Garmin GPSMAP 67i Rugged GPS Handheld with inReach Satellite Technology, Two-Way Messaging, Interactive SOS, Mapping
Usual retail price $845
Update: Further price drop from $710 to $695.61.
CamelCamelCamel.
I wouldn't rely on the Apple SOS. Always have a dedicated PLB or satelite communication device.
I wonder what subscription service is higher cost?
Short answer: no
In Australia you can share your location and trigger an SOS with your iPhone
At this time you cannot do 2 way messaging (in Australia) with your iPhone
Pros of iPhone: use the device you already have. Free.
Cons of iPhone: no 2 way messaging at this time; it can take a while for a satellite to be in position; antenna is much weaker than what’s in an InReach.
It's just annoying cause Garmin has monopoly over that industry. It's stagnant and pricey. Garmin even removed pre-made custom messages.
It's ok for maritime and road bus now cause starlink + PLB is better for those purposes, but inreach is still the only product for trail tracks.
Spot is an alternative isn't it? Not cheaper but it is not a monopoly.
@md333: Don't they use a different network or something? Cause Garmin has basically global reach as long as a satellite passes while spot actually has coverage map for some reason
@Wonderfool: I believe they use a different satellite constellation (Globalstar) to Garmin (Iridium). Both should have near global physical coverage, but possibly they have service agreements limiting it?
8 bit music starts playing
whos up to be the first to straight line australia?
This was my first thought
Telstra + compatible handset = sms with anybody.
Included in upfront (postpaid) plans - no extra charge. You need to be outdoors with a view of the sky. Uses Starlink.
https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/telstra-launch-satellite…
I work in remote areas and thank you for this, didn't know Telstra had launched such a service.
Looks good! One major point:
Telstra Satellite Messaging is not designed to be an emergency service, especially as you cannot text Australian emergency responders (e.g. Triple Zero) directly
But you can text a mate to call 000/112 for you
I think the same phones that work with Telstra satellite messaging also have the apple SOS direct to satellite though (not dependent on Telstra), which would cover that aspect.
So Telstra’s cheapest plan is $70/month which includes this satellite service. That’s about $50 more than I currently pay. Garmin’s cheapest InReach plan is $13.50 /month (plus pay for each message on this plan). That’s quite a difference.
This is also a very good point. I presently use Boost (Telstra reseller)($35 per month) and get most (?) of the same coverage. So adding InReach would be more cost effective. But on the other hand I've been meaning to get work to pay for my mobile which would then be better served on Telstra.
Telstra's cheapest plan is $50 and if you have a concession you can get $19 off that
Comparing Garmin's emergency only use to Telstra's ability to have a text convo with all your mates is like comparing apples and concrete
Is that $50 plan on a contract and does it include satellite messaging did the price? I couldn’t find it on their website
@eDust: It is BTL - Here's the critical information summary - no contract - satellite messaging included
https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/help/critical-in…
Starts at $70 per month… rip off.
![[Prime] Garmin GPSMAP 67i $695.61 Delivered @ Amazon US via AU](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/83/914783.jpg?h=3ae65323)
So have apple's SOS reach feature parity with Garmin yet? Can it be used as a PLB?