The New York Times-20080124-Retrace Your Steps or Just Say- -I-m All Right-- by Satellite

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Retrace Your Steps or Just Say, 'I'm All Right,' by Satellite

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Satellite phones are still largely associated with dashing reporters and superspies, but the Spot Satellite Messenger from Spot Inc. brings a little celestial high-tech to the common hiker.

The $170 Spot (www.findmespot.com) is a seven-ounce waterproof communications device that works for about 14 days on one battery charge. It keeps in constant contact with G.P.S. and communications satellites almost anywhere in the world.

The Spot can store your position over time, then replay the trip in Google Maps. Its check O.K. feature lets you send a signal to loved ones, informing them that you are fine. If a message does not go through every few days, they will be alerted that something is amiss.

The Ask for Help function notifies friends and family of your location and tells them you might need a pickup. Finally, the 911 mode alerts the authorities -- and supplies G.P.S. coordinates -- in an emergency. The satellite service costs $99 a year.

The company also offers $7.95-a-year search-and-rescue insurance, for those times when even Spot can't help you.

JOHN BIGGS

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