J2ME Map/Navigation Applications

Now that I have a bluetooth GPS receiver, I went on a googling spree to find out Java ME GPS map / navigation applications. I will just be listing some of them this time and will take up the reviews in my later posts.

TrekBuddy (Raster Maps)
MGmaps (Raster Maps)
GpsMid (Vector Maps)
We-Travel (Raster + Vector Maps)
Navigami (Vector Maps)
Vgps (Vietnamese GPS) (Vector Maps)
J2MMEMAP (Also called 8motions) - (Raster Maps)

I am currently trying out these applications on my Motorola Razr V3xxR. Will be sharing details, pros and cons of every application in my coming posts.

The Holux M100 Bluetooth GPS Receiver

I recently purchased the Holux M1000 Bluetooth GPS receiver on Ebay. Price was approximately Rs. 3000/- which is surprisingly low for the features you get. I was very particular about buying this receiver for the reason that, it can be used with Sony Playstation Portable as well. Another advantage with this receiver is that it uses BL-5C like battery which is available almost everywhere.



Detailed specs from Holux web-stie:

• Built in MTK MT3318 Low power consumption GPS chipset
• 32 parallel satellite-tracking channels for fast acquisition and reacquisition
• Superior sensitivity up to -159 dbm
• Built-in WAAS/EGNOS Demodulator without any additional hardware. Or use the high-sensitive software to get the fast acquisition and reacquisition in the urban, canyon and foliage environments
• Compatible with Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP) completely
• Low power consumption. Built-in rechargeable and changeable Lithium-ion battery, the working time can last 23 hours maximum
• Provide expand terminal contact to other system without Bluetooth device
• Support NMEA0183 V 3.01 data protocol
• 3 color-LEDs indicate to show the status of device.
• FLASH based program memory. New software revisions upgradeable through serial interface
• Small, sleek, and lightweight design easily fits in your hand.
• Over-Temperature protection
• Enhanced algorithms -SnapLock and SnapStart provide superior navigation, performance in urban, canyon and foliage environments.

I have tested this personally on my Motorola V3xxR cell phone and the receiver actually locks onto satellites very quickly. It could lock onto satellites and provide accurate co-ordinates even inside the house at about 3-4 meters from the nearest window !! Now that is amazing !!

Bluetooth connectivity is equally good. You can pair it with you phone almost instantaneously.
You can easily slip the receiver into your pocket and use it with your cell phone without any breaks in bluetooth connectivity or losing satellite connectivity.

Now, lets come to the disadvantages. The receiver is not weather resistant and the user manual warns against use in warm climate and using it directly under the sun. It does not come with a USB Data Cable. If you want to upgrade firmware or use it as GPS Mouse, you have to buy the data cable separately. However, you can build your own data cable, for which I still have to discover the how-to details.

All-in-all, the Holux M1000 is worth it !