New Spot Sat Phone

[Ironman]

Has anyone seen these yet, or are familiar with the sat service provided with these? I could see purchasing an annual plan for seasonal users that includes 120 min. Of talk time for $300.00. Check it out.
http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=301

 

[IrishnId]

I like the thought of that.

 

[frans]

I'm torn. I started carrying the SPOT messenger to appease the home front, but found it a trifle intrusive. Now that I have one, it is expected that I send OK messages. With a sat phone, I can be reached. And I appreciate the fact that I can honestly say (at work e.g.) 'don't bother calling or texting or emailing - I won't be seeing it till I return'.

Frans

 

[Ironman]

I'm torn. I started carrying the SPOT messenger to appease the home front, but found it a trifle intrusive. Now that I have one, it is expected that I send OK messages. With a sat phone, I can be reached. And I appreciate the fact that I can honestly say (at work e.g.) 'don't bother calling or texting or emailing - I won't be seeing it till I return'.

Frans

Understood, but it can be turned off until you need it. In case of emergency was more my line of thinking, not good night wishes to the wife and kids.

 

[frans]

Understood, but it can be turned off until you need it. In case of emergency was more my line of thinking, not good night wishes to the wife and kids.

For sure. Ask me again when I'm lying at the bottom of that slide with two broken legs, I may have developed a completely different opinion

 

[squeekieslayer]

I was in the same boat.... I wanted something that gave the family peace of mind, but didn't want to get in the habit of checking in every 15 minutes. 1) sometimes I forget, 2) sometimes the receptions sucks.... either way my wife will immediately think the worst. I have heard too many complaints with the service and CS from spot to even consider anything they sell.

I am looking at the PLB for sale for around the same price. Peace of mind knowing that in an emergence it WILL work, not MAYBE work like a spot. And I will ONLY use it if there's an emergency.

that's my thinking any way.

joe

 

[fillthefreezer]

someone buy one of these and put it through the paces, then report!

 

[Ironman]

I have used Spot for many years with no issues, or lack of signal ever. I understand the newer models with more options have some problems, but not the old straight forward Spot.

 

[Wrongside]

I wonder if these are using the same old, largely disliked, GlobeStar satellites?

 

[CrzyTrekker]

Pretty sure the Spot phones are on the Globalstar network. Globalstar has been launching next-generation satellites, so maybe the service will improve over time. I wouldn't buy a Spot phone until I heard some good reviews, however.

I read an article that said Iridium benefitted a few years ago when the Globalstar network experienced problems. Iridium works great right now but the article said the aging Iridium network may start to have problems over the next couple years, until Iridium puts up its next generation satellites starting around 2015.

For now I will stick with Iridium despite the large delta in price.

 

[Manosteel]

Interesting. price point is nice. But like others i would rather hear from real life user's before I buy one.

For now I am justing going to purchase the Delorme In-reach for the Iphone. Txting more than Im Ok is a big plus in my book. I like the fact that I can communicate back and forth if need be.

 

[2rocky]

Buying an Iridium Phone is a Bigger upfront cost, and airtime Range from $1.39/min to $2.12/min in a prepaid card that may only last 30days to 24 months.

I can Rent an Iridium for $84 Per week plus $1.99 per minute on outgoing calls. Incoming are free... that makes the break even 4.75 weeks of Sat phone use, not including calling cost.

 

[Mad Mountain Mike]

Interesting. price point is nice. But like others i would rather hear from real life user's before I buy one.

For now I am justing going to purchase the Delorme In-reach for the Iphone. Txting more than Im Ok is a big plus in my book. I like the fact that I can communicate back and forth if need be.

I'm thinking the same way, picked one up for 200 bucks and they run off the Iridium system. Service plans here you can put them to sleep for 3.95 a month when not in use. I haven't played with it much yet but it looks like you can use it as a GPS once the topo maps are down loaded.

 

[Ironman]

I guess if we all wait till someone else try's it, then we will never know. Lol

 

[CrzyTrekker]

let's nominate a Rokslider to buy and test one.

 

[Ironman]

Hell, just get Aron to tell them to give him one!

 

[dotman]

He probably is already ahead of us out testing it while they test the stoves

 

[Becca]

I would love to hear from someone who has tested this, particularly in the northern latitudes. We have been loyal to Iridium for years, since Globostar's network has historically been unreliable to nonexistent north of Anchorage. We have played around with the tracking features on the Spot with mixed results in the interior of AK as recently as summer 2011. Consequently we have been uncomfortable trusting our emergency communication to Globostar's/Spot, but also recognize that things can change with technology and software improvements. Competition in the market is only a positive for the consumer as it drives prices down...

 

[Stinky Coyote]

It looks heavy, can't believe the question of weight want asked in first 3 posts...am I on the right forum


Anyone seen a spec? Specifically weight? Spot 2 looking prime still

 

[Aron Snyder]

I've goofed around with it, and would not choose it over my Iridium SAT phone.....EVER!

I think it weighed 12ounces, but don't quote me on that, as I'll need to double check.