Spot I

Looks like the folks who make the SpotI personal tracking device are unloading inventory to make room for the new version. They are offering a $50 rebate til 12/31/09 (regular price $99)so the deal is gonna cost you only $50. Not sure what the difference is between the old and new beside the new being more compact,but, it sounds like a good deal. Of course you still have to purchase the basic yearly plan which is about $12 per month.I read this on a sister forum.
Joe Rogers

Many who are considering buying a Spot GPS unit may also want to look into a class of devices known as PLBs or personal locator beacons. They have a higher initial cost than the Spot or Spot II, but they require no yearly subscription and thus may be cheaper in the long run. However, they are emergency beacons only and have none of the non-emergency messaging capability of the Spots, if that is important to you. The cheapest one I've found is the McMurdo FastFind 210 for about $300.

I've got one that I'd sell for $50 - no yearly fee, but only does 911 as Randy noted (original cost was about $700 several years ago). Never been used. Probably needs a new battery. I've used my original findmespot for a couple of years and have sold many dozens of them for the company, but I like the new model best - this technology just keeps getting better...

I picked up a new one at Bass Pro. Although several of the features of the new one are similar to the old one I like not having to worry about hitting the SOS button by mistake. Here is a URL to a recent trip a friend and I made. Used the tracking function. Nothing spectacular, just making sure I could figure out how it worked.

http://www.spotadventures.com/trip/view?trip_id=184023

Larry,
Think I am going to buy one since I go alone much of the time. Do you think for the lprice difference the II has added that may features over the Spot I ?\
Thanks,
Joe Rogers

I'd buy the new version if you were going to use it at all instead of just leaving it in your pack or glove box. One thing about the new one though - the batteries don't last nearly as long as the original - I'm still on the FIRST set of batteries and it has been going for two years. So just be sure to keep a spare set with the unit and check it before any big trip...

Joe,
My reason for getting the newer one was the covers over the two buttons that can be used to call emergency services. I believe the services are or can be the same.

I have used mine for some auto trips of several hours and the batteries are still going okay. I do have some spare 8x batteries, I just have to remember where I put them. :-)

A friend of mine bought one of the other locaters that don't require an annual fee as he thought the GPS system used a stronger transmitter in the unit. I have no idea. I would guess that if it worked in the canyon that Ed Cooley fell in it should work about anywhere I am likely to go.

Is the tracking feature available for both the Spot I or do you need the Spot II ?
Joe Rogers

Maybe Tim will know. When looking at the I it does not appear to have the tracking button.

Recently, a recall notice was sent for spot II owners - seems the batter life might be an issue. They'll start voluntary replacement in January. Here's the notice from my account page:

Spot LLC is conducting a voluntary return on new SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger (SPOT-2) devices purchased since October 1, 2009. During recent testing, we discovered that some of the new SPOT 2 devices might not meet battery and messaging operating specification. Please see findmespot.com/exchange for details.

Yes, I got the notice too. Looks like one has to send it in and wait for a replacement?