Today I’ve ordered a new gadget for my Asia trip in February. It’s the Globalsat DG-100, a simple GPS data logger utilizing the SiRF StarIII chipset, which has been getting very good reviews out there. It can be set to record waypoints (locations) for a configurable interval based on time (like every 10 seconds) or distance (like every 100m) with storage for up to 64,000 records of time, location and altitude. The output can be exported to a myriad of formats, and can be represented as a Google Maps interface or used to geotag images taken during the trip. I can put this in my daypack during the day, and in the evening I’ll have a complete record of my movements. (Why? I don’t know. It’s fun to play with that kind of data.) Best thing is that it is made for exactly the purpose of logging data, with no fancy and power hungry utilities like bluetooth, giving it up to 35 hours of usage without recharge. It also runs on normal batteries, if needed.

Reportedly, the included software sucks donkey balls, but the good thing is that the vendor has released its specifications, so some guys have already made improved open source software that runs on Windows as well as Linux (as opposed to the original version), an interesting example of how free software helps to make a simple product even better and more available.

As I’ve managed to lose my precious MP3 player somewhere amongst my mess of life possessions, I’ve also ordered a new MP3 player, the Creative Zen 16GB. Flying is one of the most boring ways to spend time when travelling, so music is quite important in order to enjoy every bit of the trip. It is also important that is some kind of support refilling it with music on Linux systems. From what I know from my previous Creative player, the open source application gnomad2 should do the trick. Plus thing is that it also utilizes SD chips, so that extra content easily can be added, and with everything flash the size and weight is comfortable enough to carry around.