Quote:


Magic,

Suffering joyfully for you is NEVER a problem... old buddy, old pal, old friend.  However, just don't be too terribly surprised when those six maps I am drawing up for you (ie. fishing holes, campsites, rapids, portages) regarding THIS year's big trip don't quite look like the maps that I am drawing up for everyone ELSE in our group.  YOU are getting my really SPECIAL maps... you know, the ones with all my "shortcuts".

If I were you, I'd keep the canoe that Matunik & I are paddling in sight....

Jimbo  

They were late and I got tired of waiting but was eventually relieved to hear them coming later that day.  Point is, there are always weak links with something new and IMO Magic had it right renting it for the month or whatever so at least he was comfortable using it. Personally, I'd be afraid I'd accidentally hit the wrong button at some point. [/quote]

I agree that these new devices take some getting used to, and can create some unintended consequences.  Your story points to the need to have a real understanding about what the person who gets your emails is supposed to do if you hit the "Help" button, for example.  The only way I see that button being useful is if your lucky enough to have someone like Jimbo standing by to jump in his canoe and paddle to the rescue.  The "911" button is another story, and requires a payment beyond the basic subscription.

In any case, thanks for sharing your experiences.  I do intend to take the Spot with me on future trips, whether solo or group.

I read some reviews by hikers in the Boundary Waters using Spot and none of their messages got out (they were using it from the trees).  For safety purposes I just ordered the McMurdo Fast Find 210 (it even has built-in GPS).  It is a plb that just came out.  It is half the size and half the price of the ACR Microfix.  It retails for $299 and I bought it for $279.  This is guaranteed to work vs. the Spot which may or may not work depending on your location.  If you pay $150 for the Spot and add $99 for the first year of service you are almost at the same price as the McMurdo.  If you are buying the Spot to send okay messages that is another story but for safety purposes the Spot is going to have to lower prices and subscription costs because nobody will be buying them.