PDA

View Full Version : GPS's are about to get very Hi-Tech



freeze
01-06-2010, 02:25 PM
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/01/delorme-spot-20100105-450.jpg

Okay, so we don't get out all that much, especially this time of year, but when we do we have this lingering dread about being disconnected. What if we miss a text from our BFF? What if we get a Facebook request from Super Fun Annoying Wall? What if we skip a tweet from @FakeAPStylebook? Delorme's latest takes care of that, relying on satellites to beam all your social networking signals from outer space. The Earthmate PN-60w is the GPS end of things, with a 32-channel receiver, three-axis compass, and all the tracking, waypoint, and breadcrumb functionality you'd expect from this sort of device. The PN-60w can then pair with a Spot Messenger for sending text messages, Facebook updates, and tweets from the most desolate of backwoods. The PN-60w is said to be avail sometime this spring, and you can pre-order yours at Amazon now for $549. - Engadget.com

http://blog.delorme.com/2010/01/06/delorme-and-spot-handheld-gps-meets-satellite-communication/

As you may have heard, DeLorme has partnered with SPOT to release a new PN-Series GPS device that will use the SPOT satellite system to communicate text messages from remote locations where cell phones don’t have coverage. The PN-60w will connect wirelessly to the SPOT Communicator and be able to send free form text messages to friends and family as well as to websites like Twitter and Facebook. We’re also working closely with the folks at Groundspeak to deliver some very exciting geocaching features, including the ability to log finds directly from the field! - DeLorme Blog

uriedog
01-06-2010, 03:52 PM
thats cool.

although i could live without facebook in the backcountry.

BeachBoy
01-06-2010, 05:51 PM
I would rather live without facebook in the backcountry

this thing is ridiculous IMO

give me a real time traffic update like they have in the US or weather.

Andyl
01-06-2010, 07:11 PM
Actually - it's awesome... The original spot was cool - but you were limited, only 3 canned messages - I'm ok, Need help and "emergency" with your location to a small distribution list...

Being able to send something of a useful message (ie - "broke driveshaft - bring me spare") instead of "need help" is friggin sweet... Facebook/twitter - blah... Who cares - but being able to give useful info to friends/family/etc - that's awesome...

I'm gonna get me one of these new ones for sure... Well depending on the rates - I'm guessing flash traffic across a sat network isn't going to come cheap...

freeze
01-07-2010, 12:45 AM
The text message feature is pretty neat. Especially since in the backcountry I don't get cell service it would be great to let family or Meghan know I'll be late or something happened but we're ok. Or immediately send a text to the Avalanche Bulletin if we see a slide and mark it's location via GPS.

jreid
01-07-2010, 10:16 AM
The one important thing to note: the SPOT service runs on Globalstar's simplex satellites. So you can update your facebook and send text messages. But it'll be like talking to a black hole.

Until two-way satellite data becomes truly portable and affordable, I don't see this technology being any more than a novelty.

edit: I do see the usefulness in a device like a SPOT though. It's great to see simplex satellite data become affordable and mainstream. For what you pay annually for a spot, it's a hell of a deal (with "unlimited" data, really).

BeachBoy
01-08-2010, 08:48 AM
you will have to still pay the SPOT service. I hope it won't clog the SPOT sat. We know globalstar sat phones are a POS, I hope their data won't do the same.

Two way by satellite will be incredibly useful, every single boater will have one, even if it's $80 per month.

I think this is only step one and I bet Garmin will get into the bandwagon soon, thus enabling us to use our already acquired garmin maps and interface.