New Garmin inReach “Mini 2” Satellite Communicator

[Bill Ruttan]

According to HikingGuy.com on YouTube, Garmin has developed the Mini 2. In the video it is stated that this model, while identical in physical size to the original Mini will have:
-“Enhanced Navigation”
-Greatly Extended Battery Life (how do they do that?)
-USB-C Cable Connector
-Use of the Garmin Explore (vs. Earthmate) App

 

[m-l_johnny]

What Garmin really needs to improve is their customer service. It’s almost as bad as Comcast/ xfinity.…

 

[pluton]

Nice to see that they're improving a product. Now, Garmin, please do the Montana 700 series!

 

[mep1811]

The smaller something becomes the less effective it becomes. Less battery life, less power .

 

[outback97]

@Bill Ruttan thanks for posting. You might consider adding the full product name (Garmin Inreach Mini 2) to the thread title.

Here's the video that Bill is referring to:


Physically, apart from the USB-C power port vs micro USB, it looks pretty much identical to the Inreach Mini.

The increased battery time would be a great improvement, although on the shorter trips I've used mine on, the battery life has been sufficient.

The smaller something becomes the less effective it becomes. Less battery life, less power .

Huh?

So this:

Is more effective than this:

And a physically smaller battery can't possibly have as much or even more power than an older technology larger battery?

The size of this new version of the Inreach Mini is identical to the existing one. The claimed battery life is substantially better. Seems like it'll be more effective and better to me.

 

[mep1811]

@Bill Ruttan thanks for posting. You might consider adding the full product name (Garmin Inreach Mini 2) to the thread title.

Here's the video that Bill is referring to:


Physically, apart from the USB-C power port vs micro USB, it looks pretty much identical to the Inreach Mini.

The increased battery time would be a great improvement, although on the shorter trips I've used mine on, the battery life has been sufficient.



Huh?

So this:

Is more effective than this:

And a physically smaller battery can't possibly have as much or even more power than an older technology larger battery?

The size of this new version of the Inreach Mini is identical to the existing one. The claimed battery life is substantially better. Seems like it'll be more effective and better to me.

What a ridiculous comparison.

 

[outback97]

Looks like Garmin posted a video going over the new features and changes to the Mini 2, and they now have it listed on their site.

Garmin inReach® Mini 2 | Satellite Communicator | Messenger

inReach Mini 2 is a compact satellite communicator that provides peace of mind off the grid. Features include global satellite coverage & emergency SOS messaging.

www.garmin.com

Not compelling enough for me to upgrade, but the longer battery life would be nice.

I need to look into the differences between the Earthmate and Garmin Explore apps.

 

[WanderingBison]

I don’t think it’s intended to encourage current Mini owners to upgrade but bring the Mini in line with current InReach device - like using Explore, upgrading the radios and batteries, etc.

The move to Explore is an improvement, but still a long ways from the app I’d like


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Bill Ruttan]

@Bill Ruttan thanks for posting. You might consider adding the full product name (Garmin Inreach Mini 2) to the thread title.

Here's the video that Bill is referring to:


Physically, apart from the USB-C power port vs micro USB, it looks pretty much identical to the Inreach Mini.

The increased battery time would be a great improvement, although on the shorter trips I've used mine on, the battery life has been sufficient.



Huh?

So this:

Is more effective than this:

And a physically smaller battery can't possibly have as much or even more power than an older technology larger battery?

The size of this new version of the Inreach Mini is identical to the existing one. The claimed battery life is substantially better. Seems like it'll be more effective and better to me.

Thanks for the suggestion “outback97”, I have added “inReach” to the thread title.

 

[outback97]

I don’t think it’s intended to encourage current Mini owners to upgrade but bring the Mini in line with current InReach device - like using Explore, upgrading the radios and batteries, etc.

The move to Explore is an improvement, but still a long ways from the app I’d like

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

That makes sense. This is the only inReach device we own and for how I have used it, it has worked well in most terrain. For me it's more of a CYA when solo hiking / backpacking and a means to check in with my wife to let her know all is well. We also use it in the vehicle and will send a link to a friend and/or family member so they can see where we are.

I don't really use Earthmate other than to make it easier to type out messages to be sent with the Mini. I use Gaia for navigation.