New, Slimmer GPS-Based Outdoor Rescue Beacons
Rescue beacons like the SPOT Messenger and ACR personal locator beacons (PLBs) offer outdoor lovers an invaluable safety tool. If ever you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, rescue is just a simple click of a button away. While the devices use different infrastructures, their aim is the same: transmit your location via satellite to a team of rescue personnel who can come give you the assistance you desperately need.
While these type of devices might be overkill for many a user, it's not to hard to envision just how vital they could be in the right...wrong... situation. Two factors that have made them a bit impractical are the price tag (PLBs typically cost in the $400 to $600 range and SPOT costs around $150 for the equipment, but is a subscription-based service) and size. While expense remains a factor barring some from using these safety accessories, size is something that both SPOT and ACR have addressed recently. Each company has released a new, slimmed-down model that should make carrying one of these lifelines easier than ever.
I've personally been testing out an original SPOT unit, and while it's worked well for basic communications so far, I can attest to the fact that it's bulky size can get in the way. I prefer to wear it on the front of my belt, so that it remains accessible. However, when hiking, particularly on steep terrain, the SPOT unit tends to bang up against my leg and stomach, making it rather uncomfortable. In short, a slimmer unit could do a lot toward complementing the safety benefits of a SPOT or PLB with a bit more comfort and usability.
SPOT 2 Messenger
The new SPOT 2 Satellite GPS Messenger is 30% smaller and lighter than the original SPOT, weighing in at just 5.2 ounces and measuring 3.7 x 2.6 x 1 inches. In addition to the slimmed-down profile, the Messenger gets a few other enhancements including an advanced chipset, improved antenna for more effective communication in heavy foliage and other obstructed areas, GPS acquisition light, illuminated buttons, covers over the 911 and Help buttons to protect from accidental activation, and a new function.
While the original SPOT contained a four-operation system (Get Help, Check-In, 911 and Track Progress), the new Messenger adds a fifth function: Custom Message, which allows you to send a pre-programmed message to contacts in your profile, giving you another option in addition to the Check In and Help functions, which also communicate with preset contacts. Rather than text, the buttons are now designated using internationally-recognized symbols, which hopefully you'll actually recognize before needing to use them.
The slimmer SPOT Messengers are available in either orange or silver for a retail price of $150. Each unit includes a neoprene armband. Basic service costs $100 per year.
Note: SPOT recalled some of its SPOT 2 units due to battery and messaging problems. For more information, click here.
ACR Sarlink
ACR PLBs operate on the Cospas-Sarsat system, a global cooperative that monitors and administrates the worldwide rescue initiative. The Sarlink and Sarlink View are the latest models for outdoor users. ACR describes the Sarlink as one of the smallest, lightest 406 GPS PLBs in the world (2.25 x 5.88 x 1.29 inches). It weighs in at 8.9 ounces. The Sarlink also contains a bright LED strobe light, for on-ground solicitation of help. Unlike SPOT, which relies on GPS, the Sarlink uses three levels of signals--GPS, 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz.
Unlike the multi-functional platform provided by SPOT, ACR PLBs were originally designed solely to get help in an emergency and featured a one-button interface for this purpose. ACR recently added subscription packages for sending non-emergency messages and location information to contacts. The basic 406 Link package allows you to self-test the unit and runs $39.95 per year. The Plus package enables you to send 'I'm Ok' information and location to up to five contacts.
ACR also offers the Sarlink View, which provides an LCD screen that shows coordinates and assists with optimizing the unit.
The SarLink retails for $400 while the Sarlink View is $649.
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New TRON: Legacy billboard art arrives
Disney sent Major Spoilers the art that will adorn billboards and movie theaters promoting the upcoming TRON: Legacy movie release.
If you click the image for the larger view, be prepared for a super-super-sized file.
via Disney
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Sexual Astrology: A Sign-by-Sign Guide to Your Sensual Stars
Now you can discover the true happiness meant for you and you alone. This personal sign-by-sign guide shows you how to:
Chart Your Compatibility--Month-by-Month Matchmaking for Every Sign
Meet Your Mate--The Right Timing and Approach
Understand Your Own Needs and Desires
Please Your Partner--And Yourself
Fulfill Your Romantic Destiny
Sun signs are fine, but love signs light the way to happiness. The stars show you the way to navigate the romantic zodiac, liberate your sensual self, and achieve lasting love.
Author: Joanna Woolfolk, Martine
Mass Market Paperback:
256 pages
ISBN13: 9780440180203, Condition: NEW, Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark., Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices
Company: Dell
(1979-08-01)
(1979-08-01)
ISBN: 0440180201
List Price: $7.99
Amazon Price: $3.85
Used Price: $1.31
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The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need
Everyone's favorite astrology book, having sold over 500,000 copies, includes an interactive CD-ROM and a new redesign for 2008! This edition of The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need still includes detailed information about how to cast your own chart the old-fashioned way and more importantly, how to interpret it once you're finished. Find your place is the cosmos and determine the strengths and weaknesses of each Zodiac sign, and use the CD-ROM to cast your chart in minutes. Once your personalized astrological report is created, you will be directed to the corresponding pages in the book to read further about moon and sun signs, ascending signs, placement of the planets in their houses, and more.
Author: Joanna Martine Woolfolk
Paperback:
534 pages
ISBN13: 9781589793774, Condition: NEW, Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark., Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices
Company: Taylor Trade Publishing
(2008-07-25)
ISBN: 1589793773
List Price: $19.95
Amazon Price: $12.58
Used Price: $6.97
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