[at-l] Pocketmail experiences on long-distance hikes?

[art at crystalacresnh.com (Art Cloutman)]

>Would someone who has used a pocketmail device on a long-distance hike
>share their experience please? Would you recommend it?
>
>Thanks.
>
>David
>_______________________________________________
>at-l mailing list
>at-l@backcountry.net
>http://mailman.hack.net/mailman/listinfo/at-l

David,
   I used the Pocketmail device for my AT-Thru hike this year.  I had 
great experience with it.  I made a couple of mistakes that caused 
problems.  I brought it into my sleeping bag planning on writing my 
daily journal at Standing Indian Shelter.  It was very cold and rainy 
so the shelter filled up quickly.  I didn"t have enough elbow room to 
type and was affraid if I left my bag to repack the composer I would 
lose some of the space I had achieved so I decided to keep it in my 
bag with me.  Somehow I managed to roll over on it during the night 
and cracked the screen.  I was without a device for about 1 1/2 weeks 
while a replacement was delivered to me on the trail.  At Standing 
Bear Farm I was able to use the two devices to transfer data from the 
damaged computer to the new computer.  then I transcribed all of the 
journal entries I had been taking by hand into the new machine and 
sent it via email home to my wife.  In the Roan Mountains I 
accidently dropped my pack onto the top of the Pocket Mail Composer 
and cracked a little bit of the corner of the screen again.  But this 
time It did not interfere with use.  It has been an excellent tool. 
I never had problems making connections.  I even found it possible to 
use a generous hikers analog cell phone to relay my email.  I 
recommend it highly.  I did keep it in a special waterproof bag 
because I heard of other hikers having digital cameras, radios, cell 
phones, and pocketmail devices damaged by dense fog and humidity.
-- 

Life is Good!!!
Art Cloutman