Is there a gadget that could have saved James Kim?

This week I am deeply saddened by the death of my favorite CNET editor, James Kim. If you have not heard about the news yet, you can click here to catch up a little bit. In short, James and his family stranded in a snowbank in Oregon when they were returning from a road trip. James decided to set out alone to seek help about a week later, leaving his wife and two daughters in the car. His wife and daughters were eventually airlifted and saved, but James was missing until today when searachers located his body at a point where he had sheer drops on both sides.

I don't remember when I first saw James on CNET but I am sure that he has seen and reviewed many gadgets. If he knew what would happen to him, the following list would probably be very helpful:

1) Cellphone Signal Amplifier
Apparently a cell phone "ping" signal was the key leading to the rescue of James' family. CNET has mentioned that it is possible to boost the signal by installing a special car kit. Some websites also suggested that a $300 device made by SignalReach is able to boost cell phone signal significantly. (Also noted that all sources confirm that the sticker type signal booster is a scam.)

2) Solar-powered / Hand-cranking Charger
No gadget works without power so it's important to be able to generate electricity in case of emergercy. Again CNET has reviewed a solar-powered cell phone charger and a hand-cranking charger earlier this year. The solar-powered one fared quite well indeed.

3) GPS-enabled Phone Mobile Tracking Service
It has been mentioned here that a GPS navigation system offers little help if you are stranded and others are trying to locate you. It also mentioned the possibly little known fact that even GM's OnStar system is not able to locate you if the system is not connected to a celluar tower. The article suggests that your whereabout can only be tracked if opt-in to service that allow tracking.

4) Satellite Phone
A satellite phone is a mobile phone that communicates directly with orbiting communications and a vendor like Iridium can provide complete coverage of the earth. Needless to say, the service comes with a cost - the typical cost for a satellite phone is around $1000, and the per minute rate is between $1-$2.

But afterall, life is unpreditable. I guess when James reviewed the "iPod Killer", Zune, last month, he did not realize that he doesn't need a killer, he just needs is a lifesaver. May you rest in peace, James.