Garmin bought out DeLorme

[Peter H]

Here’s a copy of an email I received:

Dear inReach Subscriber,

We are writing to inform you that DeLorme Publishing Company, Inc. and DeLorme inReach, LLC have been acquired by Garmin, a global leader in navigation and communication. We are excited to help leverage our expertise into enhancing our combined product line.

As a current subscriber to DeLorme’s inReach service, you will keep your current subscription under the same terms and for the same duration, and there will be no change in the services that inReach provides.

Going forward, your billing invoices will originate from InReach, Inc. instead of DeLorme inReach.

Thank you for your business. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Care

InReach, Inc.

 

I hope it’s true. I just bought my InReach last fall and have only used it once. I bought it based on the fact that I wouldn’t need a yearly subscription.

[Ken Thompson]

Well I was going to get one. But I think best to wait and see what happens.

[Valerie E]

I got the same email, and I’m left wondering about the things they didn’t address…

Don’t DeLorme and Garmin use different types of GPS systems?  If so, will they keep both kinds?  If they convert to the Garmin system, will InReach users have to buy new devices, or is that just a software update?

I LOVED my InReach as a solo thru-hiker, and I can see why Garmin would want to “lock down” that type of product…

[Pedestrian]

“Don’t DeLorme and Garmin use different types of GPS systems? If so, will they keep both kinds?”

What are these different types of GPS systems you speak of?

“I LOVED my InReach as a solo thru-hiker, and I can see why Garmin would want to “lock down” that type of product…”

What does “lock down” mean?

 

 

[Valerie E]

> What are these different types of GPS systems you speak of?

That’s what I’m trying to ask — I’ve been told that Delorme Topos are not compatible with Garmin GPS — but I don’t understand what that means.  (Other than using my InReach for 2-way communication on long hikes, I don’t use GPS of any kind anywhere.  I’m still a map & compass girl, so even the most basic GPS stuff is new to me.)

By “locking down”, I just mean that the InReach is such a great piece of gear that I understand why Garmin would want to have it in their product line (without bringing out a lame copy of it, and looking like they aren’t innovators).

[Arthur]

Having had Garmin and Delorme products for several decades now, I am happy to hear this. Garmin hardware is far superior.

[Matthew / BPL]

 

Blargh I am not excited about this. My experience with Garmin software and an eTrex 30 (the one with the compass) was atrocious. I guess it’s not a big deal because I have an InReach SE and use it only for SAR/Family communication.

[Ken Thompson]

I would have rather seen Garmin to come out with their own for competition and hopefully drive subscription rates down. If they buy the competition they’ll charge the maximum the market will bear. Even better if they would charge for actual use and not need a subscription. My dream for cell phones too.

[Matthew / BPL]

Even better if they would charge for actual use and not need a subscription. My dream for cell phones too.

That would be fantastic.

[Brad Rogers]

I am planning to purchase an Inreach this year but was waiting to see if a new model would be released this spring.  I am now guessing that it will be a year before we see new models.

I was hoping a new model would either be lighter, have better gps features or both.  My guess is a new model will have better gps features but we won’t see it this year and who knows what it will cost.

[Stephen M]

Maybe they will bring out a Tricorder.

[Ken Thompson]

Or a cell phone to sat phone converter.

[Author]

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