Thinking on installing a dvice to track a vehicle via GPS ...

Options? ... Prices? ... the lowest I have found for real time tracking is about $300 ....

thanks

5/30/2006 11:15:19 AM

when she finds out, you're getting arrested

5/30/2006 11:18:40 AM

If it's for a business, many cell phones these days are GPS enabled. Thus, the cell providers offer tracking via cell phones for a fee. I know nextel/sprint does this. Also, and GPS and internet capable phone that also excepts java programs could have a custom program written that would make the phone update its position periodicly to a website.

5/30/2006 11:19:58 AM

Verizon Wireless is about to start offering a service in the next couple of months called Chaperone which is designed for use with the Migo cellphone for kids. I think it can also be used with any other GPS enabled phone too.

It will track where the person is, and you can even set a boundary up for them on the internet. If they go out of that area then it will text message your phone. I think you can even get the speed the phone is travelling so you can even find out if they are speeding in their car or something like that. Its a much cheaper alternative to dropping for a full GPS unit and having it installed in the car as long as the child or more deviously, the spouse, you are trying to keep up with keeps their phone with them all the time.

5/30/2006 11:33:02 AM

The phone has to be on as well.

5/30/2006 11:42:40 AM

Indeed, but most people that carry their cellphone constantly are also going to be having it on to get calls.

5/30/2006 11:43:31 AM

unless they don't want to be spied on

5/30/2006 12:02:33 PM

OK th eoption of the phone is there...but what about the others ...?

5/30/2006 12:14:58 PM

Other options for GPS tracking are designed for medium to large vehicle fleets and aren't the cheepest options unless you're taking the volume approach. I'd talk to local businesses that use GPS tracking and see what deals their carriers provide.

5/30/2006 12:54:47 PM

this is shady unless you're in the car rental business.

5/30/2006 1:04:54 PM

do you want to be able to know in realtime where the vehicle is? Or do you just want to have a log of where the vehicle has been?

5/30/2006 1:05:55 PM

real time tracking is going to be very expensive

5/30/2006 1:57:36 PM

I would like to know on real time where the vehicle is. e.g. to know where it is if it is stolen

I know that the other option is passive. Set up GPS logger and then download it in the PC. That could be an interesting option, but certainly I would prefer the first one... which I think it is going to be expensive, but obviously you now at ALL times where the vehicle IS.

[Edited on May 30, 2006 at 3:40 PM. Reason : Passive option]

5/30/2006 3:38:44 PM

I've seen a lot of service vans lately with a 12 inch white plastic barrel-like thing on the roof. I assume it's GPS for tracking/live maps.

5/30/2006 5:27:06 PM

for the cheapest custom solution - read the mp3car.com/vbulletin forums - the gps section and software section in particular

5/30/2006 5:33:40 PM

Looks like the phone option is the most affordable....buy nextel, and use it ... umm ...

the others as all you said seem a bit hefty ...

5/30/2006 7:22:07 PM