DeLorme InReach Explorer and SE

[rob_gendreau]

Anyone using one of these?

I was recently in the PNW and out of cell range a lot more than I expected...darn trees. I've been under some pressure to get something to be connected back home. I'm not interested in SPOTs; they are one way. They now have a cheap ($500-various rebates, starting about $400) Globalsat phone, but even with a discount it's more than the DeLorme's, and although it can do voice (and NOT text) it's pretty expensive even with a prepaid.

The InReach SE also has a $50 rebate expiring June 30th, bringing it down to $250; you can get a one-month minimum use for about $50. The same rebate applies to the orginal communicator, which didn't even have a screen; they're as low as $189 before rebate at Cabela's. It requires a smartphone to use, something that is optional for communication with the SE; the Explorer can use a smartphone but is fully functional for both communication and navigation).

So I'm having a harder time fending off complaints I'm incommunicado, plus the last non-SMS user friends and family I had have now joined that bandwagon, so a text-only phone is more appealing.

Anyone using either of these?