90%
Internal Ceramic Patch antenna
Size: 46 x 32 x 14.7 mm / 1.81 x 1.26 x 0.58 inches
Weight: 22g / 0.77 oz.
Below is the Retail Packaging:
Included in the Package are:
1) The Keychain GPS 2000 Receiver w/keychain clip
2) Car Charger
3) Short 21" USB Cable (the short USB cable will come in handy for my BB too--I hate long cables when I'm at my desk)
4) Instruction Manual
As with the Original Freedom Keychain (Mini) GPS the receiver does not come with an AC charger. However, most of us with BB's have several anyway.
Once again, Freedom has excelled in regards to the size of this GPS. It's even smaller than their original.
The closeup photo below is much larger than actual size.
I must say I'm very impressed with this unit. This came direct from the UK and it locked on to satellites within just about a minute while sitting just inside my kitchen window. I turned it off for a few minutes and it was back up within 5 seconds. Much faster than the older Freedom Keychain (Mini.) The reason for this, I'm told, is the MTK chipset being used in this new unit. It should provide quicker starts from Cold, Warm and Hot. I can have this unit turned on in the middle of my house and it will lock on to satellites within 5 seconds.
So far I have tried this with Google Maps, BB Maps, Live Search and TeleNav and they all work well for me. For me, this GPS tracks and keeps up quite nicely using those apps. It will work with others but those are the ones I've tested it with so far.
The LED on the Freedom Keychain GPS 2000 has been GREATLY improved. Instead of one lens with 3 different lights underneath it, this new model has individual LED's and are easily recognizable as to what they are and are not even visible from the outside unless they are illuminated. The LED's will shine through the black casing when they are lit up or flashing. A very nice clean look. Nice job there, Freedom!
LED Status:
1. Bluetooth LED (Blue "B" icon)
The blue LED stays illuminated = Device ready for connection.
The blue LED blinks 1 time/sec = Transmitting data to your device (however, I've noticed it flashing after a whihle even when it's not connected to my device.)
2. GPS LED (Orange "signal" icon)
The orange LED shines permanently = Satellite signal searching.
The orange LED blinks 1 time/sec = Satellite signal received.
3. Battery LED (Red "Battery" icon)
The red LED shines permanently = Battery requires charing
4. Charging LED (Green "plug" icon)
The green LED shines permanently = Battery on charge
The green LED goes out = Battery finished charging
Again, this LED configuration was my only gripe with the original Freedom Keychain (Mini) GPS and now that has been much improved.
Overall, I give this GPS unit 5 out of 5 stars. I gave the original Freedom Keychain 4.5 out of 5 stars because of the LED's. However, with the quick starts of the new chipset, the nice icon type led's and the even smaller size, there's no reason that this device shouldn't get 5 out 5 stars. If I had to find one thing wrong with the Freedom GPS units it would be the small rubber USB covers that come with them. Over time they start to crack and will eventually fall off. However, I've had the original Keychain (Mini) GPS since July 2007 and it is getting close to coming off but hasn't yet. Keep in mind though, that our BB's don't even come with a rubber cover for the USB port so this is just a nice added feature that Freedom has added. Personally, I don't think it detracts from the device if it were to come off.
In summary, I've been a big fan of the original Freedom Keychain (Mini) since I got it back in July (I retired my GS BT-359 for it.) This new Keychain 2000 GPS is even better. Well done, Freedom!
This would make a great Christmas gift (or anytime gift) for anyone with a Blackberry (or any device capable of using bluetooth GPS.)
Freedom is running a special for Christmas on this new GPS receiver. Click
here for more information on this limited time offer.
Freedom Keychain 2000 GPS BlueTooth Receiver
Freedom Input Ltd - Home