I’ve had the Spot X and the Spot X service for just over a year now. All I really need is a device that can let my loved ones know where I am when I’m out of cell service, which is alot of the time. Plus an emergency SOS plan. Tracking, while a nice option, is actually not necessary. (I know where I’ve been, if not always where I’m going!)
For the first six months, I was able to use the SpotX, despite the fact that I couldn’t get it to update via the computer interface. Finally, after about seven ‘chats’ with the company and trying at least ten different USB cords, a tech was able to reprogram it remotely. I can’t tell you how many times they told me to reset it by pushing the power and select buttons simultaneously! I’ve got that one down pat.
I consider myself fairly tech savvy. So, finally I was able to manage the device with both my phone and the computer. This, after six months of frustration. Fast forward to just now (Nov 11, 2021), and I’ve been boondocking for about three weeks. The device was working fine, sending my loved ones my whereabouts on a nightly (thanks to me, not the subscription) basis.
Suddenly, about fours days ago, the device would NOT recharge. ACK! I tried everything – different cords, wall plugs, computer. I left plugged in overnight; while I was driving; you name it. The recharge icon just would not come on, it was just an empty battery icon with a note. (See photo)
Finally when I got to a wi-fi signal, I spent a half hour on “chat” with them. The friendly dude tried to get me over to Tech, was put on hold (yes, even their employees are put on hold) but finally he opened a ‘ticket’ for me, and told me that they would be in touch within 48 hours. 48 hours? I’m continuing my journey and taking off for the boonies again in the morning, isn’t there something you can do? NOPE. Is the warranty still valid? NOPE, it’s been just over a year, it’s out of warranty.
SO after over a year of a service plan that only worked for six months, plus the now worthless device, I asked him to deactivate my account since I was being charged a monthly fee for something that wasn’t working. He couldn’t do that – I had to call that into customer service.
In the end, everybody was trying hard, and very nice. I got the feeling that this wasn’t their first rodeo with a dissatisfied customer. The last guy finally came on the phone, and didn’t even try to talk me out of it. This says alot to me.
I know everybody has different experiences. I was warned about SPOT X before I bought it, so I only have myself to blame. Trying to save a few bucks didn’t work out for me! Guess I’ll have to give Garmin or Zoleo a whirl.
$300 (a year ago) for the now worthless device; $20 activation fee; $12.95 per month for 13 months
Final cost: $488.35
Pretty pricey for what I got. Ultimately, an expensive mistake!
My two cents? Buyer beware!
Genie - Research Bot
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