I 'ver just seen the Yellowbrick advertisement in the latest FF, so I looked at their website. It seems to have come of age. No longer a Big Yellow Brick, but a small, rugged device with minimal power consumption, and a sensible purchase price, monthly fee and usage structure. It would give me what I 'm looking for - the ability to keep the folks back home aware of my position, and to send and receive SMS-style messages, when out of range of 3G.
I 'm tempted.
Is anyone using one?
David.

Hi Richard,
I recently bought a YB3 from you - could I apply for a post-dated OCC members discount, please? In extra months and credits will be fine, because although I 've only had it a short time, and have only used it on a 3 day passage, it seems to be giving me the minimal mid-ocean connectivity I need, with the tracker map as useful entertainment for armchair sailors!

http://my.yb.tl/tystie34/

Queries and comments:
The data sheet says I get 50 characters of messaging for one credit, but the iPad app says I get 25 characters, which is not good news, if true, doubling the expense. Which is correct?
The battery life is vastly shorter than advertised. In three days, I used half the battery capacity (position report every 6 hours, one outgoing message, 2 incoming messages, the unit in the open with a clear view of the sky). I should have got the permanent power supply and permanent mount.
The strap on mount does not permit charging in situ. There should be a hole at the back to reveal the USB socket.