That sounds like a modern higher end version of their Rhino unit, which was/is a gps combined with an frs radio.

Yeah it is sort of like that but will include the sat com element with it. That way you have short range coms with your group but can reach out with the sat com to anywhere. I don't know if they will even build it but I was thinking it is an interesting trend.

I would like a device that was a GPS, 'smart' phone with a bunch of apps, short range radio, has wi-fi and can receive short wave and weather and sat coms too. Along with that please include a full blown computer ability, a TB or two of memory (don't forget the camera) and a fold up keyboard... oh yeah and keep it under $200.00 with a 10 day battery life at a pound in weight (think Star Trek Tri-Corder on steroids)

Hey, if I'm going to dream I may as well go big!

Yep, dream big or go home!

These days Garmin's main competition in the handheld GPS area is from the iPhone and Android devices.

I've personally just about done a 180 on using iPhones for navigation. Initially, I thought no way, due to battery life limitations and the inability to change batteries in a phone, and the generally fragile nature and lack of waterproofness in smart phones. But nowadays it's easy to carry an external battery to recharge your phone. The latest iPhones have pretty good water resistance, and you can easily put them in a protective case.

Smart phone navigation apps (Gaia rocks!) are generally better than what I see on dedicated GPS devices. Some hard core Alaskan adventurers are relying on iPhone navigation for some very epic, very high consequence adventures. I still carry a Garmin 62s or InReach (along with printed map and a compass) for serious outings, but find I'm relying more and more on my iPhone for routine backcountry navigation.

I suppose I'll try a two-pronged approach of getting a new dedicated GPS and attempting to learn Gaia a bit more. After all, two is one and one is none!