Spark Nano: GPS tracking device gets tiny

Spark Nano: A tiny GPS device

You've seen them in movies: tracking devices so small they can be put inside a tooth or embedded under the skin. In reality, tracking devices--for the general public at least--are not that tiny, but they can be pretty diminutive.

Lightning GPS introduced a small tracking device on Wednesday called the Spark Nano. Of course, you'll need to take the "Nano" notion with a big grain of salt. The device is actually about the size of a 9-Volt battery--you know, the big one that's used in a smoke detector. The Spark Nano is, however, rugged and waterproof.

The new Spark Nano GPS tracking device.

(Credit: sfs)

Its size means you can easily install the Spark Nano on the object that needs tracking; you can clip it on a person's belt or put it inside your kids' backpack to keep tab of their whereabouts. The Spark Nano also features a panic button that the wearer can use to alert people if he or she is in danger. The alert would show exactly where the person wearing the tracking device was located.

For people at home, the Spark Nano can be tracked in real time via a Web site, either with a computer or via a smartphone. It can also be set to periodically send e-mails and text messages indicating the location of the tracked object.

The Spark Nano has a built-in rechargeable battery that can power the device for five continuous days with a full charge. It sports "Safety Zone" Technology that alerts you when the tracked object arrives at a target or exits a predefined area.

The new GPS tracking device is available now and costs $299.95. It also requires a service plan that starts at another $45 a month.

[kcotham]

"For people at home, the Spark Nano can be tracked in real time via a Web site, either with a computer for via a smartphone. " Shouldn't "for" be "or"?

And how is it transmitting the data? Is it using the cellular network or what? GPS receivers are just that, receivers. How is it offloading it's data to the observer?

[ngodong]

Thanks Kcotham. It's "or" and has been fixed. I think the Website that the device is tied to sends you the emails and text messages.

[kcotham]

It appears to be transmitting its data to LIghtning GPS's web site via the cellular phone network (GPRS and GSM). You have to pay an activation fee to allow this. Then there is also a fee for accessing the data/web site. It's kind of cool, but seems expensive unless you have a real need for it. And it's being limited to areas with cellular phone coverage makes it useless for the backwoods. There are alternatives like the Spot Satellite Personal Tracker at http://www.findmespot.com/en/ that use a satellite phone system.

[lxnyce]

And how does this stand out from Google latitude which is a free service? Granted the device is a little bit more rugged and might be smaller than some phones, but .... pay extra for something you get for free? Not in today's economy.

[TV James]

Sounds like its biggest advantages are its simplicity, long battery life and ruggedness. It does seem grossly overpriced, though. For the small amount of data that actually would be transmitted, you'd think it would be cheaper (instead of more) than the price for a basic cellular plan. I'd expect a cellular provider to jump in either reselling this or offering their own, but with a much lower per-month charge, available only to people who already have a cellular plan.

[dmeisner01]

I agree the price is a huge stumbling block -- more the $45/month service fee than the original purchase price. I can understand it will cost something to tie into a cellular network, but that's way more than a basic phone plan would cost.

I also understand pricing high at first for early adopters and bringing it down over time, but this really sounds out of line.

[Voice_of_Reason976]

This is NOT the smallest, fastest and least expensive by any means as they proclaim. The sentryGPSid personal location device (http://www.sentryGPSid.com) appears to be the exact same size (if not even made by the same manufacturer). And at just $185 for the device and $19/month for the monthly service, the sentryGPSid also is A LOT cheaper and lists all of the exact same features!

[flsun1]

The sentryGPSid runs almost the same amount of money for the "unlimited" plan as the Spark Nano. The huge difference is that you can have the updates on the location of your child every few second, whereas the sentryGPSid updates every 15 minutes. Well, al lot could happen in 15 minutes! A kidnapped child could be dead by then. I have done some research and so far it seems that the Spark Nano from Brickhouse Security offers the best service.

[AIGbonusMAN]

They are late to the party with an overpriced device and service.
Zoombak sells for $99 and only has a $14.99 monthly fee with no activation fee.

[LATracker]

Zoombak is a piece of work.

Look at the commercial grade trackers - like the PT-10 and RTV5 found at LiveViewGPS.com - 10 second updating - and an unbelieveable back end mapping system - $39.99 per month for the portable and only $29.95 for the vehicle tracker.

[k374]

what is the point of this? you can do this via the iPhone 3G and the iPhone seems a bit slimmer than this.

[Spyguy1]

These units are great! The are compact, and can go under your seat, or in your glove box without having any signal problems. You can even get a 6th month battery and magnetic case to mount under your car. You can find all of this at www.deluxecctv.com They have lots of other spy gear as well. Check them out!