As readers will know from past posts, I got a new phone this Christmas to replace my old PDA, phone and bluetooth GPS unit. It has already been pretty useful for the obvious things like getting directions with route finding software, finding out where I was with Google maps, and marking places of interest for future visits. However, what about those people who don’t want a full on multi-system like the Kaiser? Miniaturized GPS units, like those that GTX Corp are producing could well be catalyst in a huge consumer boom in purchases. Whether it be a small belt clip for athletes, a discrete vehicle tracking unit, or simply anything with such a small GPS Tracking Device integrated into it, the potential uses are only just starting to be realised. The fact that the technology has improved so much means that size constraints no longer apply to what sort of existing objects can easily be redesigned by manufacturers to integrate location tracking, and with the increasing availability of the internet whilst on the move, you don’t even need to be in a centralized office to co-ordinate the data coming in. All this means that many people see GPS-based companies as the next wise move for investors looking to get in relatively early to a blossoming sector. Do I have enough money to invest in companies? Not yet sadly, but if someone asked me which areas were worth considering, it would have to be in my top 5.
Aug 02 2007
PDA App #4 – Port Splitter
Later in the week I will start reviewing some of the GPS applications, however today I would like to focus on a related utility.
One of the problems with Bluetooth GPS units is that they require a serial port connection (though obviously not of the wired variety 😉 ), which is then locked exclusively to the program that initiated the connection. If you want to use your GPS with more than one program, you need to dis-connect and re-connect, which can cause stability and slow response times in either of the programs. Whilst you could theoretically have a utility rapidly switch between the two applications, I believe this would cause too much of a processing overhead. Another approach is that taken by Port Splitter (You’ll need to click the Port Splitter link when the page loads). The program makes a connection with your GPS unit in the usual manner, but then proceeds to create two (or however many free you have on your PDA) new serial ports, which it then duplicates the GPS data through to. All you then need to do is setup your other GPS programs to use one of these serial ports each. Quite a simple, but effective solution to a problem. With this program, you could use some route finding software to get to your destination, and use WiFiFoFum to accurately map WiFi hotspots on your trip.
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