Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have been searching for a GPS logger to use for Geo tagging with my new Canon Rebel T2i.I researched the Amod AGL3080, I-GotU GT-120, GiSTEQ Phototracker and the USGlobalSat SiRFIII Data logger.A co-worker had the Navin Minihomer and let me borrow it to try out.
Comparison Chart(forgive the formatting)
---------------------Price--GPS-Chipset---------------Compass-Display-Battery--Battery-Life---Rec.-Len.-PC-Conn
Navin-MiniHomer------$55----"Latest-66-Channel-GPS"--Yes-----LCD-----Builtin---8-12 Hours-----165K------Mini-USB
Amod-AGL3080--------$65----SiRFIII-------------------No------LED-----3-AAA---15-Hours-------256K------USB
i-GotU-GT-120--------$70----SiRFIII-------------------No------LED-----Builtin---?--------------64K-------Custom-USB
GiSTEQ-PhotoTracker--$73----"Latest-66-Channel-GPS"-No-----LED-----Builtin----32-Hours-------250K------Mini-USB
USGlobalSat-SiRFIII---$70----SiRFIII-------------------No------LED-----2-AAA---20-Hours-------60K-------USB
Contrary to the another review here, the MiniHomer DOES perform GPS location logging natively along with direction finding due to the LCD display and digital compass.It also will give you approximate speed and altitude.The software provided online gives you the ability to Google map routes, setup the MiniHomer, analyze GPS data, and export into multiple formats.Unlike the single or dual LED displays on the other units, the Mini Homer has a superior backlit LCD display that includes the ability to display text in different modes and a battery "fuel gage" indicator along with compass arrows and distance.
I was not really interested in the ability to find your way back to a marked waypoint, but this seems very functional giving you both an indication of the direction and distance left to go to your marked destination.
I have not yet had a chance to test the battery life of the unit, but if it proves to be reasonable the MiniHomer seems like a better option than the others on the list due to the LCD display and standard USB connection/charging.A quick test shows that the MiniHomer gave very accurate GPS data while being worn around my neck driving in a car.
UPDATE 9-15-10:
Used this on a long trip and was happy with the results.Battery life was useful but not great, probably 8-12 hours, but when we were driving I left this connected to power port in the car and placed it on the dashboard.During the 9 days that I recorded GPS locations the only time it didn't record was when I forgot to take it with me.
I used the export features of the Navin software for GPX files, then used Microsoft Pro Photo Tools to embed the GPS data into the EXIF data for each photo.This combo worked perfectly.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Navin miniHomer Waterproof GPS Position Finder / Data Logger with built-in Compass (Black)
Product Description:
Ever forgot where you parked your car at the mall or stadium? Ever got lost when hiking, biking, or traveling to a new place? miniHomer is a keychain-sized GPS Locator device used for returning to a previously marked outdoor spot. This high-tech, reverse navigation system is low cost, accurate, easy to use, fits in your pocket, and giving peace of mind.Using latest GPS technology, miniHomer works globally, under all weather condition, 24/7. It is an indispensible tool for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it is for returning to the camping ground, remembering a favorite fishing spot, or getting back to a place of particular interest you came across during vacation, simply mark the location while you are at the place. Later miniHomer can guide you back to the exact spot no matter how far away you start.As a GPS Guider, ntrip allows users to set miniHomer location icons by manual input of coordinates, or by clicking destination locations on the Google Map graphic user interface. Then miniHomer can guide user with distance and heading information to the target destination.As a GPS Data Logger, the miniHomer is capable recording 165,000 points of position, velocity, and time information. It may be used as trip recorder, giving a complete track / velocity / time history of your travel routes. The logged trip data can be shown on Google Map, or exported to share with friends. For sports application, it can record the path taken and the movement speed for later performance analysis.ntrip is also a photo geo-tagging software, facilitating showing of photo on the Google Map at the place where it is taken. It eases users to upload geo-tagged photos to flickr, locr and sharing with friends. The logger data can be exported in KML, KMZ, GPX, CSV, NMEA formats for use with other software.
Want to read more honest consumer review about Navin miniHomer Waterproof GPS Position Finder / Data Logger with built-in Compass (Black) now ?
