Zoombak ZMBK200 GPS Vehicle Tracking System
Pros:
- Small, easy to transfer from one vehicle to another
- Continuous monitoring available online, user-friendly website
- Text and email alerts for entering and leaving pre-set zones, low battery
- GPS signals are accurate and fast (for some users)
Cons:
- Numerous users report poor reception and very slow updates
- Numerous customer service complaints
- Cancellation fees may apply if cancelled before 1 year
- Unit cannot be re-activated or transferred after cancellation
Review
The Zoombak ZMBK200 Advanced GPS Car and Family Locator is a small GPS unit that can be accessed remotely to gain information on where the unit is at any given time. It uses a combination of GPS signals (which identify the unit’s location) and cell phone signals (which communicate that location to the Zoombak interface). Users can log on to the Zoombak website and check a car’s real-time location, and can also request text and/or email notifications any time the unit enters or leaves a pre-set “active safety zone” (e.g. home, work, school, grandma’s house, etc.).
The Zoombak ZMBK200 comes with a wall charger, car charger, and carrying case. It easily fits in pockets and backpacks, measuring under 3 inches and weighing 2.5 ounces.
Generally, the ZMBK200 runs in stand-by mode, then kicks on to check and report the unit’s location every 15 minutes. Because of this, notification texts/emails for safety zone entrance/exit can be delayed by as long as 15 minutes. On the website, “Find Now” requests are real-time, and Continuous Tracking mode can be enabled and will run for an hour. This will use up more battery power than the regular 15 minute interval, however. Users can also request to be notified via text and/or email when the battery in the unit is low.
In addition to the product itself, users must pay an activation fee and subscribe to an ongoing service plan. As of 10/4/10, monthly plans range from $34.99/month for as-you-go to $239.99 ($9.99/month) for a pre-paid 2-year plan. The lifetime plan costs $349.99. Cancelling before 1 year warrants a $100 cancellation fee.
Zoombak ZMBK200 is promoted as a tool that provides peace of mind, and for the most part, customers seem pleased with the experience. More than half report excellent performance, but some seem to have trouble getting the unit to recognize nearby GPS receptors.
Poor customer service is a consistent complaint among those who have had trouble with either the unit itself or with billing. Inconsistencies, ill-informed customer service representatives, and gross delays in necessary refunds have all been reported. However, people who return the unit to external retailers, such as Amazon, have no problem getting refunded for the unit itself; it’s service plan disputes and Zoombak’s representatives that are earning a poor reputation.
Bottom line: The Zoombak ZMBK200 is a small GPS locator with a powerful signal. It offers real-time “Find Now” location and updates (via text and/or email) when the unit enters or leaves specific preset zones. Most users are very pleased with the performance of the product itself, but Zoombak is fast earning a reputation for very poor customer service, support, and billing resolution.