Smart Phone Versus Dumb Phone

[katoranger]

I know about the SPOT tracker. Great idea for those who venture out by themselves. Andy would know if you didn't report back to go looking for you.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Getting a SPOT tracker is less expensive and more effective than relying on any cell phone, either dumb, or smart. I think it might be time for me to purchase a SPOT tracker and service plan.

https://findmespot.com/en/

Excellent idea, Spud. I'd feel better knowing that you could be easily located if there was trouble.

[SpudRider]

Currently, you can buy the new, SPOT Gen3 unit with a 50 percent rebate. Therefore, the price would be $75, which is reasonable.

http://www.findmespot.com/HolidayHal...14_holidayhalf



However, the company charges $150/year for its tracking services.

http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=103

[katoranger]

Can we track you? We could have the "Where's Spud" thread.

[SpudRider]

Yes, you could track me, but I don't want everyone to know my precise location at all times. It's bad enough the government has that information.

[katoranger]

I see they have a basic service for $99/year.

[katoranger]

Check-in/OK: This feature allows you to let your friends and family know that all is OK with a pre-programmed message along with your GPS location. With a push of a button a message is sent via email or SMS to up to 10 pre-determined contacts and your waypoint is stored in your SPOT account for later reference. Your stored waypoints can be easily integrated into a SPOT Shared Page or SPOT Adventure account.
Read more

HOW IT WORKS:
Once you have activated your SPOT Messenger and set up your account, you can change your contacts and customize your message at any time. When you push the Check-in/OK button, you send one pre-programmed message to your contacts. Your contacts will receive an SMS text message including coordinates, or an email with a link to Google Maps™ showing your location.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by katoranger

I see they have a basic service for $99/year.

The $99/year service is for the previous version of the SPOT unit. They increased the price by 50 percent with the SPOT Gen3.

[SpudRider]

If I could pay for the tracking service on a monthly basis, for only the riding season, I would buy the SPOT Gen3 right now. However, SPOT only sells the service plan on a yearly basis.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

However, the company charges $150/year for its tracking services.

That's $12.50 per month. A bargain.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by katoranger

Can we track you? We could have the "Where's Spud" thread.

Maybe that privilege could be given to a select few.

[SpudRider]

People with the older SPOT unit are really mad about the $50/year increase, and so am I. I think $100/year is a good profit, but they got greedy and increased the fee to $150/year. Once they have you snared, they can keep jacking up the price as much as they like. I wish SPOT had some competition.

[Weldangrind]

Still a bargain. Do we need to crowd fund this for you? You need it.

[SpudRider]

You're right; I probably do need it.

Other than greed, I don't know why they would force me to pay every month, even when I don't need it during the winter.

[BLACK DEATH]

A basic phone is good for every day talk or texting and they seem to never drop a call and get better reception.
I do a lot of Internet so a smart phone makes it easy.