Smart Phone + SPOT Connect = Satellite Communicator

[SA Bill]

This is kinda interesting if you already have a smart phone. Get a SPOT Connect unit, pay $99.00 for a one year service subscription (more for typing your own message or for e-mailing?) and you can send messages and position updates back home via satellite.

http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=116

I'll wait for the reviews.
   Bill

[bdann]

I think I'm going to get one.  I've been holding out on a SPOT messenger for awhile, but I think this is the ticket.  Being able to type short text and e-mail messages I think is pretty cool.  I don't care about updating Facebook and all that.   

Just a matter of time before they come out with puck device that will turn your smart phone into a sat phone. 

[homerboy2u]

Just a matter of time before they come out with puck device that will turn your smart phone into a sat phone.

 The time has come , and it is NOW. Good things come for those BIG BOYS who wait. Gps Satellite applications for Android

[bdann]

Just a matter of time before they come out with puck device that will turn your smart phone into a sat phone.

 The time has come , and it is NOW. Good things come for those BIG BOYS who wait. Gps Satellite applications for Android

Well, there's a big difference between a sat phone capable of voice and data via satellite and GPS mapping type applications that use the "assisted GPS" available with most current smart phones.  Most current smart phones have GPS capability for navigation purposes, but once your cell signal is gone the GPS goes kaput. 

The only smart phone I know of today that has actual sat phone functionality is the TerreStar, which will run you about $800 with a two year service agreement from ATT, plus $25/month for satellite capabilities, 65 cents per minute for voice calls and $5 per mb for data.  No telling what it costs unlocked or if it is even available unlocked. 

[SHANEA]

Be interesting to see how this works out.  Since it is blue tooth, wondering how smart the phone has to be.  My phone has blue tooth.  Motorola Tundra  Milspec. 

Of course, this is only one way communications, at least right now.  Too bad you can't send SMS and also receive SMS in return.