The good news:

As has already been reported, is the new SPOT 2 devices have a nice
'check-in while tracking' feature that lets you send an OK message
while in TRACK mode. The OK message temporarily interrupts the TRACK
message mode, sends the message, and goes back to tracking.

The new SPOTs have a more powerful transmitter and slightly better
patch antenna, for more reliable transmissions.

Smaller size, lighter weight.

Much easier to get the device into TRACK mode (the old SPOT 1 devices
require a very non-intuitive procedure, but once you know the trick it
isn't too bad)

The bad news:

The higher power transmitter and smaller form factor reduces
advertised battery life significantly. The old SPOT 1 devices (2 AA
lithiums) will go several weeks/months between battery replacement. I
think I replaced mine twice last season, and I flew 9 contests and 250
hours. The new SPOT 2 devices (3 AAA lithiums) appear to only last
about a week in TRACK mode, so you might have to replace them about
every contest.

Any SPOT 2 users out there with actual battery life data?

TA