Very interesting. I love it that the Connect uses AA batteries, which is my standard and what my Garmin GPS and headlamp use.

I must admit to being a little confused at understanding the differences between this new Connect unit and the Spot 2 unit. From what I can tell, the Connect has all the functionality of the Spot 2, but it also allows you to essentially use your phone as a wireless keyboard to send texts/emails through the Connect up to the satellite network. Contrary to some comments I've seen it does not seem like the Connect must have the smartphone on hand to send the basic "emergency!", "need some help" and "I'm OK" messages to the GEOS satellites.

Am I getting this right? If so, wouldn't the Connect essentially make the Spot 2 obsolete? At $169 MRSP, why would anyone buy a Spot 2 over the Connect?