[pct-l] SPOT vs Cell Phone

[Jason Moores]

One more thing to consider: Pay-Phones are becoming harder and harder to
find. If you don't plan to stay in a lot of hotels along the trail, and you
don't like to borrow, you may want a cell.

Jackass



On Mon, Feb 21, 2011 at 8:52 PM, Kevin Cook <hikelite at gmail.com> wrote:

> Just to clarify, most cell phones do use towers, but that's only to augment
> the actual GPS chip. MOST cell phones made in the last few years will have
> GPS accuracy as good as a stand alone unit. What the dedicated devices
> offer
> is the "extras". Maps, waypoints, tracks, etc. If towers are available, a
> phone based GPS can be MORE accurate.
>
> I still agree though. To provide your family peace of mind, a Spot is a
> better choice. For utility, a cell phone can be more useful. The spot won't
> let you talk to your wife when you hit town ;)
>
> On Mon, Feb 21, 2011 at 7:06 PM, <dofdear at cox.net> wrote:
>
> > Consider that many (most) cell phones use Assisted GPS by triangulating
> > cell sites.  This may not work in the back country so the emergency
> > personnel may not know your location. Another advantage to SPOT is that
> it
> > will continuously send your coordinates until turned-off.  Cell phones
> can
> > not do this unless in tower or Wi-Fi range, or in contact with a properly
> > equipped 911 facility.  SPOT has my vote.
> >
> > Dan C  aka Thumper
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