Globalstar GSP-1700 Satellite Phone; $1,000; www.readysatgo.net
Chris Larsen, Co-founder and CEO, Prosper.com
My first experience with a satellite phone was six years ago at the annual Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert. It was a huge, almost comical, contraption. Fast-forward to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which reminded me of just how unreliable cell phones can be during crises.
So the first thing I did was buy a satellite phone weighing a hefty 13.6 ounces. Earlier this year I upgraded to Globalstar's GSP-1700, which weighs 7 ounces and, with the antenna retracted, is about the size of most cell phones. Although I could use it to send e-mail or browse the Internet, I just like to have it for phone calls -- not only in case of a natural disaster but also so I can work from remote areas with no cell service.
As an added precaution, I also carry a flexible solar panel to recharge the phone in case there are no other power sources nearby. Burning Man may be off the grid, but I never am.
 Despite talk of bubbles, the tech sector continues to surge. The companies on this year's B2 100 list are posting impressive results. (more)  CEOs reveal the business strategies that made their tech company one of our 100 fastest-growing. (more)  Kiss your dreary briefcase goodbye. Here are three laptop bags that match style to substance -- and tell the world you've truly arrived. (more) |
