I have the SE and I call it my satellite text machine. It isn't much of a GPS for land navigation. I think that the Explorer has more actual mapping features, and you CAN use the GPS in the SE with the maps on the Delorme app, but I found that the Delorme mapping apps (both mobile and online web stuff) are klugey. The Bad elf can integrate with your mobile device to interoperate with an app like gaia which I don't think the inReach does. So, my opinion, NO, it doesn't replace a decent GPS for navigation.
Yes, it is mildly annoying to have to download a new firmware file every time you change plans. Again, their user interfaces are poor even if their basic plans and functionality are excellent. It would be worse if you didn't have the ability to interface with the device through your mobile device. I almost never use the interface on the device.
Yes family and friends do like to "creep" on you while you use this thing. It's really okay with me, but my father-in-law did text me once to harass me about stopping at a McDonalds one morning instead of being in the wilderness.
The ten minute track log interval is a bit chunky for driving. Two minutes would be better when moving in an vehicle.
When you get one, make time for some experimenting before you head out to actually use it. There are quirks that you will need to discover like: 1) people can't text you unless you invite them and then they reply to your text that came from the inreach. 2) When you turn the device off and then back on, it stops logging your track. I lost 200 miles of a roadtrip that way. 3) it may take 5 seconds or 5 minutes for a message to get out via satellite (When under deep tree cover, I have seen more than ten minutes once or twice). Be patient. It will keep trying and then make its "DWeeP" noise when the message finally sends.
Finally, I had a gaffe last summer where my inReach SE was packed deep inside a backpack and somehow managed to activate its SOS button. When this happened, I was panicked. I didn't want a fire and rescue team to show up to the B&B I was at in Northumberland, England. Embarassing!!! So I immediately cancelled the message and started messaging my contacts that I was fine and didn't need help. That was not the approach I should have taken. When you cancel the SOS, you also cancel your ability to text back and forth with the emergency center. What you want to do is immediately text the center to say it is a false alarm. In the end, my little mistake was handled without any additional drama, but just so you know, don't cancel the SOS until you talk (via SMS) with the emergency center. It will save you some hassle.
Yes, it is mildly annoying to have to download a new firmware file every time you change plans. Again, their user interfaces are poor even if their basic plans and functionality are excellent. It would be worse if you didn't have the ability to interface with the device through your mobile device. I almost never use the interface on the device.
Yes family and friends do like to "creep" on you while you use this thing. It's really okay with me, but my father-in-law did text me once to harass me about stopping at a McDonalds one morning instead of being in the wilderness.
The ten minute track log interval is a bit chunky for driving. Two minutes would be better when moving in an vehicle.
When you get one, make time for some experimenting before you head out to actually use it. There are quirks that you will need to discover like: 1) people can't text you unless you invite them and then they reply to your text that came from the inreach. 2) When you turn the device off and then back on, it stops logging your track. I lost 200 miles of a roadtrip that way. 3) it may take 5 seconds or 5 minutes for a message to get out via satellite (When under deep tree cover, I have seen more than ten minutes once or twice). Be patient. It will keep trying and then make its "DWeeP" noise when the message finally sends.
Finally, I had a gaffe last summer where my inReach SE was packed deep inside a backpack and somehow managed to activate its SOS button. When this happened, I was panicked. I didn't want a fire and rescue team to show up to the B&B I was at in Northumberland, England. Embarassing!!! So I immediately cancelled the message and started messaging my contacts that I was fine and didn't need help. That was not the approach I should have taken. When you cancel the SOS, you also cancel your ability to text back and forth with the emergency center. What you want to do is immediately text the center to say it is a false alarm. In the end, my little mistake was handled without any additional drama, but just so you know, don't cancel the SOS until you talk (via SMS) with the emergency center. It will save you some hassle.
