SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker

"Millions of people escape to the great outdoors. Unfortunately, not all of them escape from it."

Catchy, what?

That's the homepage intro to SPOT, "the world's first satellite messenger."

More: "SPOT gives you a vital line of communication with friends and family when and where you want it, and emergency assistance when and where you need it. And since it's satellite-based, SPOT works around the world, even where cell phones don't."

Interesting.

Nathan Borchelt reviewed it in yesterday's Washington Post Travel section "Road Test" column as follows.

SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker

Why we like it: Unlike most GPS units, this simple and smart gadget lets you do more than just send an electronic distress call. In addition to the standard 911 function, the emergency device sends pre-written text messages, along with your GPS coordinates, to a roster of people via text message or e-mail. The bright-orange weatherproof instrument also has a help function that lets you contact local rescue facilities about less urgent injuries. The best part? Mere mortals can afford the price.

....................

Coming November 1, 2007.

$149.95, plus $99 for one year of service.

A heckuva lot cheaper than a Breitling Emergency Watch.

From the SPOT website: "It could be the difference between coming home in cargo and coming home in coach."