“With the explosive potential of next‑generation GPS applications and services for mobile PCs, it is the right time to introduce a robust PCI Express mini card supporting location‑based services. u‑blox delivers the market’s highest GPS tracking sensitivity for a satisfying and seamless consumer experience,” said Thomas Nigg, Vice President Product Marketing at u‑blox.

Sales of mobile PCs with integrated GPS are projected to grow from 3 million units in 2007 to 45 million units in 2011.

The PCI Express Mini Card is based on the industry‑leading u‑blox 5 positioning engine delivering the world's fastest Time to First Fix (<1 sec). Requiring only an external antenna, the card comes in two sizes - PCI‑Express Mini Card (PCI‑5S) and PCI‑Express Half Mini Card (PCM‑5S) - to accommodate OEMs diverse needs. The cards implement u‑blox' unmatched SuperSense technology, which can track extremely weak GPS signals to -160 dBm as well as the Kick Start feature for a fast Time‑to‑first‑Fix at weak signals. This allows seamless navigation in dense urban environments, even when using low‑cost antennas.

Thanks to u‑blox’ proprietary anti‑jamming algorithms, the products are highly immune to noise generated by the PC bus, mobile phones and local electronic devices. The drivers support Windows XP and Windows Vista. A driver for the upcoming Windows 7 is in preparation.

The PCI‑5S and PCM‑5S are in mass production. Please contact u‑blox sales at [email protected] or visit  u‑blox' booth at Mobile World Congress, February 16‑19, Barcelona, Spain, at Booth 1A15 for details.