BigJ, or others
What are your thoughts of this product now that time has past by?
Now they have the spot connect and app, any advantage/disadvantage. There looks be another added fee, but you could text (little) even when out of cell coverage.
Was also wondering if this could be powered by the truck, with reducer and mounted semi-inconspicuously and if you set the tracking on each day and if stollen could help find our trucks???
Lou
Hey Lou,
We've renewed our subscription twice since this thread was started. The SPOT goes with me on all trips, not just 4x4 trips. I take it hiking, backpacking, road tripping, even most recently RVing. And I've lent it out to friends who've taken it too. This thing gets used perhaps once a month for a few days or more.
Which brings up why, for me, the added features of the app (SPOT Connect) don't really make sense. Yeah, I love the idea of being able to send custom texts, but everything else about it bugs me. Having a rugged waterproof device that you can literally throw around, not have to configure, not have to pair with anything else, and lend out not worrying will get damaged? That's a very nice thing.
The device I have can't be externally powered which, again, I don't really regret. The batteries on this guy last forever. I think I've had to replace them 4 times in the past two years and I would say its been on and tracking perhaps a total of a month in that time. Not bad at all.
One unexpected benefit of having the SPOT is that tracker; I knew it would be cool but I didn't realize how cool. Seriously, being able to send a link to my mom, so she can keep an eye on where I'm at when out exploring? It doesn't do me much good, but it sure brings her comfort, and even a little enjoyment. She doesn't get out much these days, so instead she tends to sit and worry. Having something she can click in on and see where her boy is at any time? Incredibly valuable. The same can be said for my wife's family too.
Being able to only send two different preconfigured texts hasn't been as big of a bummer as I'd thought for those receiving them. Its turned out to be more about just being alerted I'm thinking about whoever, or that all is well at that moment... what is actually said really hasn't mattered so much as something being said (texted) at all.
All in all this has been one hell of a good investment for us. We'll continue to renew and use it. I did look into their newer devices last time, but came away still feeling good about the stand alone ultra rugged device we have. Less is more in this case, in my opinion, and this one shows no signs of failing us any time soon.
Hope that helps! And thanks for the reminder to update on how its working out.
