Update coming to GlobalSat BU-353 USB puck

[John Wetter]

I know many of us use the GlobalSat BU-353 puck as our GPS of choice... I just saw that there is a new version coming soon, the BU-353-S4. The new puck uses the SiRF Star IV chipset, which promises even faster acquisition times than the BU-353-W many have now and better tracking along with lower power usage.

Here's a link to the info: http://www.usglobalsat.com/p-688-bu-353-s4.aspx On this page is a link to the datasheet with all the gory details.

Probably not enough of an upgrade for people already using th BU-353, but for those who are making the purchase for the first time, you might want to get the new one... Or make sure you're getting the new one and that the vendor isn't dumping old product under the new name. I'm seeing it just start to show up at a few stores now, with a March/April release time-frame on their sites.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Last month, I bought a BU-353 to replace my nightmarish Delorme puck (circa 2004) due to an upgrade to 64-bit Windows. I can't believe the improvement that $25 purchase made to my setup, I wish I'd done it years ago. The 353 acquires a 3d fix instantly and never drops. I might have a skewed perspective due to dealing with the Delorme puck for so many years, but so far I can't find any fault with the 353 that would warrant an upgrade to the 353-S4 - especially at the price point you can pick up the 353 now. I'd imagine the 353 will eventually be discontinued in favor of the new model. Anyway, if you're like I was and still tolerating that horrific Delorme device, have mercy on yourself and get the 353. (And no, that's not a paid endorsement!)