It does not help you much if you can tell some-one over the cell phone that you are in trouble, but you can not explain where you are. This is rapidly changing with cell phones with incorporated GPS receiver, called GPS phones. These two techniques are so complementary to each other, that they should always go together. ‘Where are you?’ is the most asked question over cell phones.
With a GPS phone you can tell your exact location and with the right service of the phone operator you can even project your position on a map in your friend’s cell phone. The service will tell you where you could meet and by which route to get there. This exists today (early March 2004).
Satellite phone + GSM + GPS
The Thuraya Hughes 7101 can be used as a Satellite only, GSM 900 only, or auto switching between the two, subject to the type of airtime package chosen. Satellite coverage for North and Central Africa, Middle East, India, Central Asia and Europe. You can use your SIM card in this GPS phone, which offers voice, data, fax and GPS location determination. You can store 25 GPS positions and transmit GPS locations via SMS.
GPS receiver + dual-band GSM (900/1800 MHz) + Organizer + WAP 1.2.1 MiniBrowser
We are talking about the Garmin NavTalk GSM for Europe and South Africa. It is the only dual-band phone that offers GPS mapping with automatic routing and voice-prompted turn-by-turn guidance. Comes with MapSource City Select on CD-ROM. POIs can be downloaded via the GSM. Your locations can be transmitted on a one-time basis, user-initiated, or continual updates through SMS. You have the ability to request location transmission from another NavTalk GSM. Transfer of waypoints is easy, using SMS. 5 Routes with up to 50 points per route can be saved as well as 500 waypoints with name and graphic symbol. The track log can contain 4000 points. There is a standard MCX-type connector for an optional external antenna and a RS-232 interface with NMEA 0183, RTCM 104 DGPS and proprietary Garmin data formats. The 132 x 160 pixel screen can display 10 lines of text. The GSM is unlocked. You only have to put in your own SIM card.
Dual-band GSM (900/1800 MHz) + GPS receiver + Organizer + Emergency Button
Here we are talking about the Benefon Esc! NT2002 for Europe. The GSM can be equipped with an optional cross-country antenna. The device is splash-proof (IPX4) and its casing is reinforced with stainless steel. Features predictive T9 text input for fast and easy text messages and notes. The Esc! tracks other users of Benefon Esc!, locates them on the map and can even guide you to them. The system connects to the Genimap Mobile Maps service for easy downloading of maps using any PC with web browser. Road maps, city maps, nautical charts and topographical maps from around Europe. The Emergency Button sends up to five SOS messages with your location and opens a voice connection to a predefined emergency number. The 100 x 160 pixel screen can display 15 rows of text. External NMEA 0183 interface. The external active GPS antenna comes from SiRF. Emergency 112 call is possible without SIM card or while phone is locked. Can be saved to the phone: 50 calendar and 6 notepad entries, 300 waypoints, 30 routes with each 30 waypoints, and 30 friends on a Friend Find list.
