Page 19 - Pierce County Lawyer Novemer December 2024

10. Garmin inReach Mini 2.
As I said earlier, my daughter Torie and I have been
backpacking, twice now. But, you know, when I try something
new I go all in. So this little tech device is very interesting and
useful. It is a satellite communicator that weighs only 3.5oz.
Why is this tech important on the trails? Well, apparently,
many people have medical events or other scary issues arise
on the trails. For example, each year thousands of people are
injured while backpacking. Could be a sprained ankle, or a
cut or catastrophic fall, or being attacked by a wild animal. In
2022 Garmin reported that 10,000 people had utilized their
product for emergencies. A large portion of the SOS calls were
sent from the trails. Garmin provides direct communication
sending out an SOS beacon to show where your emergency
is located within 3 meters, 2-way messaging, integration with
your smartphone and watch, it is small (3.9X2X1 inches), and
battery life is 14 days. I will tell you, after going out a couple
of times with just me and my daughter (carrying 13 pounds
of water) this device will keep peace of mind (especially for
my wife), because, as mentioned earlier, I am a Baby Boomer
and, you know, I am not getting any younger here. I highly
recommend this tech if you are backpacking or doing any
other remote outdoorsy thing, or just to keep in your car for
emergencies. Last, the unit requires a monthly subscription
cost of $14.99. Well worth it in my opinion. Can be purchased
at the Tacoma REI and REI.com for $400.
Well, that's it for thi year’s top ten
tech gift. I want to thank the
Tacoma-Pierce County
Bar Association
for allowing me to
publish thi each year.
Thank You
I wish to thank everyone in the Bar
who was aware of my father’s passing,
was so kind and professional when
my father was ill, and patient with me
after his passing. The Tacoma-Pierce
County Bar is the only place I want to
practice and hope to do so for many
years in the future! Remember to do
what is good for you and not what is
bad for others. The Smith Family and
The Law Firm hopes everyone in our
small community has a happy holiday
and new year!
- Dave “Tech Guy” Smith
David Smith began practicing law in
2000 and has a solo practice primarily
in the area of Bankruptcy. He is also
a computer expert (“geek”) and has
incorporated his technology skills into
his legal work. He can be reached at
david@davidsmithlaw.com
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