SPOT Satellite Personal Messenger

With a SPOT Satellite Messenger, Backpacker April '08 states, 'Now you can call in a rescue-or simply send the OK signal-from anywhere.'. 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. 2 AA lithium batteries (included) provide 1 year of power (unused), 14 days in SPOTcast mode and 7 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).