PocketFinder+ at Your Service

PocketFinder+ is the latest personal GPS tracker by Location Based Technologies in Irvine, California. This device is basically shaped like a slightly oversized automotive fob, the goodie you push buttons on to unlock the doors on your car. As such, it’s black and sleek and ambiguous – perfect!

Aside from its color, it also bears a striking resemblance in shape and style to the Yepzon One, another personal GPS tracker available mainly in countries outside the US. It features the Yepzon “Y” logo prominently on the SOS button, indicating that the Finland-based company now has a sizable investment in the PocketFinder+. In fact, Yepzon is selling this same device as the Yepzon Freedom.

Testing, 1, 2

Based on testing, the PocketFinder+ reports its location well. It was tested through both the web portal and the iPhone app and it always gave accurate location data. I set up geofences and had alerts set up to notify me when my son left the house and again when he arrived at school. The device alerted me without error. It’s pretty flawless in reporting its location.

But over a week of testing I noticed there are some serious issues with this device. The manufacturer describes them as “glitches” and I wouldn’t disagree. Technology can certainly have glitches and still be useful. The iPhone is a great example of this. Apple is forever issuing “updates” to fix things, and the iPhone is still useful. Nonetheless after testing I chose to return my son’s PocketFinder+ for a full refund.

Houston, We have a Problem

The small size and nondescript appearance of the device are a couple things that attracted me. I was also attracted by the ability to control the frequency of location updates. Their website’s FAQ page boasts “Regular locates (2 min default setting) when moving and as quickly as 10 seconds when in “track mode”.” However, I was not able to really experience those features and here’s why – The best the device did for me was reporting locations every 4 minutes, though I had to shift it over to 10 minute locates rather quickly because the battery was draining extremely fast. Before I knew it, I had to set it to 20 minute locates or risk a dead battery and therefore having no idea of my son’s whereabouts.

Even when set to 20 minute intervals the battery could barely last from 7am to 3pm (8 hours). Before 11am the battery was already under 50% – down to just over 15% by 2pm. By the time my son got home at 2:45pm the PocketFinder+ around his neck was a doornail. In other words, it was dead. It was just an ornament, a pendant at that point.

I really wanted to like this device. I had hopes that it would be the best personal GPS tracker on the market. Regrettably, for what I need it for, it is not. For my usage, 8 hours of battery life is not reasonable. I need at least 12 hours out of a personal GPS tracker of this type in order for it to be considered practical and useful.

An Objective View

Don’t get me wrong, the PocketFinder+ may work out fine for other applications, and it may be perfect for other uses in different situations. But it fails the test when used for tracking children with disabilities such as autism simply because the battery does not last long enough.

I contacted Location Based Technologies about this issue. They were kind in explaining why the battery drains so quickly. But if I’m honest I don’t care why; I just need the battery to last longer. Because of the brief battery life the manufacturer suggested that I purchase a second unit in order to switch out the first one. They even offered me a significant discount on the purchase of a second device. But purchasing a second device is not reasonable to me. If the first unit doesn’t do the job, I’m remiss to spend more money on a second unit in order to make up for its shortcomings.

Some Small Issues

I’ve seen more than one website list the PocketFinder+ among their top GPS locators. They have obviously not tested it firsthand. Look closer and you’ll sometimes see a website has listed “top GPS trackers” usually motivated by affiliate marketing in order to make money. That said, short battery life withstanding, the PocketFinder+ is indeed a really good personal GPS tracker.

I noticed that consumers can call 866-726-7543 for support with this product, which is a really nice convenience… on the surface. Unfortunately, that line isn’t picked up by a person. It only plays a voice message encouraging callers to use their website for help.

Bottom line; PocketFinder+ is a great personal GPS tracker, but its short battery life dooms it as a practical tool for tracking children with disabilities. In addition, their web portal feels dated. Cool as their product appears, and great customer service not withstanding, it does not live up to expectations.