Delorme - 2-Way Satellite Messaging Device

[DaveK]

I guess it had to happen sooner or later. Two way communication with orbiting satellites for emergency rescue, at a reasonable consumer price, was inevitable. One of the benefits is that it relies on the Iridium system of satellites. The following is from the Equipped to Survive Website (http://www.equipped.org/blog/?p=356):

Delorme Introduces inReach – First 2-Way Consumer SEND

inReachDelorme has announced their long-awaited two-way satellite messaging device, the inReach. Unlike Delorme’s first SEND, which was a SPOT product that utilizes the Globalstar satellite system one-way messaging capability, inReach works on the Iridium system that provides full two-way communication, with obvious benefits.

The interface with the device can be through a DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w GPS, as previously, or with any Android smartphone. TWo=way text capability means that in an emergency you will be able to communicate with the commercial emergency response coordination center (CERCC), which in this case is the same as used with the SPOT devices, GEOS. This has obvious advantages over one-way communications.

Pricing for the device and for the subscriptions is still not yet announced, though Delorme indicates that it does plan to offer three subscription levels: Safety, Recreation, and Pro, with prices starting at $9.95 per month for the safety plan and increasing to offer more in-plan message and tracking units.

Availability is expected this Fall.

[cruiserlarry]

For emergency communication, that looks like a great idea...amazing they released it for Android (which I have) as opposed to I-phone (Apple) which seems to be the popular "go to first" for apps. This is likely the start of a trend, as Android is likely to become a more powerful system than I-phone, especially once the wave of tablets hits the market in full force this fall.

Look forward to seeing what it does in the real world, but the Iridium satellite network is by far superior to the current Globalstar constellation...

[h2005]

http://blog.delorme.com/2011/08/

[h2005]

Pricing and plans are now available
http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeC ... 7%253AS%7E

[DaveK]

Pricing and plans are now available
http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeC ... 7%253AS%7E

Are you planning on buying one?

[h2005]

Still up in the air about it after seeing the plans that they are offering

[OLLIE]

Those fees are a bit much.

[unwiredadventures]

Pairing with an Android would be nice:
http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeC ... tion=10047

Perhaps the price will drop a year or so after it's introduction.

Two way would be nice. However, I do enjoy being somewhat difficult to reach when I'm away.