> Where are all the Libertarians, shouting
> self-sufficiency? Maurice is right: cell-phones
> have saved lives. They have also led to people
> being called out because others were inadequately
> prepared. There has been at least one case where a
> cell phone was used, but the "victim" had no clear
> as to where he was, and the rescuers couldn't
> triangulate his position.
Uh, . . . I'm not sure what the fuss is about. G*
*does* have a position location service.
> Sure, take along emergency signalling equipment,
> but not as a first line of defence. An aviation
> handheld Comm Radio would have reached
> half-dozen airliners going in and out Seatac from
> the Olympic Peninsular. They are smaller, lighter,
> cheaper, and probably more durable. (They might be
> technically illegal to use. Good! Don't use them
> until you don't care about a fine.)
Interesting that you would refer to a satellite phone
as "2lbs of deadweight", whereas an aviation radio is
a lifesaving device. Then, you say you would be
hesitant to use an aviation radio because it's illegal?!?
***WOOOSH***
<Insert image of your hand skipping over the top of
your head>
BTW, I've used handheld aviation radios *and* a G*
phone, and I can tell you that av radios are neither
smaller, lighter, or more durable than the phone I
used. Cheaper, yes, but what's the point? You've
already noted that they're illegal to use to attempt
to call your spouse, tow truck, etc. Furthermore,
their "coverage" sucks. They're only helpful if
another plane is overhead (and listening).
Aviation radio vs. G* phone ... it's no contest.
Coming up next in SI's Confusion Theater:
G* phones vs. flare guns
-Dr.E. |
