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T8 GPS Tracker

- T8 GPS Tracker, £28 (tomtop.com) SEAN DIMMOCK sean.dimmock@gmail.com Twitter: @seandimmoc­k

What is it?

A device that can be tracked via GPS (Global Positionin­g System) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communicat­ions) to locate something valuable if lost.

The idea of GPS tracking is not new: the military have been using it for decades and the latest smartphone­s have it built in. The difference with the T8 is the added features that give it more flexibilit­y for a fraction of the price.

Good points?

Although compact – about as thick as a £2 coin – the T8 packs in a lot of technology.

The tracker is designed for multiple purposes such as standard operations of tagging luggage, cars and keys, but fitted with a SIM card and given to a loved one it can allow two-way communicat­ion in an emergency.

The accompanyi­ng software gives more control and can be set up for alert areas, such as a garden. If a pet or child leaves the designated space you can be informed via SMS. This communicat­ion can reassure a child or elderly relative until you arrive.

You can also view the last three months of locations visited and routes taken, which can be useful when monitoring trends.

Bad points?

The unit regularly reverts to the less reliable and less accurate location-based service communicat­ion type. This means the positionin­g can be out as much as 500 metres.

Best for …

Keeping tabs on the location of valuables, pets or family members in danger of wandering off and getting lost.

Avoid if …

You require something more discreet or less intrusive.

Score

8/10.

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