inReach mini 2 power management - suggestion.

Request enhancements here: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/forms/ideas/

With regard to this specific request, the M2 has excellent visibility with the backlight off - even in relatively low light. A lot of us just set brightness to 0 and don't worry about it. 

OK. But it can be automated.

Are there any further system development plans for this device?

Anybody who might know what would be under a confidentiality agreement or otherwise restrained from commenting. 

Garmin tends to concentrate on the new, shiny hardware. For older devices, they do fix bugs. They also add new features. But it's impossible to predict which devices might get this kind of attention.

IMO (and it's only personal opinion), Garmin sees M1 and M2 as mature devices without enough capability for a lot of new features. Although the target audience is a bit different, I think it's also possible that Garmin sees the Messenger as the successor to the Mini line. Both of those things argue against the Mini getting a lot of enhancement love. That's really just my opinion though.

The official link for enhancements is included above. I have never heard of anyone actually getting feedback after submitting a request. If Garmin acts on any request, my guess is that it takes a long time. That said, this is the only enhancement channel we have. As with support tickets, the more people who request the same thing, the more likely it is to happen.

twolpert said:

I think it's also possible that Garmin sees the Messenger as the successor to the Mini line.

I don´t think that and I really hope you´re wrong. In my opinion they are made for totally different target audiences: the mini series for real outdoor/wilderness hikers etc. who want a small, light device with a lot of functionality- don´t need a map on the device (because they use a map or and a wearable with mapping) and don´t want to carry a big/heavy device like the ir66/67i etc. - while the messenger series is probably more intended for big city jungle users (who get a heart attack when their smartphone has no network/WiFi coverage....(or whoever the intended target audience of the messenger is - I really don´t now it yet)).

I really hope Garmin will release a Mini 3 (same size/weight) with the great messenger antenna system and battery life!!! They  should also add the great flashligt of the F7x/Pro series- that is really useful (in case you don't have any other light available and/or to draw attention to the in emergency situations, so that you can be located more easily). So go Garmin!!!

And yes, I have already suggested this to Garmin

Yes. All my power drain issues occur when the mini 2 attempts to communicate with inreach satellites. Rest of power consumption is pretty low in my experience. Several times woken up in camp to flat mini after forgetting to turn it off overnight in rucksack 

That whole iR communication thing carries this kind of risk for "hidden" battery drain. Once the unit TRIES to contact to Iridium satellites, it's going to keep re-trying until it succeeds or drains the battery entirely. "Trying" involves attempting to send a track point, message, or weather request OR an active mail check. There is an automatic mail check once an hour. You usually can't disable that except in "expedition mode", which not all device support. Even in normally challenging hiking conditions (nearby bluffs, heavy/wet tree cover, or whatever), you can see significant drain if the challenge persists for long.

Bottom line: If you're not using it, turn it off.

This does not change the fact that the development was completed very quickly.  Pity.  It looks bad.