ACR ResQLink is world’s smallest personal locator beacon
ACR Electronics has released ResQLink, which it claims is the world’s smallest 406 MHz personal locator beacon. The ResQLink’s small and light waterproof package can be held in one hand and clocks in at less than four inches tall and 4.6 ounces in weight. …
… The monthly service also allows you to send a check-in message to specified contacts via email or text message, without emergency activation. However, no monthly service fee is required for emergency use.
After receiving FCC approval this summer, the ResQLink is now available and retails for $325 (without optional subscription service).
Click PLAY or watch a promo from OR Salt Lake City on YouTube.
Fedak has grave concerns regarding the SPOT devices. Will this be any better do you think?
besthike.com 
Not sure if my concerns would be considered “Grave”- I just find the SPOT devices to be far more of a novelty item than a true emergency device.
If you are looking for a method to let your folks back home know where you are, then SPOT will do the trick. If you are looking for a device that absolutely positively needs to connect to a satellite when you press the panic button, then you want a real PLB that attaches to the COSPAS-SARSAT network.
My biggest issue with SPOT is they advertise heavily to the point that most folks aren’t aware that a) this wasn’t primarily designed to be an emergency beacon and b) that there are other alternatives on the market.