New Garmin InReach Messenger satellite communication device

[sebm]

Seems like a good device for people that just need to pair to their phone.

Garmin inReach® Messenger | Satellite Communicator

inReach Messenger is a satellite communicator to keep you connected when there’s no cellphone coverage, featuring global two-way text messaging and SOS alerts.

www.garmin.com

It uses the same subscription service as the other InReach devices.

I'm probably going to get this instead of a mini 2 since it has more battery life and it can share the charge with your phone!

Other thoughts?

 

[Johnny_Wadd]

I’ve had my inReach Mini (older version) for about 3 years now. I guess the plus side of having the Mini would be you could still compose custom texts with it or via your phone.

Worst case scenario you break or lose your phone somehow I think you can just only send an SOS or pre-set messages with this new messenger.

I’m not 100% sure on this last part about pre-set messages or if you can compose a custom one on this unit without a paired phone.

 

[sebm]

I’ve had my inReach Mini (older version) for about 3 years now. I guess the plus side of having the Mini would be you could still compose custom texts with it or via your phone.

Worst case scenario you break or lose your phone somehow I think you can just only send an SOS or pre-set messages with this new messenger.

I’m not 100% sure on this last part about pre-set messages or if you can compose a custom one on this unit without a paired phone.

Yea you can but it's really slow, only 3 buttons on the device!

 

[zgfiredude]

What does this do that the new Iphone and it's satellite connectivity not do?

 

[sebm]

What does this do that the new Iphone and it's sattellite connectivity not do?

Iphone can't send messages to phone numbers, only emergency signal (not even a message) to authorities.
This sends messages in seconds, while moving and the iPhone takes 30s and you have to point it at the sky and not move for the whole duration. It could take minutes to find a satellite (its 30s when it has a lock on the satellite)
Very different devices for different use cases.

@Michael has a good video on his YouTube channel about it