Tech News and Commentary

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Our guest this hour:

Steve Mapes, Senior VP of Strategy of Impact XM

Laurie in Brunswick, Georgia listens on WBQO 93.7 FM and asked: "I'm trying to find a car tracker. I have a Dodge Caravan and looking for a tracking device that I can purchase."

http://www.intotomorrow.com/media/podcasts/2020/04-24-2020/04-24-2020-H1S1.mp3

Laurie, there are a few options in the market which range from basic to pretty advanced.

We’ve used Viper’s SmartStart systems, some of which come with GPS tracking and they’ve always worked well. In terms of cost, for example a plug-in Viper Connect will cost you $150.

This particular model requires no installation, you just plug it into your car’s OBD port and you’re done. It does require a service plan, there are several of those each with different capabilities, a plan with GPS tracking will cost around you $10/month.

There are several other Viper modules, but most will require either a professional installation or a professional installation and another component, so you will get more functionality out of them (remote start, remote door and trunk opening, bluetooth unlocking, and so forth) but you will have to spend more money upfront.

It’s also worth checking with your current cell phone service provider. For example, T-Mobile offers a similar device they call SyncUP Drive that costs around $100 and $10/month and also comes with a hotspot with 2GBs of data and free roadside assistance from Allstate. That plan has been on sale for as low as $2/month.

AT&T’s version has been as low as $5/month (though without the WiFi hotspot, if you care). Verizon’s Hum is $15/month, also with roadside assistance and features like speed monitoring, which may appeal to you if you have other drivers in your household.

Some other options are Linxup, Automatic, or Optimus.

Linxup is about $22 a month,