I’ve been really excited about the concept of a small wireless device that can be attached to almost anything and allow you to find lost or misplaced items. That’s why I have been so excited to test this Wallet TrackR. So far my experiences have been pretty positive. I use iPhone 4S, which is the oldest supported iPhone. The TrackR app was easy to locate in the App Store, and the initial setup was very smooth and clear. The app easily paired up with the device. The app lets you locate your device on a map, but since the only way that the device works is by connecting via Bluetooth to your cell phone, for all practical purpose you will be very close to your device if you are able to locate it anyways. The more useful feature is the alarm. If your phone is paired up with the device you can make it sound an alarm and help you locate it. This feature is a lifesaver to those of us who frequently, or even occasionally, misplace your keys, wallets, or other small accessories.

So far I have not had any major issues with having the TrackR pair up with my iPhone and the TrackR app. I’ve tested it in and around my house, and every time I shut down the app and reopened it I was able to reconnect to the device. I’ve even completely turned my iPhone off and turned it back on again, and it worked each time. I did have to walk around my room a bit a couple of times in order to get the signal, but in the end it always came through.

The bottom line on this device is this: the Bluetooth standard is very finicky. It was never designed for mission-critical uses such as this one. In my experience this device works well enough, but I would not EVER trust it with something that is crucially important to me. It’s a useful aid, and I like having it and intend to continue using it. At its price point It’s more than adequate as a limited-value aid.