"Blunkett u-turn on data privacy plans"

[Roland Perry]

In message <20030301112519.40495b10.bdm@fenrir.org.uk>, Brian Morrison 
<bdm@fenrir.org.uk> writes
>While I find I get somewhat better performance than this, admittedly
>using an external powered antenna, the main issue in a phone is that the
>standby consumption of a modern GSM phone is of the order of a few mA
>whereas a GPS receiver is generally between 50 and 100mA.
>
>To maintain constant positioning data, the phone battery will last only
>half a day at best.

I was going to mention battery life, but didn't for several reasons.

First of all, I suspect that a seriously mass produced GPS processor 
would be able to take advantage of a lower power design.

Secondly, my GSM phone already has a 600mAH battery, with 1.2AH as an 
option.

Thirdly, I rather think that early 3G phones will have substantial 
batteries and reduced life expectations anyway, as getting their standby 
life to exceed 50 hours has been one the main design challenges.

(I note that my above-mentioned GSM phone, normally 7days/240 mins, has 
about a one day battery life if I'm using GPRS, which as well as being 
"always on", is obviously "always draining the battery".)

-- 
Roland Perry