Originally Posted by
staehpj1
[...]I might be inclined to buy one [...].
The market is evolving. Garmin has launched the "Messenger" probably to compete against the Zoleo. It supports wifi/cellular/satellite, combining messages in unified threads. I still prefer the InReach because it can be used as a navigation device in a pinch and I came to appreciate the weather forecast function, but if one only cares about messaging and SOS, the messenger (or Zoleo) are perhaps better alternatives.
There's also an InReach V2 with double the battery life. Limiting usage to a daily check-in/updated forecast, I'b bet on close to a 2-month autonomy.