Max Trescott has written a very detailed product review about the SPOT 2 Satellite GPS Messenger that is well worth reading by anyone thinking of buying a GPS device. To give you some backgrounder, the new SPOT 2 was introduced in October 2009 as an improvement over the SPOT Personal Tracker or SPOT 1 which was introduced to the market in early 2008. As Max stated in his review, the SPOT 2:
Is an innovative, satellite-based system popular with hikers, boaters and pilots that lets others track your position via the Internet. A SPOT user can send two or three (depending upon the model) different pre-programmed messages via a commercial satellite that triggers emails or text messages to up to ten friends’ cell phones. For people who travel in remote areas out of cell phone coverage, SPOT provides a low-cost lifeline to reassure loved ones or to get help in an emergency.
Max’s review includes tips on how to use the device, especially during an emergency, and what you need to pay attention to should you decide to purchase one.
As for pricing, the SPOT 2 sells for about US$159 and for US$99.95 per year, you can use the device to send send three customizable text messages as often as you want. An additional US$49.95 per year, a position location can be sent every ten minutes to a Google map where friends can view and track your position over the Internet.
