SPOT GPS Tracking Device Is Perfect for Remote Climbers and Jealous Girlfriends [GPS]

Walt Mossberg has had a look at
the SPOT satellite messenger, a GPS gadget aimed at adventurers and
thrill seekers. Not only does it call in the emergency services if
you’re stuck and there’s no cellphone tower for miles, but it also
sends out position updates to keep friends back home updated on
your expedition. It locates you via GPS, and transmits data by
satellite to a control center, which routes messages on for you,
and its three buttons couldn’t be simpler—”OK/Check,” “Help”
and the one you’ll hopefully never click, “911.” More juice
below.
Waterproof, floating, alititude-proof to 21,000 feet and
freeze-proof to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, its bright orange case is
about the same size as a BlackBerry, and it’s powered by two
lithium AA batteries.
Its simplicity rests on an annual service charge and front-end
website: through this you can send an unlimited number of GPS
position updates to a list of buddies for $100 a year, though you
have to pre-arrange the messages since all [...]

Original post by Kit Eaton