I received my Freedom Mini GPS receiver from Freedom Input today. First, let me say that this is not a *technical* review. I am not a GPS expert. This is more of a layman's "how it works for me" review. That being said, overall, I'm quite imprressed. For it's size it boasts the following Specs:

Bluetooth Specs
Bluetooth CSR BC04 Bluetooth V2.0, Class II
10 Meters Range
SPP Serial Port Profile

GPS Specs
Chipset: SiRFstar III
20 Channels "All-In-View"-Tracking
Protocol: NMEA 0183/GGA, GSA, GSV,RMC, VTG, GLL
Baud: 57,600
Freq: LQ, 1,575.42 Mhz
Tracking Sensitivity: -159dBM
Position devidation: 10 meters 90% 2D RMS 1-5 Meters
Velocity: 0.1 M/sec
Cold/Warm/Hot Start 42/35/1 sec
Rechargeable 420mAh
Lithiup Polymer Akku
Working Temp: -20C - +60C
Internal Ceramic Patch antenna
Size in mm: 39L x 33B x 19H
Weight: 28g
Battery life: 10 hours working time.


Below is the retail packaging:





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The Freedom Mini GPS came with the following items:

GPS Reciever:
Key ring
USB cable
Car charger
Instructions

I was surprised to see that no AC charger was included with this package. The unit can be charged in any USB port with the mini USB cable (same as the BB.)





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IMO, the main feature of this GPS compared to others such as the BT-359 is it's size. It's made of rubberized plastic and hangs on a key ring. It's 2 inches tall, 1 1/4 inches wide and 5/8 inches thick at it's thickest and weighs in at only 1.06oz. It's somewhat teardrop shaped in thickness. It includes an on/off switch on the side and one multicolored LED on the front. At the top is a hole for a keyring. At the bottom is the mini USB charging port with a rubber plug for covering when not in use.













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I've had a GlobalSat BT-359 for quite some time and consider it to be a pretty small GPS unit. However, when when compared to the BT-359, the Freedom GPS, while slightly thicker, is quite a bit smaller than the BT-359.






So far I have tried this with Google Maps, BB Maps, and TeleNav and they all work well. One thing to mention regarding TeleNav. I first paired the Freedom Mini with TeleNav v5.1.0.29 on my Pearl. There is a known issue with Bluetooth Pucks (other than the BT-359) that prevent them from working with v5.1.0.29. I was able to pair the Freedom and use it with Telenav v 5.1.0.29 but only after changing the GPS preferences from Bluetooth to Internal, saving, then changing back to bluetooth again. Then the Freedom GPS worked until TeleNav was closed and reopened again. Once reopened I needed to change to internal and back again. Again, this is a known issue with TeleNav 5.1.0.29.

However, after upgrading TeleNav to 5.1.0.54 all issues with the Freedom Mini were gone and it paired and worked normally with TeleNav.

This GPS tracks and keeps up quite nicely using Google, BBmaps and TeleNav.

The LED is my only complaint with this unit. It has a red, blue and orange led under one lens. The instructions included state the following:

LED Status:
1. Bluetooth LED (Blue)
The blue LED blinks 1 time/sec = The device is switched on
The blue LED blinks 2 times/sec = Bluetooth connecting
The blue LED stays illuminated = Bluetooth connection established.

2. GPS LED (Orange)
The orange LED shines permanently = Satellite signal searching.
The orange LED blinks 1 time/sec = Satellite signal received.

3. Battery LED (Red)
The red LED shines permanently = Battery is charing
The red LED goes out = Battery fully charged


However, When paired, connected and receiving a Satellite my LED blinkes blue, purple, orange, blue and repeats. It appears that blue LED comes on indicating connection established however, the blue LED doesn't stay illuminated. It turns off momentarily. And additionally, the orange LED comes on at the same time as the blue (briefly) turning the LED a purple color (purple is not any color that the instructions list). If I understand the instructions correctly I should have a steady blue light with an orange flash every second.

However, regardless of what the LED's do the GPS functions correctly. I still have the issue where occasionally I have to restart the GPS unit in order to get it to work in Google Maps. Sometimes it will show connected and not disconnect and sometimes it just won't connect at all. I've had this issue with the BT-359 in Google, BBMaps and TeleNav so I don't believe it's anything specific to the Freedom Mini GPS.


