The GPS Advisor

Verdict: Excellent Subscription Dog Location Device

We think the Zoombak GPS Pet Locator is a user-friendly and cost-effective way of tracking your dog by leveraging GPS technology and the cellular phone network.

You will have to pay a small montly subscription fee -but for that price, you get simplicity, vast range capability, and great 24×7 customer service.

The Zoombak GPS has proven to be a dependable and accurate way to track the mysterious whereabouts of your dog anywhere there is cellular coverage at any time of the day.

The Zoombak GPS System - Simple and Elegant Design

The tiny Zoombak locator is 2.87″ x 1.69″ x .0.82″ (L x W x H) and weighs only 2.5 ounces and is water-resistant (not sure about swimming with your dog here). Zoombak recommends the product for dogs over 15 lbs, so it may be a little big for your tiny lap dog.

The built-in long-life battery gives you power for of up to 5 days on standby or up to 150 location requests before recharging is needed. The charging unit is included.

Zoombak requires a monthly service plan starting at $9.99/month with a minimum service term required. Of course, activation and use of Zoombak locators are subject to Zoombak’s customer agreement, plans, terms and conditions - as well as signing over your first born (just kidding).

Cellular Meets GPS in Zoombak

We love how Zoombak uses Assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS), that brings together both satellite and cellular technologies. Technical jargon aside, this provides a more precise and reliable way to determine the location of your Zoombak Locator…which should be attached to your dog (or teenager, if needed).

The relatively small, lightweight, and water-resistant locator attaches comfortably to your dog’s collar with a durable and secure Zoombak pouch (included with the unit). If your dog leaves or is taken from the safety zone you have created, e.g., your backyard, you can be promptly notified by text and/or email.

You can then pinpoint your dog¿s real-time location on-demand via Zoombak.com or through their live, toll-free customer care - which is available 24/7. Additionally, you can determine your dog’s location in real time using our continuous tracking option which provides your pet’s location every 5 minutes for up to an hour.

Get GPS-based Internet Access to Your Dog…Really!

To track your dog, you can simply log on to Zoombak.com to view a map of your dog’s current location, as well as his path taken since leaving home. This is wonderful, assuming you have an Internet connection or a computer nearby.

With the subscription, you get unlimited on-demand location requests, an easy-to-use website, and a 24/7 toll-free phone number for live customer care. This number is used for location support as well, which will provide you with the peace of mind you are looking for in pet safety.

We think that the simplicity and long range capability of this cellular-based GPS dog tracking system is great for someone looking for a turnkey solution and who doesn’t mind a small subscription for that peace of mind.

Verdict: “Best Entry-Level GPS Running Watch”

If your budget is limited (to about 100 bucks) and you want to add GPS functionality to your workouts or training regimen, look no further than the Garmin Forerunner 101 GPS running watch.

Having survived my 25 year running career with a handy digital watch, I was amazed to see what Garmin has packed into this wrist-top GPS running computer.

I like the simplicity and basic functions of this virtual training partner as well as the very low entry price, unless you want to hook it up to your PC - then go with the next step up. Read the rest of this entry »

Verdict: “Excellent Entry-level GPS Wrist Watch”

The Garmin Foretrex 101 GPS wrist watch is a new addition to the Foretrex 201 line, but in a more economical package with great features.

We are quite amazed at the sheer number of features that Garmin has packed into this fairly compact unit. After may years of carrying around a general handheld GPS unit, this is a refreshing alternative.

Heavy-Duty Features in a Little Package

Garmin claims that the Foretrex 101 has the same features at the Foretrex 201, but at a more economical price point, including PC interface capabilities for downloading waypoints, tracks and routes, and operation on two AAA batteries. Read the rest of this entry »

Verdict: “Excellent High-Powered GPS Running Watch”

The Garmin Forerunner 305 is a high-end GPS runners watch that is ideal for serious athletes and trail runners looking for serious backcountry adventures.

Garmin never disappoints when it comes to GPS features and this unit is no exception. This is the GPS running watch I would buy today (if price were not a factor), because of it’s extensive features, sleek design, and Garmin reliability & performance. Read the rest of this entry »

Verdict: “The Cadillac of Bicycle GPS Computers”

The Garmin Edge 705 Bicycle GPS system has all the features that anyone could possibly want…and then some. Although expensive, you can use this GPS system as your personal fitness trainer, route planner, and graphical proof that you have conquered all the those hills.

The Garmin Edge 750 is truly the Cadillac of the cycling GPS category. This unit is the big brother of the popular Garmin Edge 605 and sports amazing GPS navigation functionality, turn-by-turn directions and very advanced route planning and ride data save capabilities. Read the rest of this entry »

Verdict: Solid Personal Trainer and Cycling Computer Combined

The Garmin Edge 305 is a very good “middle of the road” cycling computer with extensive and very customizable fitness training capabilities. We really like the combination of features and ease of use for a relatively good price.

All of the the Garmin Edge GPS computers are (in our opinion) the best little lightweight and sleek GPS-enabled cycling computers on the market.

When visiting my favorite outdoor store (REI, of course!), I head to the GPS counter to see if anything new has come out and to play with the Garmin GPS units. Although the picture of the Edge 305 looks pretty large on this page, they are much smaller in person - about the size of an ipod. Read the rest of this entry »

Verdict: “Good Basic Bike GPS Computer for less than $100“

We like the simplicity of the Atech GPS design…reminds us of the old days when a basic speedometer was all you needed on the bike. If you are not into paying $300-$600 for a fancy Garmin unit (which could also buy you an extra bike), this may be the unit for you.

I like to think of the Atech Bike GPS navigational computer as a super charged GPS-enabled bicycle computer. This slightly oversized GPS bicycle computer mounts on to standard one inch handlebars, providing more navigation functionality than any typical cycling computer can do. Read the rest of this entry »

Verdict: The Perfect GPS for Hunters - No Question!

GPS dog tracking systems for hunters is a fairly new product category in the rapidly expanding GPS marketplace - and what a huge bonus for today’s hunters.

Although old-school hunters like to hang bells on their dogs, a new breed of hunters are looking to leverage technology to enhance their hunting experiences.

The Garmin Astro 220 GPS is just the ticket for the modern hunter and is definitely the best product out there. We love that you can use it as a regular GPS, as well as add more dogs by buying more collars. Read the rest of this entry »