The Roadpost GeoPro will be released within a week or two. I have a test unit and find it pretty good. The features have been well thought out, though there's still some kllunkiness in v 1.0.
The most important advantage is that it capable of two way texting! This is huge and, as far as I know, not offered by anyone else.
Main features:
Emergency beacon.
Two way texting capability.
Uses Iridium satellite system (more reliable that Globalstar)
"See me feature" -- sends coordinates and text message to any email address.
Sends position/check-in at any set interval -- once a day or anything over that.
Continuous tracking at whatever interval you set -- seconds to hours.
"on duty" feature. When it's turned on, allows you to send a message, with position, that you're up and going.
Query feature -- if you don't check in, others can text or query to see if you respond.
Queues messages until a successful satellite lock & send is achieved. Checks every 20 minutes (to conserve power) until successful.
Can pre-load (via computer sync) canned messages, email addresses.
Viewable on password secured web portal.
Rechargeable via USB port.
In power save mode, battery will last 4 days (??) or so. If you just turn it on and off once or twice a day, it'll probably go weeks, though I haven't tested that.
So far, I think it works very well and am especially impressed with the thinking that went into the features offered -- very real world. I plan to suggest some design and interface changes though.
Downside: weighs 13 oz -- a tad heavy.
The emergency beacon goes to whoever you designate, so there's not necessarily 24/7 monitoring, though message can go to however many people you designate.
Higher cost than SPOT.
Cost: about $700 plus monthly subscription plan. Get your spouse to buy it... .
http://www.geoprosolutions.com/George