Overall, I give this GPS unit 4.5 out of 5 stars. The only reason it didn't get 5 from me is that the LED flashing doesn't quite match the instructions received. This is a great unit that is small and compact and easier to carry around than my BT-359. I will probably shelve my BT-359 in lieu of the Freedom due to the convenience of its small size.


Freedom Mini GPS

Freedom Input Ltd - Home

Excellent review, John! My Freedom Mini is currently winging it's way across the Atlantic even as I type. I should have it soon. I am having a problem loading v.54 of TeleNav to my 8300...actually switching service from my previous 8800 to the 8300 to be exact...so I might have to talk to tech support on Monday.

But...from what you wrote, I am really looking forward to once again having GPS functionality on my BlackBerry. Plus, the keyring-friendly size is great too.

-Terry

I wonder how it will compare with Garmin Mobile for BlackBerry with GPS 10x #010-00623-00. I was looking to own something that will assist me before my trip to SF, but my Garmin isn't arriving until next week

JC, I might need you to do a side-by-side comparison once I get mine

Bump:

Added observed battery life to the OP.

Having had the opportunity to test the Freedom Mini GPS for a period of time now, I can honestly concur with John Clark almost all of his opinions and observations.

I will add that IMHO, the BlackBerry 8300 works amazingly well with the Freedom Mini GPS because of the Curve's speakerphone which is exceptionslly loud and clear. That translates to a great navigational experience when using a voice-navigation service like TeleNav. I have made an equipment change recently from the BlackBerry to the Apple iPhone...but until Apple makes some very necessary changes in the output of their speakerphone in an upcoming software update...I will continue to be disappointed in that facet of the performance of the FM/iPhone pairing. But, using Google Maps on both the BlackBerry and the Apple products was amazing.

I too was amazed at the lack of an AC charger, but again...I have gotten used to the current trend towards USB charging and it is not an issue with me.

I have not had the problems with the unit "dropping" a signal, or having to restart the unit when using Google Maps. It performs beautifully from start to stop...

Overall, I will give the Freedom Mini GPS a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating. The only thing that keeps it from being a solid "5" is the lack of AC charger...which is simply more convenient and common if I am on the road and not close to a computer. But, I have found that a Motorola or BlackBerry charger that uses a mini-USB connector works great...so my problem is not a big one.

My vacation is coming up...and I can't wait to really put this unit through the paces!!!

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8300/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

I have loved the unit while using it in LA. I flew into JFK last night,tried the unit thru a 20 mile taxi ride thru open skies to my destinatin.all software says a"signal too weak for a reading"I'm even on a roof of a high rise right now.same thing. Anyone have any thoughts on this. I'm mystfied. Nav,google,bb maps all get weak signal.

Not sure. Occassionally I've seen that message in Google Maps but performance hasn't been affected.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8300/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

Ithink it has something to do with my bt setting defaulting back to encrypted and not trusted every time I shut down the gps unit. Also does not play well with another bt device paired.

Yes, I've had that same issue. Disabling the encryption in BT settings and saving it fixed the issue.

Back from NY and had a terrible time with gps mini over there... took 20 minutes to find my position. I would shut it off after a drive using navigation (with Telenav) turn it off at destination, turn it on for the drive home and couldn't get it going again..., and had to repair bt to get it going again. this happened on GMapss too... couldn't use bt phone with it, that was a big no no.... all around pain in the ass...

Now back in LA, the gps mini works in an instant, never lets me down... I love it.

Can there be that big a difference in satellite coverage in these two states?What gives, I wonder?

Satellite coverage should be the same....were you downtown NY?

My question as well. Heavily wooded area's (New England and NY State backroads) and city locations, especially NYC and Boston (where I travel quite a bit) tend to pose a challenge for even the nicest nav puck. Even built in auto nav will tend to get confused in a city where you are surrounded by tightly knit tall buildings.

Thanks! Not as small as I thought it was.

I was in queens and long island... as well as JFK airport. Big sky views... really stunned by the lack of gps location/connection ability - not a software thing... once it locked in I could get directions via telenav to my destination, but once completed... it could be an hour before it could find me again.

Back here in los angeles, I still have the bt repair issue - but can obtain my position very quickly once I get the bt worked out...

Nothing is perfect, I guess...

