GPS Tracklog has a two-part review of the DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w GPS receiver and SPOT satellite communicator combo: the SPOT review went up last month; the PN-60w review showed up this morning. The SPOT communicator allows you to send text messages or an SOS from remote areas; Rich calls this “almost a must have for those of us venturing far off the beaten track.” As for the PN-60w, it’s comparable in performance to recent Garmin units (Oregon 450, GPSMAP 62 series) but has a smaller screen; he’s also reluctant to recommend it to first-time GPS buyers.

• Buy DeLorme Earthmate PN-60W Portable GPS Navigator with SPOT Satellite Communicator at Amazon.com (Canada)