5. GPS Snitch vs Zoombak

Figure 28: GPS Snitch vs. Zoombak

I recently reviewed Zoombak's GPS Car & Family Locator -- a GPS tracking device that advertises similar features but costs about $150 less than GPS Snitch. GPS Snitch offers slightly better performance than Zoombak's device, especially when connected to a power source, such as the 12v cigarette lighter or hardwired to your vehicle's battery (GPS Snitch boosts GPS performance when it's plugged in, and conserves battery life by lowering GPS sensitivity when running on the internal battery).

Unlike Zoombak's device, which operates on T-Mobile's network, GPS Snitch is GSM/GPRS device that will operate on AT&T or T-Mobile here in the United States, and on Rogers network in Canada. AT&T has considerably better coverage than T-Mobile. GPS Snitch can also perform real-time tracking for as long as you tel it to, and can be adjusted to send updates however many minutes apart you want. Zoombak's device can only perform real-time tracking for 60 minutes at a time.

GPS Snitch can also be controlled via cell phone, and the ability to easily turn on motion alarms is a useful feature.

Overall, GPS Snitch is a more customizable solution than Zoombak, had slightly better signal performance, and offers some nice features not found on Zoombak. However, Zoombak's device is $150 less expensive than GPS Snitch, and Zoombak's $14.95 monthly service fee includes unlimited location requests (GPS Snitch charges one credit per location request). Zoombak also provides a 24 hour hotline that can provide location data even when you're away from your PC.

If all you need is basic, occasional vehicle tracking, Zoombak is a more economical solution that works well. Those looking for more flexible options (or live in areas of poor T-Mobile coverage) will be better served by Blackline's GPS Snitch.

6. Pros

• Long battery life (5-7 days, depending on usage)
• Ability to operate GPS Snitch by sending text message commands from a cell phone
• Capable of continuous tracking (although it will get expensive if you plan on using this feature often)
• Tracking Schedules allow you to specify frequency of location updates
• Device can be armed (sends an alert if the vehicle moves) by pressing the Arm button on the device, via the website, or be sending a text message
• Flexible service plan offering; additional credits can be purchased as needed, without requiring you to change service plans
• Operates on T-Mobile or AT&T's network in the USA, Rogers in Canada
• Reports vehicle speed
• Retains months of location data
• Improved GPS performance when connected to a power source, such as 12v or AC

7. Cons

• GPS not sensitive enough for indoor tracking
• Cigarette lighter power adapter not included in the box, sold separately
• Not weather-resistant or rugged; feels a little cheap
• Motion Alerts don't contain any location information, only that the device has moved
• No 3D map view
• Continuous tracking can get expensive
• No ability to configure speed alerts (i.e. send an alert if the vehicle exceeds 80 MPH)
• No way to setup recurring tracking schedules
• Website interface could be simpler to use
• "Security Perimeter" confusing to setup
• No 3D map view
• Requires a one-time $29.95 activation fee (plus monthly service, which ranges from $14.99 per month to $25.99 per month, depending on the usage plan)

8. Conclusion

About the size of a cell phone, GPS Snitch lets owners track their vehicle in real-time, as well as configure alerts if the vehicle moves or crosses a "Security Perimeter". The $399 device operates on the AT&T and T-Mobile network here in the United States, and Rogers Wireless in Canada. Location reports are accessed via Blackline's website, http://gps-snitch.com. GPS Snitch can be controlled via the web, by calling Blackline's 24-hour customer support number, or by sending SMS text messages to the device from a pre-approved cell phone.

Like other real-time tracking devices, GPS Snitch requires a monthly service plan. Blackline, GPS Snitch's manufacturer, offers various plans, ranging from $14.99 to $25.99 per month, with discounts offered if you buy 1 or 2 years at a time. Each monthly plan allows a certain number of locates per month, and any unused credits rollover from month to month (up to 90 days, then any unused credits expire). There's an additional one-time activation fee of $29.95, regardless of which service plan you choose.

If you can stomach the cost, there's a lot to like about GPS Snitch. GPS performance wasn't strong enough for indoor use, but outdoor performance was solid; GPS Snitch worked well in the car, providing real-time location data even when tossed in the glove compartment, door kick panel, or center arm rest.

Continuous tracking mode worked, but ate through the service credits quickly, and isn't a practical way to track the device. Setting up a "schedule" allows you to customize how frequently the unit should upload location data, and how long you need to track the device. This lets you control how quickly the service credits get consumed.

GPS Snitch's battery life is outstanding, providing 5-7 days of average use between charges. I liked the ability to control the device remotely via the web or text messaging, and also liked the ability to receive email/text message alerts when battery life is low or when the unit breaches a "security perimeter".

GPS Snitch offers more functionality than the less expensive Zoombak's GPS Car & Family Locator, but it's also $150 more expensive than Zoombak's device, and doesn't offer an unlimited service plan.

I wished Blackline provided a way to adjust GPS Snitch's battery use, so that power consumption could be boosted in exchange for shorter battery life. This would have allowed GPS Snitch to pull double duty as a personal tracking device that worked indoors and out, rather than being limited to outdoor use.

I also would have liked to see an unlimited usage plan; service credits can get used up quickly, and even moderate usage can get expensive.

GPS Snitch is a solid vehicle tracking solution that offers outstanding battery life, good alerting options, and decent location reporting (including speed and heading information). It's not the cheapest solution out there, but it does offer more flexibility than some of the less expensive options, and has better network coverage and GPS performance. GPS Snitch isn't up to the task of indoor tracking, but gets the job done well outdoors. GPS Snitch is available for purchase at gps-snitch.com.