As to why it had trouble picking up satellites in NY area, I couldn't tell you. I have found more info on the bluetooth connection issue, though. This post by 7100simpleisbetter explained it really well. It is definitely a RIM OS issue and not a Telenav/puck issue. Pay particular attention to the second paragraph of his post.

http://www.blackberryforums.com/gps-...tml#post652416

"On that note, I have found that in older version 4.2.0 of the Pearl OS, it had no problems with continuously finding bluetooth GPS but 4.2.1 changed the stack and now for whatever reason it runs into problems with accessing bluetooth gps from a normal GPS call. The only way to fix it is to reboot. It is a pain but that is the issue. Roll back to 4.2.0 and you will see what I am saying. It is an RIM OS issue not a bbTracker issue.

The GPSTrack method actually bypasses the paired devices and just goes out to search for BT devices when you initialize bluetooth. I have had GPSTrack working without my Holux paired so it is not even looking for paired devices but any GPS bluetooth device within range."

Is this what you were referring to? If so, is RIM aware? Or AT&T? if it is an issue keeping customers away from their 9.99 per month telenav service, seems they'd want to fix it.

I'm on the Curve, 4.2.2.114

Yep, that's the post I was referring to. I don't know if RIM is aware of it or not. Honestly, I haven't been real impressed with RIM's 4.2.1 for the Pearl. They left a lot of bugs in it that never got worked out. I doubt we will see fixes for the multitap issues in 4.2.1 or the Bluetooth stack. I bet we have to wait for 4.3. RIM has come out with some buggy devices lately and, IMO, have lowered their standards for quality control. I don't know what's going on over there but it's not the rock solid OS that they used to put out.

/rant

The Freedom GPS has been working fine for me with one exception. I can't seem to get Berry411 to work. Can anyone confirm for me that has this GPS if they can or can't get Berry411 to work with it?

It's working fine with Google maps and Telenav.

Thanks

First; excellent review, just what I was looking for

Next; several sites list a feature of mmxc external antenna connection, have you found this, if so, can you post a picture

Finally; to answer a previous user's question: The reason a GPS can take a long time to aquire is that it stores a large amount of information about where the satellites should be. If this information is wrong for the area you are in or is out of date the GPS will download this before aquiring a location sometimes taking up to 20 minutes. Short answer: Be patient.

Thanks, GP

I have been using GPS units for a long time and never had one take 20 minutes to aquire a fix. My take would be it's either a bug in the unit if it takes that long or your not in an open enough area (read around tall buildings, trees, etc). 20 minutes to me = send it back and get it replaced.

If you turn the unit off and go to a new location distant from where you were when you turned it off, I can see it taking a little longer to find the sats but not 20 minutes. Maybe an extra minute or so... It would be a useless device if you had to wait 20 minutes to drive your car...

1) I said up to 20 minutes. Mine has never taken more that one or two minutes, save for the first time I turned it on (it thought it ws in Taiwan) that took about 15 minutes.

2) I was refering more to long distance travel as in the other side of the planet and or not having the GPS on for several months. Just like turning the GPS on for the first time after having it programmed far away. a normal startup should be between seconds and miuntes.

In short what I was saying was that if your gps takes time starting up, it may just be updating its almanac data, leave it on and out in the open for ~half an hour, see if it helps subsequent startups. if not, then yes, it may need repair.

No worries mate, I fly all the time cross country East to West coast and back in the US... Always within a minute or two I will get at least a few sats and then it's away we go from there. While you may be correct, I have never heard of anyone's GPS taking that long and if mine did, trust me, it would go back for replacement or refund.

Honestly, I still think that the person complaining in this thread may have a bum unit.

That is correct. The GPS unit does store the data on what satellites should be in view and depending on the distance between where it was last turned on and where it now is it can take upto 20 minutes to get the new information.

In practice it doesn't normally take this long and the longest I have seen one take is about 10 minutes. This was a sample unit that had been tested at the factory (in Taiwan) and sent to me in the UK. First time I used it it took about 10 minutes to get the initial lock. Next cold start and everyone since then has been under 1 minute.

As mentioned it only normally happens if the GPS unit has moved a significant distance and will only be on the first time it starts up. Units are randomly selected for QC testing (both at the factory, here in the UK and sometimes by the distributor as well) so occasionally a new unit will need to clear its stored information and get the new information when you first get it.

For the freedom unit at least you should just check the orange light on the unit. If it is solid orange and stays solid orange and never changes then you are either in an area that has no satellite signal (ie inside a building) or the unit is not working. To double check make sure the unit is fully charged and give it 20 minutes in open space to update the stored information.

If the Orange light is flashing but your BlackBerry still says there is no satellite signal then it is most likely the issue with the bugged bluetooth control software on the BlackBerry rearing its head (this is often the problem when using GPS units with the BlackBerry).

