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After co-leading an environmental expedition to Everest when he was 18, Paul made two unsuccessful attempts to climb the world's highest mountain in the 1990s. One of these took place during the infamous 'Into Thin Air' season. After a hiatus of eight years, Paul returned to Everest in a final bid to reach the summit. His first book received an award at the U.S. National Outdoor Book Awards. Paul delivers inspirational presentations to companies, universities, schools and clubs. Read more...

pole-to-pole coverage with new satellite 'phone

Nov 02, 2008 | gear | permalink
Iridium 9555
Iridium, the satellite network of choice for many expeditions because of its unique pole-to-pole coverage, is launching a new 'phone this month.

The 9555 is lighter and smaller than the existing 9505 and original 9500 models. As well as an internally stowed (as opposed to rotating) aerial, the 9555 also has USB compatibility.

Interesting, the supplier of the new compact aerial, Sarantel, is stating that its ceramic filtering aerial reduces signal radiation absorbed by the body by up to 90%.