Garmin Mobile 10: Clip-On GPS

Clip-on ties were big in the 70s. Today, we've got a new clip-on accessory--the GPS receiver.

The Garmin Mobile 10, which I'm currently testing for an upcoming Mobile Computing review on PC World's Web site, comes with a removable clip. The Mobile 10 works in tandem with Garmin mapping software, which you install on a Bluetooth-capable cell phone, PDA, or notebook. (The Mobile 10 is shown in the image below next to a Treo 650.) When connected via Bluetooth, the receiver and the mapping software on your handheld or laptop provide you with current location information and voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions.

With the clip, you can attach the Garmin GPS receiver to your belt, put your Treo or other handheld device in your pocket, and get hands-free directions while walking (or driving). The voice prompts, which are delivered through the audio of your handheld or laptop, are loud enough to hear, unless you're walking down a noisy city street.

The Mobile 10 is so small, few people noticed when I wore it. However, on one occasion, the GPS caused everyone in my vicinity to turn around and look at me. I had just joined a long line at my neighborhood Walgreen's when suddenly, a female voice, emanating from inside my pocket and loud enough for all to hear, told me to "turn right, then turn left."

I shrugged. "My mother's still telling me what to do," I said.

Comments

[chuck]

Great punchline for today's blog, Jim! I have to admit, though, that I wouldn't be comfortable walking down the street, guided by an ethereal voice. I still find it disconcerting when I encounter other pedestrians, seemingly talking to themselves. I can never tell until I'm very close whether they're using cell phones or are actually conversing with other ethereal voices.

[Bill Petro]

Jim,

I've been using the TomTom with my Treo 700p. Same complaints: takes minutes to acquire satellites. The underpowered Treo processor takes a rather long time to recalculate routes if you make a wrong turn or change plans. However, it's very convenient when traveling via rental car and the windshield vacuum attachment is convenient for the Treo. I've set the voice to female British, though my wife has volunteered to tell me what to do :-)

[Capt. Brigg Franklin]

Garmin makes both the Mobile 10 and a GPS 10 which seem to be very similar. The GPS 10 info on the Garmin site says it is waterproof, which is desirable when sailing, but I can't find information on if it is compatible with the Treo 650's Palm OS. Any further information on the differences between the two would be appreciated.

Capt.Brigg

[michael jones]

Intersting post! I bought a GPS Laptop Receiver yesterday and i have that it is really useful device!

[Jim J]

Can the Garmin 10 used with my treo 680 give navigational or Latitude and Longitude fixes? Can you back out of you view to look at the map as a real paper map and not a ground level view?