Combo units are the new name of the game when it comes to getting back to nature. Why fill up that ultra light pack with more stuff than is needed, when a multi-purpose device will serve so much better. One of these is the tw700 from German-based Tak Wak, which includes functionality traditionally seen in a multitude of handheld gizmos including GPS, walkie talkie, camera and tracking system.
The tw700 features all of these in a rugged, waterproof, trail-ready device that runs on the Android 2.2 operating system. It features a 3.5-inch touchscreen, which can be used with the GPS functionality to provide off-road navigation via 100 x 70-km topographical map, and road navigation via Open Streets Maps. When multiple devices are used the GPS can be used as a group tracking feature, to display the position of each member.
As a walkie talkie this unit features eight channels and 38 sub-channels, and can function up to 10 kilometers (six miles). While it won’t replace a true rugged camera, the 5megapixel built-in camera will do the trick well. While the $725 price is a bit steep, the tw700 offers a little functionality in a little package.
Tak Wak Official Website
[Via Gizmag: Tak Wak delivers a rugged GPS-smarthpone-radio for the outdoors]