dogtrainer1

I have a Suunto 10x GPS watch which can be used for geocaching. Once you take the time learn how to use it, you will learn that you can rely on it to be very accurate. To locate a cache, you create a waypoiint with the coordinates of the cache. Once you have a GPS signal lock, and the waypoint loaded, you will navigate (as if you were using a traditional compass) to the cache. This way of navigating is different from the graphical representation of your position and the cache's position on the screen of a hand held GPS. The Suunto 10x will give you a distance countdown to the cache and a compass bubble (either solid fill or empty) to orient your direction of travel. If you are traveling less than approximately one mph (compass bubble empty), you will need to stop and let the compass bubble settle before adjusting your direction of travel. Otherwise (with compass bubble solid), you can navigate while on the move. I am having a lot of fun with mine.

The maps are loaded via software that you download from the National Geographic website. You register on the site and set up an account and then download the viewing-puchasing software. Once the software is loaded on your PC you will need to purchase each super quad for $1.00 a peice. A super quad will have three forms: a topo map, satelite map and hybrid map (top-satelite combination). To pay for the quads you buy credits (maybe by credit card?). I purchased my credits when I puchased a package for $21.00 (21 credits) that came with the viewing software. The Magellan Triton series has software called VantagePoint (available free through Magellan's site) that allows you to transfer the maps to your Triton GPS via a USB cable.

Does anyone have first hand experience with this watch in the field? How well does it do under tree cover or in canyons or in the mountains.

This is the last day of the sale. I received mine yesterday and was able to test it on a half day hike and I like it! It will save so much time because it integrates National Geographic topo maps; before this product came out I was manually plotting geographic coordinates (off of a GPS) to a physical map to identify (track) my location on a map.

The above is not completely true. The GPS does have a lifetime return policy according to Costco's website: http://www.costco.com/Service/FeaturePageL...ductNo=11204333 "Merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund. Exceptions: Televisions, projectors, computers, cameras, camcorders, iPOD / MP3 players and cellular phones must be returned within 90 days of purchase for a refund." As you can see, the GPS is not one of the exceptions. There is only three days left (sale ends June 1) before the bargin priced Trition 500 disapears.

Apparently the Magellan Triton series is relatively stable. This might be a good time to take advantage of Costco's discount price of $150.00 for the Triton 500 (offer expires June 1, 2008). If anyone thinks that the Triton 500 is not stable enough (at this point in time) then this speak up.