Take a look at the link below for more information on the BlackBerry Bluetooth bug.
http://www.blackberryforums.com/blue...r-4-2-0-a.html

Can anyone provide a size comparison to the Holux GPSlim 240?

Have a look at the link below. This compares the Freedom Keychain GPS to the Holex 204 (and with my clifford alarm key fob and a BlackBerry Curve).

Blackberry Curve vs Clifford Alarm Key Fob vs Freedom Keychain GPS vs Holex 240

what is the cost of the freedom and where did you order it from?

Freedom is a sponsor here are linked in the Sponsor section.
BlackBerryForums.com Sponsors - BlackBerryForums.com : Your Number One BlackBerry Community

The gps puck costs about $99, and can be purchased various places
BlackberrySource.com - Freedom Keychain BlackBerry GPS

Thanks

Awesome, thanks. This makes me happy with my Holux, which is 30% smaller by volume.

Holux made me happy.

Kept me from getting too lost in San Francisco & outlying areas this past week.

But it still loses the signal at times and can take an eternity to position me on a cold startup.

-simpson

I like my Freedom!!

Freedom mini used here and I really like it. Also the casing is a rubberized material and makes me think it will stand up to the abuse of being on my keys well.

I've had the Freedom hanging on a big ring of keys for work and it still looks brand new. It's holding up well. I've had it since it first came out.

I'm obviously biased but have had mine on my keyring since before they where launched and it still looks new (even after dropping it multiple times and having it bounce around with a bunch of other keys on there...)

I urge you to carefully check out the return policy before buying or make sure there are no known problems with the desired unit and your BB. The Freedom mini GPS does not work with the curve (8300) ver. 4.2 , documented as a problem by Paul Bowles from Freedom on this forum.
Suggestion was made on this forum to switch to ver. 4.1 (simply stupid) or perhaps wait for ver. 4.3 (2008 ?).

I purchased a Freedom Mini from MobilePlanet and upon discovering that it would not connect with my ATT 8300 on 4.2 (despite connecting without A SINGLE failure, flawlessly, to many cars, computers and erphones) I was asked to ship the unit back to the UK for testing. After many e-mails and being asked to ship $2 cables back to the UK it cost me $20+ out of pocket (cost of the unit + shippments minus the PayPal refund).

Thus, my suggestion to check out refund carefully should the unit not work with your BB!

The Freedom Mini works fine on my Curve with 4.2. I use it all the time. There are occassional disconnects (rare on my Curve, though-there were more on my Pearl) but my BT-359 does the exact same thing.

With respect I would like to respond to this.

I have never said that the Mini GPS unit does not work with 4.2. What I have said is that there are bugs within some versions of the 4.2 operating system which can effect ALL bluetooth devices. This does not mean all curves or all Pearls, etc just the occasional one or two out of every 100 or so. This is a bug with the BlackBerry, not a universal compatibility issue.

Without wishing to go into details in a public forum we did advise you that this was the case and gave you the option to return the GPS unit to us to test. If the GPS unit was then faulty we could exchange it if not you could have had it back and either returned it to the Place of purchase or waited until the next BB update.

The GPS unit was fine and at this point we would have sent it back to you. As you wanted a refund (something that we only normally give to people that buy directly from us) and didnt want the unit back we obviously needed a complete unit (including cables).

I'm really sorry that you couldn't get the unit to work with your BlackBerry but I'm not sure what else we could have possibly done for you. Considering the unit was not purchased directly from us we went against our standard operating procedure to refund you for a product that was not actually faulty.

Has anyone had experience with this product working with Verizon 7130e? I am not sure if you can pair GPS devices via bluetooth with Verizon Blackberrys. I have the latest firmware on the 7130e which is ver 4.1. I have read that Verizon apparently cripples the internal GPS in this unit via the software, which is why I fear they may also make using an external GPS problematic. I have both Blackberry maps and Google maps installed. Each application acts as if it thinks there is already a GPS present. As I understand it, there is a native GPS, but software cannot receive any GPS data because of the intentional deactivation by Verizon in their software.

I am hesitant to purchase a freedom mini until I can verify that the Verizon issue will not render the unit useless.

Yes, the BT pucks will work with the Verizon BB's.

You are correct in that the internal GPS will not work.

In order to use this, does your carrier still have to offer the gps service? or will one of the gps software such as Telenav take care of it once you get this reciever?