DeLorme, the innovation leader in mapping and GPS technologies, will demonstrate pre-release models of its eagerly-awaited Earthmate PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator at the 2010 Teva Mountain Games, scheduled for June 3-6 in Vail, CO. Actual product release is expected in July of this year.

The Earthmate PN-60w is the world’s first handheld GPS that enables Type & Send text messaging via satellite. A special interface on the PN-60w connects it wirelessly with the SPOT Satellite Communicator, which was designed exclusively for DeLorme. Messages are created on the PN-60w’s internal keyboard, then relayed via satellite for delivery using established SPOT technology.

Because messages are conveyed via satellite, and are not dependent on cellular phone coverage, the PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator keeps users reliably connected even in remote locations around the world. Both devices are designed to be ruggedized and waterproof and thus better suited than most cell phones for the rigors of outdoor use.

The Teva Mountain Games will be the first opportunity for the public to see the two devices together in action. The DeLorme and SPOT exhibits will be side-by-side in the Gear Town area, located in downtown Vail.

“We’re excited to introduce the Earthmate PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator to serious outdoors enthusiasts at the Teva Mountain Games,” said DeLorme Product Manager Chip Noble. “The ability to navigate confidently in remote locations and stay connected with customized satellite messaging means peace of mind wherever you go.”

Users can type and send text messages to individual email addresses, cell phones, buddy lists, and social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, Fire Eagle, SpotAdventures.com, or Geocaching.com. In case of emergency, SOS messages can be sent with the user’s GPS coordinates embedded. In addition, family and friends can track a user’s progress via Google’s free online maps.

The Earthmate PN-60w comes with DeLorme Topo North America GPS maps and desktop software included, with topographic and street coverage of the U.S. and Canada. It also displays high-resolution aerial imagery, official USGS and Natural Resources Canada topo maps, and NOAA nautical charts, all available from DeLorme via low-cost subscription. Navionics lake maps and marine charts (sold separately) can also be displayed.

The text messaging, track progress, and emergency SOS/911 features are all activated via subscriptions from SPOT.

Effective immediately, DBL will begin marketing SPOT-1 to customers nationwide. This state-of-the-art personal messenger with GPS tracking, once activated by a satellite subscription, will send the exact coordinates of your location to International Emergency Response Center or 9-1-1. If your exact coordinates cannot be obtained, the device will send a distress signal instead. Other excellent features include personal messaging capabilities that reaches out to friends and family to request for help or to let them know you are okay. In addition, SPOTcastingSM sends a message to your account every 10 minutes, allowing your friends and family to view your entire route through GoogleMapsTM. Designed for maximum reliability, Spot performs a self diagnostic test every time it is powered on. It works worldwide and even in the most remote areas where cell phone service is scarce.

“This new and innovative product and technology introduced by Spot has revolutionized the navigational market,” stated Tim Coakley, Senior Vice President of Merchandising for DBL Distributing. “Its tremendous versatility coupled with its unique functionality greatly appeals to customers within our navigational product segment.”

SPOT-1 was included in DBL’s new Spring/Summer catalog featuring nearly 520 product lines, 5,200 new items and over 20,600 products. To order SPOT-1, please call DBL’s dedicated sales staff at 800.733.6766 or order online at www.dbldistributing.com.

Commuters often times have trouble finding a parking spot on those busy mornings where everyone else is looking for one, too. British entrepreneur Tom Page may have come up with a solution to this problem. 18 year old Page thought of the idea while he was working for a UK company. Apparently parking is really bad on the other side of the Pond because Tom was having to park about 30 minutes away. This guy came up with the idea for homeowners to rent out their driveways on a 5-7 day time period. The idea is that commuters rent the space they want so they don’t have to spend time looking for one.

www.youcanpark.com is potentially beneficial to both driveway owners and commuters. Owners can earn some extra income (as long as they don’t need their driveway the entire day) and commuters are guaranteed to have a parking place when they come to work in the morning.

The new company who organizes (or organises if you are English) the project is based in Bristol where they have over 7000 daily commuters. The company provides their services to locations all over the UK. The company is also developing www.youcanshare.com so commuters can see other commuters who are going the same direction and can coordinate carpooling.