Figure 6: WorldTracker GPRS, Bottom

The AC adapter connects to the underside of the unit. Unfortunately the WorldTracker GPRS uses a proprietary connector, so replacing the AC adapter isn't as simple as a trip to your local Radio Shack.

The company claims the WorldTracker GPRS' case is "water resistant", but given the exposed power connector, I wouldn't want to test the water resistance too thoroughly.

Figure 7: WorldTracker GPRS, Back

Figure 8: WorldTracker GPRS Battery Compartment

The battery compartment is opened by applying pressure and sliding the door away from the unit.

Figure 9: WorldTracker GPRS Battery and SIM Card

Removing the battery reveals the SIM card slot. WorldTracker operates on T-Mobile's network, and requires a valid SIM card in order to send location reports every 15 seconds.

4. Optional Vehicle Mount with Extended Battery

Figure 10: Optional Magnetic Vehicle Mount + Extended Battery

If you'll be using the WorldTracker GPRS to keep tabs on a vehicle, you'll likely want to purchase the $250 optional magnetic vehicle mount.

Figure 11: Optional Magnetic Vehicle Mount, Side

The optional vehicle mount is basically a customized Pelican Micro Case that has been fitted with an extended battery, motion sensor, and a powerful magnet that can be attached to the underside of a car or trunk lid. The case is waterproof, dustproof, and has an automatic purge valve.

Figure 12: Optional Magnetic Vehicle Mount, Bottom

The vehicle mount uses a powerful magnet to secure the mount to the car.

Figure 13: Optional Magnetic Vehicle Mount, Opened

Inside the vehicle mount is an extended battery pack and motion sensing switch.

Figure 14: Optional Magnetic Vehicle Mount, Assembled

By removing the standard battery from the WorldTracker GPRS, and connecting the motion sensor between the GPS and the extended battery pack, the vehicle mount is able to achieve between 30 and 90 days of battery life per full charge.

5. Using the WorldTracker GPRS

Figure 15: Bird's Eye Map Report

WorldTracker GPRS has some of the best location reporting I've ever seen. Leveraging both Google Earth and Microsoft's Virtual Earth, the web-based location report provides 5 different ways to view the WorldTracker GPRS' location, including Bird's Eye, shown above.

Reports are accessed via TrackingTheWorld.com (IE6 or higher is required). Maps can be viewed in 2D, 3D, Road view, Aerial view, Hybrid (Road & Aerial), or Bird's Eye. The map can be zoomed in or out, and panned by dragging the mouse around or using the pan/zoom control in the upper-left corner of the screen.

The page also displays a calendar that allows users to choose a different day's reports, and a GeoFence button for drawing a Geofence on the map.

Figure 16: Bird's Eye Map Report

The Bird's Eye map view, shown above, combined with the accuracy of the WorldTracker GPRS makes it easy to pinpoint the device's location on the map.

Figure 17: Viewing Breadcrumb Trails

Breadcrumb can be turned on or off by checking or unchecking the BreadCrumbs checkbox on the reporting webpage. When checked, the breadcrumbs visually display the path the WorldTracker GPRS has taken.

Figure 18: Viewing Breadcrumb Details

Each point along a breadcrumb trail can be clicked, displaying the exact street address, speed of travel, heading, date and time.