In this world of increasing interconnectivity there is a new technology called the Bluetooth GPS receiver which can help you stay even more connected. Obviously, the purpose of GPS is to communicate either to yourself or a software program where you are at any given time. The Bluetooth connection is basically the link between these two things. It was only natural that as these two different technologies were developing they would eventually come together in one unit. Anyway, that time is here.

Below you will find notes and reviews about the top Bluetooth GPS receivers. Remember that a lot of people use these devices either to enable mapping abilities in their cellular phone (see Blackberry Curve) or to strap onto their dashboard in order to have a hands-free interface between themselves and a coordinated map. You may even be able to press a push-button touch screen in order to make hands-free phone calls.

In general I will just say as an introduction that these units have a very notable happy customer base. It is quite surprising in this day and age to see so many positive reviews and experiences over a new (and small) technology. It has become such a Walmart throw-away era that this is a nice part of the process of compiling these reviews.

Surprisingly, the most popular Bluetooth GPS receiver may be Holux’s M-1000. Who is Holux? That’s what I was wondering. They make a terrific and tiny receiver which many people tend to use to sync up their Blackberry Curve’s GPS mapping capabilities, which apparently are inherently turned off internally.

The Li-Ion battery which makes up about half of the size of the M-1000 can last up to 24 hours. This is a very impressive battery life and should be equally applauded. I am very impressed. Remember that it works in conjunction with your Windows computer and your car. This make Holuxes great for long drives. It will not disappoint.

I found this one by looking at a negative TomTom review. The customer said that she strongly recommended the modern SiRF Star III. Well, this is it. And I have to say it’s a nice, sleek looking unit unlike so many of the little boxy, matchbook type designs that are typical of the Bluetooth GPS receiver industry. But design is the last thing on our mind!

Of course, it has the embedded Bluetooth. It works in conjunction with Google Maps as well as Microsoft Live Search. It is vitally important to be able to connect to the modern Internet tools that you use with ease on a daily basis. Reception is likely to be very good, unlike the underperformers in this field (not reviewed herein).

Finally it is a real steal in the $35 price range. This was consistent feedback I found.

Pharos bills itself as the “leading provider of mobile navigation and GPS services”. This is quite a claim as there are many big fish at least dabbling their toes into this pond. But it makes sense that an established and focused company like Pharos could conquer this niche better than any other.

Their big all-encompassing kit is called the PT300 Pocket Navigator for short. It involves a whole host of pretty much anything you would ever need in order to locate and communicate from where you are. Remember sometimes even satellite connectivity is possible. It’s got a 30-foot range which means you won’t have to be dealing with any annoying cables. This is a big plus!

So those are the top three brands as I see it. Each puts out at least one high-quality Bluetooth GPS receiver at varying prices. Obviously Pharos will run you the highest typically as they are viewed sort of as the king (or queen). Could we call that the BMW or Lexus of the group?

If you are interested in tracking a fleet or spying on someone (like a teen) who you think is inappropriately driving your car, then you need GPS vehicle tracking which will let you monitor where your car is when someone else is driving it. It's a great technology.