normal text message only has to go to the nearest cell phone tower
Slow GPS The GPS can take a heck of a long time to connect
not only time-consuming and very expensive
the GPS signal strength/connectivity is often somewhat slow
Each message is limited to 160 characters
the service is often quite slow
Small screen for onboard messaging
its tiny screen and limited scrolling options means typing out
tracking
get-out-of-jail-free card)
spotty cell service
no-service areas was mostly limited to satellite phones
it has less battery life than my EXPLORER+
it only worked when you had active tracking turned on
lack of any map that s usable on the unit itself
extremely small size of the device
lack of screen real estate is easier to tolerate thanks to the extensive mobile phone connection capabilities
Garmin have sacrificed and limited certain features
Satellite messages have to travel thousands of miles each way
the Mini User Interface is painfully slow
its not a requirement
not as reliable or easy to use
ultimately connection to the satellites to communicate is truncated
cell coverage is too weak to make phone calls
no satellite-unable to transmit message-with an open clear sky
subscription plans also make it pricey
tracking is heavily disrupted by tree cover
it does not yet allow seamless messaging
Golden Gate Kima RT Multi Tester
Long Road from NYC 2019 to th
somewhat clunky user interface
where cell phone service is unreliable
Altra Running Timp 4 Multi Tester
horribly expensive
the upgrade to a USB-C charging port
texting is even more annoying than texting directly on the device
Spot has horrible customer service
The button is also bigger than the other buttons
It only works between inReach devices
No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers
inReach Mini does not sync using the inReach Sync program
inReach Mini can only be paired with one phone at a time
advanced API access for developing custom inReach applications is only available with professional plans
my satellite messenger fail to find a signal
does not have the same functionality including no 2-way messenger function
Spot s network has a poor reputation in certain parts of the world
Inreach Mini is pretty weak in the battery department
Inreach Mini has a legit 50 hours of battery life
Earthmate app can only be paired to one device at a time
The SPOT Connect has been discontinued
Spot has no monthly subscription options
non-stop because of all the text messages and missed phone calls
Limited screen size and resolution eliminates mapping as
safety is not the number one item on the agenda
Virtual keyboard is slow and difficult to use
Tracking does not work when suspended
lack of communication options is also a hindrance
Monthly subscriptions may seem expensive
area I run in is remote and often lacking in phone signal
dangerous and unpredictable terrain and mostly in quiet and remote areas
messaging does rely on the device having a signal
this feature is ONLY to be used in an emergency
There are no charges for sending a preset message
A default home screen appears
Mini 2 does not connect to the Garmin Connect app
It is not a touchscreen display
tracking interval period
location requests
and weather
the SPOT devices cannot receive incoming messages and can only send pre-configured outgoing text messages
SOS feature will simply not work otherwise
the available grid reference formats are very limited compared
lack of large colour screen or full keyboard
User Reviews Using device at night can be tricky since there is no backlighting
Garmin has horrible customer service
customer service is hard to get a hold of
slow and often poorly trained
The Earthmate phone app is limited in functionality
InReach does not interface with Garmin Connect
this post was not useful for you
does not like having to look at two different maps
cellular coverage is not likely to be available
It does not store any personal data
No need to manually state your location
shows a somewhat simplified version of the map and logging
lack of built-in mapping
viewable map at set intervals
lack of mapping
it is painfully slow
its tracking is basic
a bit buggy and unpredictable
trackback screen and a digital electronic compass
This can only be used in a life threatening emergency
Longer battery life would be a plus
Typing a text message on the Mini is painfully slow
Scant information
no charge to send preset messages
Unused text messages do not roll over to the next month
No need for a phone to operate it
Mini 2 does not have a dedicated phone number
no tracking points and no messages
Stick has no display and just a few buttons and leds
it lacks the ability to show a map
It was getting too dangerous to continue
amount of snow still on the mountain and roads
snow melting off was utterly wrong
lack of outdoor activities is something that can make one go a little stir crazy