Garmin just announced the GTU 10, Garmin's first real-time GPS tracking device.
According to reps here at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the GTU 10 will be available in the spring, will retail for $199.99, which will include a full year of service. After the first year you'll have to pay $49.95 a year to continue service.
The device itself measures 3”x1.3”x.8”, weighs just 1.7 oz, is waterproof, and includes a carry pouch and carabiner clip. Once activated, the device can be tracked via a web browser or smartphone, and you'll be able to access up to 7 days of historical tracking data. You'll be able to set Geofences, and the device will also integrate with Garmin's nuLink services so that nuLink enabled GPS navigators can automatically route to the GTU 10's location.
The GTU 10 will operate on AT&T's data network, and will be available for purchase in the Spring.
Here at GPSmagazine, I've done extensive testing of real-time GPS tracking devices, and publish an annual GPS Tracker Buyer's Guide. I expect to have a test unit from Garmin soon, and will be publishing the review as soon as possible. It'll be interesting to see how Garmin's device stacks up against the competition. Hopefully Garmin's entrance into this growing market will also signal a lowering average purchase price as GPS tracking devices become more common.
The real key to the success of this sort of device (if you use one like I do) is the battery life. I keep one on my bike to keep track of it. Most of the others out there have ridiculously short battery life (littlebuddy, zoombak, etc). The best battery I have found so far is just a plain old cell phone with the family locator services. I have heard this one is supposed to last "for weeks", but I will believe this after testing one myself. Garmin does have a history of making solid products.
Clearly, unless I want to locate a very young kid, I would rather go for a service that works with the kid's cell phone (such as Zentracker or Accutracking). It almost guarantee your kid will carry it everywhere and that someone thinks about charging the battery.