Garmin Inreach Mini, Initial Review - 11/21/20
The device is pretty cool, and once you get it set up and connect to your phone with BLUETOOTH, it is pretty simple to send a message.
The app on your phone has a message link and you can choose a recipient from your contacts. Shows your text message overlaid on your map location. Cool...
But...
Getting it set up can be a challenge. Garmin's website offers multiple videos that tell you how simple it is to set up. But that's the end of the simple part. No where on their page are there any actual instructions or directions. No Clickable link that jumps out at "NEW USER".
No numbered steps. I've been at this for 3 hours now. I'd say I'm as tech savvy as the average 62 year old guy.
The web site needs help
And their tech support shuts down Friday at 7:00PM central time
Great help for equipment designed for weekends.
And the pre-set messages that they mention prominently in their videos? Confusing and difficult to set up. I tried to set it up for the pre-set message to go to my wife, but it defaults to the user's email and goes only there.
So... As it stands now I can only use pre-set messages to message myself via email.
And it seems as if the pre-set message was only designed to be used once. I cannot repeat it or re-use it.
The pre-set messages are supposed to be unlimited and no charge as long as you have an active plan.
The messages you send via phone are all paid messages, and it you go over your limit it's $.50 ea...
In a nutshell, I seem to have a communication device that works only with my phone connected via bluetooth. The free and unlimited pre-set message feature is confusing and difficult.
No doubt that 10 minutes on the phone with a tech rep will solve all difficulties, but no one is gonna answer the phone til Monday.
The app on your phone has a message link and you can choose a recipient from your contacts. Shows your text message overlaid on your map location. Cool...
But...
Getting it set up can be a challenge. Garmin's website offers multiple videos that tell you how simple it is to set up. But that's the end of the simple part. No where on their page are there any actual instructions or directions. No Clickable link that jumps out at "NEW USER".
No numbered steps. I've been at this for 3 hours now. I'd say I'm as tech savvy as the average 62 year old guy.
The web site needs help
And their tech support shuts down Friday at 7:00PM central time
Great help for equipment designed for weekends.
And the pre-set messages that they mention prominently in their videos? Confusing and difficult to set up. I tried to set it up for the pre-set message to go to my wife, but it defaults to the user's email and goes only there.
So... As it stands now I can only use pre-set messages to message myself via email.
And it seems as if the pre-set message was only designed to be used once. I cannot repeat it or re-use it.
The pre-set messages are supposed to be unlimited and no charge as long as you have an active plan.
The messages you send via phone are all paid messages, and it you go over your limit it's $.50 ea...
In a nutshell, I seem to have a communication device that works only with my phone connected via bluetooth. The free and unlimited pre-set message feature is confusing and difficult.
No doubt that 10 minutes on the phone with a tech rep will solve all difficulties, but no one is gonna answer the phone til Monday.