SPOT vs InReach?

[geekonabike]

It looks like Garmin is getting on the inReach bandwagon & lumping in with the Garmin handheld experience:  https://explore.garmin.com/en-US/inreach/

[evdog]

I would be a very happy person if they gave the Inreach improved navigation ability and friendly user interface of a Garmin.  Or vice versa, give the Garmin the 2 way communication ability of the Inreach. I presume that is where they will eventually end up.  With the inclusion of GPS devices in smartphones it was possible that Garmin could have been relegated to software only, but 2 way satellite capability gives them back an advantage over phones.

[geekonabike]

That's what I'm holding my breath for EvDog. A Garmin Handheld w/ inReach & a monthly contract, my Etrex20  would be in the bottom of the pack as backup.
 We need a 'back country' DCrainmaker to review the features crucial to Bikepacking.

PS DCrainmaker has looked at these & seems to think the Navigations function are all in there:  https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/01/launches-products-explorer.html   Of course he's never had his TTbike on goat track 200mi from anywhere, Still I may pull the triger & try one out.

[geekonabike]

Digging deeper into the Garmin web site I found the manuals here's the Explorer+   http://static.garmin.com/pumac/EN-inreachse-explorer-plus.htm

It seem the SE+ model lacks most of the nav features, but here's that manual:  http://static.garmin.com/pumac/EN-inreachse-explorer-plus.htm

What I can't find is the release date after which I could actually buy one.

[bmike-vt]

I'm also considering which one to buy.

For me it's important to have a google maps on my blog that can locate me with an update  once of twice a day. Even if it's not google maps but I want people that will read my blog to be able to follow me.

Do any of the two devices allow this?

SPOT allows for a share page - not sure if you can embed the actual page - but you can setup a map page that you can link to. You can also tweet and FB updates out (I don't).

And I just saw they have 3rd party forwarding - it looks like you can forward your coordinates to a 3rd party GPS / mapping site... so that may work well for what you want to do.

[bikelite]

Skurka reviewed the latest units, but his site is acting wonky at the moment.

http://andrewskurka.com/2017/preview-garmin-delorme-inreach-se-explorer/

[bakerjw]

I read the write up. I'm still content with my InReach SE. The only thing that I wish would change is the subscription pricing.