[pct-l] pocketmail setup (not)

[Matt Thyer]

I'm going to agree with Kim here,

A small, lightweight cell provider should give you better coverage over the
course of the trail than just about anything else on the market today.  I
carry a SPOT too, but the information you're able to relay to anyone
interested is *very* limited.  Months of "HIROKO wants you to know Matt is
OK" does not an interesting journal make.  I've been messing around with my
Samsung EPIX and a small solar charger and getting really good results.  It
has a lot to offer 1) web browser, 2) word processor, 3) itty bitty
keyboard, 4) camera/video and 5) phone.  Keeping it charged isn't that hard
and the PV panel serves to keep rain out of my pack as well (kind of a
little roof).  I also used this combo when I helped rescue Tazul at the
beginning of August (thereby illustrating its lifeline capabilities).

HTH,

Matt

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Kim Hastings
Sent: Wednesday, September 02, 2009 10:48 AM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] pocketmail setup (not)

Also, there are precious few pay phones left within hiking distance of the
PCT.  I was told in 2006 that it costs about $50/month to maintain a pay
phone, so most have been pulled out as they were not generating sufficient
revenue to cover that.

Borrowing other people's phones is fine for an occasional call, but not
practical if you are trying to send a lot of email or keep a journal updated
on a regular basis.

IMHO, pocketmail is reaching the end of its useful life, for hikers at
least.  If email connectivity is your goal, you would do better to select
some kind of smart phone that can also do email.  

PCT cellphone coverage here: http://www.pctmap.net/cell/

- Twodog


***************************

As far as I know, analogue cell phone service is no longer available.  
all the carriers have converted to digital (except maybe in a few spots) and
turned off their analogue service by Feb 2008. so carrying an analogue only
cell phone is about as useful as carrying a small brick.

Tortoise

"For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and
wrong."

--H. L. Mencken

<> He who finishes last, wins! <>



Meridith Rosendahl wrote:
>      So I was planning on taking a SPOT and pocketmail on my thru-hike,
but I was wondering if I have to take a cell phone too to work my
pocketmail.  
>
> Mikey, you will need a cell phone, but it has to have an analog only mode.
The alternative is using your pocketmail device with a pay phone (they give
you a toll free number) or a normal house phone (another toll free number).

>
> Piper's Mom
 




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