I-blue 737, GPslim 240, or BT-359?? Help me choose!

slowjett · 01-09-07, 04:51 AM

Hey guys,
Im trying to decide on a new gps device, Ive got a trip to go on soon and want to pick the right one for me.

I hate having things in my pockets. Carrying my axim is tough enough sometimes. Im looking for something ultra portable, sensitive, and accurate, that also might enjoy long walks in the woods, trail rides on horseback in the lush new england forests, Mountain/Urban Biking, walking around metropolitan centers, as well as driving me around.

I used to have a GPslim 240, but the thing was so small I lost it. The other issue I had was the fact that in the city it would bounce around my location a lot. Other than that I liked it a lot. I would like that device again because I loved the size of it, and found a USB drive key chain case would fit it perfectly, maybe I wouldn't lose it again. =] The other issue is I am an idiot and forget to charge things and would run the battery down at the wrong time.

BT-359
This looks nice because it is small, and has the WAAS that may help it be more accurate and not bounce my signal around in the city (i hate that). But I havent heard much about this.

I-Blue 737
I hear great things about this gps and its chipset. Sounds like it is very accurate and the battery lasts quite long. But it seems like it would be a bulge in my pocket, and kind of a nusance to carry around if I am walking around the city, or biking on a trail.

Oh lordy help me decide.

=]

Josh

mtgeorge · 01-09-07, 07:42 AM

I just got the iBlue 737 and absolutely LOVE it! :approve:. I was pleasantly surprised at how small the unit actually is. I would say its very close in size to a alpha-numeric pager (one of the original ones, not the newer ones with the fold down keyboard) without the belt clip. What about getting a very small fanny pack

EDIT: Check out this site, these cases (belt clips) are GREAT and they have all different sizes. http://www.ripoffs.com/hand.htm

01-09-07, 09:19 AM

I don't have personal experience with the other two, but the iBlue 737 is great. I bought it to complement my Belkin (rebadged Fortuna Clipon). I would suggest you go over to gpspassion.com and read the reviews and comparisons articles about the iBlue. The article on the use of the iBlue in Manhattan may convince you about how accurate it is in the urban canyon.

JakeRich · 01-09-07, 04:13 PM

The iBlue was reviewed here at Aximsite.

The GPSlim 240 was reviewed here at Aximsite.

As for performance in urban canyons, none of them do that well. The signal bounces around and gets deflected, leading to errors and wandering. Sometimes the more sensitive receivers actually do worse! In any event, urban canyon GPS reception will always be chancy.

kona_mtbkr · 01-11-07, 02:36 AM

I was having much the same debate myself. I went with the iBlue 737 as well, mostly for the great reviews that the MTK chipset got and battery life. Bought it at buyGPSnow.com for $65, and Fedex saver shipping still got it to me in 2 days. These guys were great, because the cradle I ordered with it went out of stock, and they emailed me right away, and were willing to ship out the GPS receiver first, and the cradle when it arrives.

Don't have much GPS experience, but so far it seems great. Set up on my X51v in no time at all ... and paired with TomTom Nav6, it worked like a charm. I don't think the size would be too much in a pocket, my V600 cell is bigger and heavier. I'm planning on throwing mine + my Axim in it's Innopocket case in my CamelBak so I can track myself on the trails.