Google EarthTM has a nifty little gadget available that offers endless possibilities for it's use. It's called a Trackstick.
The Trackstick is a smidgen bigger than a jump drive and it tracks its own location at predetermined intervals. Not only does it track its location, it also tracks time, date, speed, heading and altitude.
It has over 1Mb of memory and can easily store months of travel information. It integrates seamlessly with Google EarthTM so you can create really cool vacation memories.
Parents can get one of these for their kids and stick it in their backpacks (or jeans pocket?) and keep track of where they've been. I still haven't figured out if the information can be retrieved remotely, as in the case of a lost child. The site doesn't say but it's something that interests me so I will follow up on that.
I'm thinking I can use this to track the mileage for my real estate business. It can be the new mileage log. I do track my mileage the old-fashioned way, but there are times that I am out an about and someone calls at the last minute and I accommodate them. I sometimes forget to enter those last minute additions into my mileage log.
According to the description on the site, here are some of the ways it can be used:
- Seamless integration into Google EarthTM
- GPS tracking / location history recording
- Employee and vehicle monitoring
- Mileage recording and verification
- Public Safety
- Law Enforcement
- Homeland Security
- Jogging, Hiking and Biking
- Photo Tours
- Child / Family Safety
The Trackstick is not cheap. It's regular price is $199. Google EarthTM sells it for $189 and right now you can buy it for $169. Get more info here.
Maggie Dokic, SFR is a licensed real estate broker in the state of Florida selling residential real estate in Miami, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Coral Gables, Gables by the Sea, High Pines, the Redland and other select areas of SW Miami-Dade County.
Maggie has earned her SFR certification to be able to better serve the needs of her customers in today's non-traditional real estate market. SFR is a Short Sale, Foreclosure Resource Specialist. Designees have been trained to understand the highly specialized options available to Sellers facing short sales & foreclosures and Buyers looking to buy them.
For more information on our local real estate market, or to see or sell a home in Miami, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Coral Gables or the Redland, visit my Miami Real Estate blog or contact me at Maggie (at) TheBlogThatAteMiami (dot) com.
The opinions expressed herein, are those of the author, and not necessarily of Keller Williams Realty.
None of this information is to be deemed legal or financial advice. Please contact your attorney or accountant for same.
Maggie, I'm so glad this is something I don't feel the need to buy! I'm glad it's available though, interesting little gadget!
google IS big brother
I think this is great for small kids so long as they don't mess with it and lose it
I think it would also be a good addition to your 16 year old's car --- toss it in the first aid kit or under the dash where they won't find it to get rid of it
I like the GPS phones for this as well...
Maggie,
Great idea you've shared.
Sarah,
That's a great idea. Especially if the info can be downloaded remotely.
Lucky :)
Maggie,
Good gadget..you could call me the man with all the toys..I already have a jump drive and GPS and that does not include many others..not sure I''ll be spending the extra on that..but a usefully item. I use Goggle Earth occasionally as well. Thanks for the info.
Chris - I set myself up for that one, didn't I? lol
Christina - I agree! It reminds me of my Mom's glucose monitors. They practically give the things away but the little sticks you need cost an arm and a leg.
Beth - I did a search on AR and didn't find them so I thought it'd be OK to write about it. =)
Matthew - sure thing, my pleasure!
Lysa - it's funny that now that I am older I also feel less of a need to buy all the latest gadgets.
David - Have you read about the kids that get microchipped? I read a stock report on this a few months back. A company whose function is to microchip people. They say it's big overseas (and I guess with people who have money). I think it's pretty eerie.
Sarah - I know you'd be one of the first in line for that! Those little rascals of yours....glad they're home =)
Bob - I have a new nickname. lol I think Jeff has no worries in that department. I only find the occasional gadget.
Lucky - I'd be even happier if I could afford it. LOL
Neal - there was a time when I had all the latest gadgets. Now I'm more selective (my wallet dictates lol) I still don't have a GPS. I'll buy that before this. They come in so handy.
that is a pretty cool tool! I'm putting ordering one for Rick.....heee heee!
Ines - you're funny. I am sure you are just kidding and Rick doesn't need one of these (not in the way you are implying anyway) Bad girl. Ines is a baad, baad girl. =)
Sherry - that in between age is so hard, isn't it? They're old enough to merit some responsibility but still too young to know all the perils that are out there. I'm still there with my little one!