Mad_Birdman,

Well, if you pair it with an InReach Mini or a regular InReach, you're in business for sure.  You can do all of the tasks you mention plus send/receive texts.  That will be the system I'll be using this year.  Without a paired device that can effectively communicate with a satellite system?  Well, I know we have some techies on QJ who CAN answer that question... I'm just not one of them.

I've downloaded both Earthmate (software used in conjunction with the InReach) AND Gaia GPS functions to my I-Phone.  Without the InReach, these applications (or something similar) could have some utility beyond the range of cell phone towers, I suppose, but I don't understand how that might work.

Hey Wally13!  If you're out there, did't you use your Gaia function some of the time last year WITHOUT your InReach?  I have a vague memory of me wondering how you were able to do that.  Maybe you didn't and it's just my memory playing tricks on me, again.

Jimbo   8-)