SPOT Satellite Personal Messenger

SPOT Satellite Personal Messenger – A satellite messenger.

I had seen pictures and ads for the SPOT Satellite Personal Messenger, but never paid it much attention. I figured it was just another one of those overpriced personal locator’s for people with a fear of getting lost. After I saw it had won Editors Choice in Backpacker Magazine Gear of the Year issue, I decided to read up on it. Turns out the SPOT Satellite Personal Messenger isn’t a personal locater and can do a lot of cool things you probably didn’t know about.

Im not sure what classifies something as a personal locater, but the SPOT Satellite Personal Messenger isn’t considered one. However, the SPOT Satellite Personal Messenger can be used to find you if you get lost. The unit works by sending text messages via satellite that include your coordinates and status.

The SPOT Satellite Personal Messenger has three main functions. These include; Alert 911 which sends a message to local emergency services with your location, a Help button which contacts your friends or family and lets them know you need assistance, and a Check In button that transmits your location and alerts your family or friends.

The quick & dirty:

Where you can get one:
Amazon: $152

Why they rock:

The world’s first satellite messenger, SPOT sends your coordinates and messages via commercial satellite to inform others of your location and status.
Offers an affordable alternative to personal locator beacons, satellite phones and cell-based GPS trackers
Provides virtually full coverage in North America, Europe and Australia
Also covers portions of South America, northern Africa and northeastern Asia, along with thousands of miles of offshore areas
”Alert 911” function dispatches emergency responders to your exact location
Use ”Help” feature to request assistance from friends or family
”Check In” allows you to transmit your location and that you are okay
Track your progress by sending and saving points along your route to Google Maps™
GPS satellites determine location; reliable SPOT satellites transmit information
Rugged unit floats, works in extreme temps and altitudes and can be submerged up to 1m
Weighs less than 8 oz. and is small and easy to carry
Optional features include SPOTcast automatic tracking service and guaranteed extraction assistance in countries lacking emergency services
Two AA lithium batteries provide one year of power (unused), 14 days in SPOTcast mode and seven days in 911 mode, or 1,900 SPOTcheck ”OK” messages
Requires $99 annual subscription; $7.95 for optional extraction assistance in countries without emergency services (available at www.findmespot.com)

Seat-of-the-pants rating: 9 out of 10

Im really impressed with the SPOT Satellite Personal Messenger now that i have looked into it. For the price and what it does, its a pretty amazing deal. The subscription fee is cheap and the unit is cheap. In fact, the cost of the unit and subscription is cheaper than most personal locator’s.

Looking to buy? Check out these sites:
Amazon: $152