Assuming the entire GPS system doesn't blow up and fall out of the sky sometime next year, the Geomate.jr GPS system seems like a fantastic way to trick your kids into getting outside and being healthy. The fact of he matter is that kids are very techsavvy and tech oriented; a gadget like a rugged, personal, and kid focused GPS device might actually be able to peel a kid away from a PS3 or Nintendo DSi. Plus if the parents have a GPS, then the whole family can go out Geocaching together; maybe everyone can get a bit healthy.

The Geomate.jr GPS runs on a few AAA batteries, and it is both splashproof and shock-resistant. The unit is not too big for little hands, and the color schemes of bright blue and green should catch a kid's eye. It features a monochrome LCD screen, but it is not backlit; after all, it is a sort of technical toy. The Geomate.jr is not a traditional GPS, your kid won't be able to cruise the block on his big wheel using the Geomate for turn-by-turn directions. Instead, it is preloaded with over 250,000 Geocaches from inside the United States, so you and your family can get out and start treasure hunting out-of-the-box.

The Geomate.jr will be available this summer. There is no word on pricing yet, but I would be shocked if the thing was over $99. In fact, I am betting more on the $49 range. If my prediction is true, then the Geomate.jr would be a great low-cost way to introduce a family to the art of Geocaching.

via CNET