just got this email from belkin.

Dear Belkin Consumer:

Belkin Corporation has identified a potential problem with the lithium polymer battery pack used in several of its Bluetooth global positioning system (GPS) units, models, F8T051 and F8T051-DL. Some of the lithium polymer batteries have exhibited a “ballooning” effect, where the outer enclosure of the pack balloons outwards due to internal pressure built up from within. Although Belkin does not know of any such instances, there is a risk that the ballooning batteries may rupture and release potentially toxic and/or flammable materials.

Although we do not believe there is any immediate danger to users of these products, in the interest of absolute public safety, we request that you stop using the GPS product immediately. Belkin will send you a replacement battery during the month of May, 2005.
Please note that this is a voluntary recall issued in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission , and that there have been no instances of personal injury or property damage relating to such products. If you have any questions regarding the voluntary recall of these products, please contact the Belkin Customer Service Center at (800) 223-5546 extension 2064 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday through Friday excluding holidays.

Thanks. I didn’t get the e-mail…I called them up, I am on the list now. Mid-May delivery.

No mention of sending the old one back, 2 batteries…mmm.

Erik

yeah. i figured most of you woudn’t mind a spare.  :wink:

Ha, I just got the e-mail too. Oh well, mine hasn’t had any problems yet but I guess I can wait.

Mine exploded last week, but I thought it was user error

(sorry, i’m in that kind of mood today)

Erik

Mine just got here via UPS.

2 batteries can’t hurt…unless the old one really does explode :shock:

Erik

Mine arrived the other day too. It’s very nice that they sent it 2 months late but at least mine didn’t explode (yet). One thing I noticed about the old battery was that it does now look a little misshapen. I don’t remember it looking like this when I got it.

Oh well, I’ll just use the new one for the time being.

Is this a trick question?

I use the Bluetooth GPS unit to do GPS kind of stuff. So, for instance, I use my laptop as my GPS when I’m driving longer distances. I typically use the voice navigation system so I don’t have to look at the screen while I’m driving. Or, if I have a friend with me then they will help me navigate with it.

I used mine with my TR, then my X, then the U, I tried it on the Treo and didn’t like it, but I just bought an Axim a few days ago and that will be it’s final home.

This is actually a very useful item as it seems to work with a bunch of types of systems without headache.

Erik

I used mine with my TR, then my X, then the U, I tried it on the Treo and didn’t like it, but I just bought an Axim a few days ago and that will be it’s final home.

This is actually a very useful item as it seems to work with a bunch of types of systems without headache.

Erik

I concur. It plays nicely with all the systems I’ve used it with. It picks up signals pretty fast too. My only complaint is that the software it ships with needs to be updated badly. The maps are so outdated.

Haven’t had an issue with that and i’ve driven with it from MI to NJ.

Erik

Well, apparently my replacement battery needs a replacement. I took the unit out of the car today and when I removed the battery I noticed how thick the battery got. I called belkin and they are sending me another battery.

gr00vy0ne - iGuidance is the software that is included with the unit, I just installed v3.0 and it works fine with the unit.

Erik