If you're running mapping software on your laptop or PDA, then you'll be able to make good use of the SPP Bluetooth connection. As I mentioned before, you can't download log files via Bluetooth, which is a little unfortunate, but if you're in the market for an all-in-one device, then the v900 does offer GPS-mouse ability through NMEA format over bluetooth. If you're on a mac, you can use gps2gex to pipeline the NMEA data directly into Google Earth, or any other mapping/navigation software. It's pretty basic, but its free.

The Columbus v900 has a fairly unique feature, called “SPY mode” which allows continuous standby logging for up to a month! The device will go to sleep for a user-configurable amount of time before turning back on, re-establishing a signal, dropping a waypoint and shutting down again. Smart stuff.

The v900 also offers a few other minor features, such as auto-on/auto-off car mode, overspeed alarm and USB charging. Its internal 1000mAh battery holds a 24-hour charge and recharges via USB in roughly 4 hours. All told, it's an impressive set of features, and puts the Columbus v900 right up in the league of some of the pricey Garmin loggers, but at a VERY competitive price.

The Columbus v900 is the first MTK-based GPS logger I've been able to spend any decent time with, so I couldn't resist a few head-to-heads with my other SiRF III loggers.

The v900's MTK chipset uses an active (amplified) antenna, which seemed to give it a very slight advantage in TTFF over other passive devices, such as the SiRF III (time-to-first-fix), especially in urban environments.

In open sky, both MTK and SiRF III chipsets achieved a near-perfect 30-35 second TTFF (as expected), but in the most extreme situations (such as indoors, aboard trains or driving around in the middle of downtown Taipei) the MTK device performed slightly better, achieving its first fix (from cold start) an average of 7-8 seconds faster over the course of 5 extremely rigorous tests in challenging urban environments. The SiRF III chipset, however, appeared to handle signal reflections and position drift slightly better, and would stay an average of 2-3 meters truer during a sample set of 5 extreme urban situations.

 

I've come to greatly enjoy the convenience of the v900's internal battery over the rechargeable batteries I've become accustomed to dragging around with me for all my older GPS data loggers. The v900's 1000mAh internal battery is more than enough for a full day of logging and its USB charging is plenty fast. You can recharge your v900 in the car, using the 12v car adapter that's included in the box or if you have a solar USB charger or a mintyboost, you can even recharge on the go. Either way, you'll never have to worry about depleting the internal battery away from home.

The Columbus v900 is the only GPS logger that I actually prefer to keep safely tucked away in my pocket instead of bouncing around on a carabiner, clipped to my bag. It's by far the smallest GPS logger I've ever used, and it feels solid in the hand. At first, it seemed a little frustrating to have to eject the microSD card every time I wanted to download the log files, but it became easy to rationalize, as at least I wasn't fumbling with rechargeable batteries like I was with my old GPS units; besides, I keep a keychain microSD card reader attached to the v900's lanyard, so I always have a card reader nearby.

Overall, I'm very impressed with the Columbus v900. It quickly replaced all my old GPS devices as my primary GPS unit, thanks to both its feature-set and stunning design. You can order your Columbus v900 (+ free 1Gb microSD card) from http://www.buyGPSnow.com/ for a little under $100 US.

For more information, you can download the v900 manual (English) and TimeAlbum (v. 1.8, English) from the Columbus website, or you can contact the folks at Semsons.com for any product questions. They have been incredibly supportive with all of my questions during my evaluation of the v900.