Merge!

I never owned a DeLorme before last Thursday. I was going to get a Garmin Oregon. So, this is not a thinly veiled advertisement. I am truly happy with my PN-40. I love it. So, I am giving props where props are due. The screen is fine, now I am 35 years old, but still, it is fine. And out of the box does more than any competitor. For $30 a year to be able to download unlimited color aerial imagery is virtually priceless. For geocaching, this is a no-brainer. An extra inch or two on the Oregon does not make up for what this packs. Once again, I never even posted on the DeLorme forums before two weeks ago, and know no one there. If I am this enthusiastic, as are others, doesn't that say something about the product? I want people to know how happy I am with this device. Sure, I have a wishlist, but I'm sure these will be addressed in time. In the meantime, I am having the best Google Earth like geocaching experience I could ever hope for on one device.

I just got the PN-40. It is AMAZING!!! Truly paperless. The maps are great. It's like I was using Google Earth as a GPSr. So different than any other geocaching experience I have had. I don't think the 60CSx is paperless. The PN-40 is. It auto-routes to the cache, and is SOOOOOOOOO accurate. I just love this PN-40. I wholeheartedly recommend the PN-40. You will not be disappointed. Plus, the people at the DeLorme forums were SO helpful. They have helped me so much since I first found them about 2 weeks ago.

Ok, took my PN-40 out for a day of caching. I am simply AMAZED. This was the greatest geocaching experience I have ever had. I loaded Color Aerial Imagery onto my PN, and it was literally like i had Google Earth as GPSr. I viewed all my caches on the map, scrolled to one I wanted to hit, and routed to it. It was so accurate it was scary! I was in heavy foliage at times, and it never lost a 3-D connection. It wasn't jumping all over the place like my old GPS did. This was steady! In fact, I think the biggest problem is that the people who placed the caches had a less accurate GPS, thus throwing off the coords slightly. I had the PN auto-routing for roads to each cache. Once I got to the area, I just let the GPS lead me to cache. Some of the caches I didn't even read, I just made my way to the area and found it. I could not be happier with my purchase of this treasure! As I'm using it more, the only minor complaint is the battery usage, it goes through AA's pretty quickly. I'd say 5-6 hours. That's fine as batteries are cheap, and I'm getting the travel kit anyways. On top of that, I had GPS Settings set to Normal, and I just now switched to Power Saving, so I'm sure that will make a difference. I am really amazed how the PN does everything! I can't wait for firmware update to get the enhanced geocaching features and the computer connectivity fix. The PN-40 can only get better. BTW, 7 for 8 caches today, and the one I couldn't find was definitely gone.

Ok everyone, I received my new DeLorme PN-40 GPSr today. I was able to give the PN-40 a brief spin after getting home from work. First off, let me state that my previous GPSr was a basic Etrex. It was pretty weak, but helped me find lots of geocaches. Now, keep in mind two weeks ago I had NO intention of getting a DeLorme. I was pretty set on getting the Garmin Oregon, and had just an inkling of the PN-XX's. So, I headed on over to the DeLorme forums and posted some questions. The level of attention I received from the members as well as employees of DeLorme really impressed me. Couple that with a DeLorme employee's blog post which pretty much seemed to be a direct answer to my questioning about Mac support, and I was sold. I'm willing to wait a month for limited Mac support, and know that they are working towards more support down the road. So, onto my first impressions. This might not have the bells and whistles aesthetically of the Oregon (by this I mean large touch screen, lack of buttons), but it ROCKS. I really have nothing to compare it to other than the Etrex, but it is FAST, fast, FAST! I've heard the PN-20 took a while to render maps and create routes. This rendered maps real-time while I was driving. It only took a few seconds to calculate a driving route. Really amazing. On top of that, it took quite a few minutes from a cold start to acquire a 3-D fix, but once it did, every restart after that had an almost instant fix. Literally, I turned it on and it acquired a fix. The driving directions were very accurate, and the beep was sufficient for me to know to turn. If I had the travel kit, I could keep the backlight on in the dark, and have no problem finding my way to other addresses. Speaking of addresses, the maps that come with this are GREAT! So easy to load the pre-cut area maps that come on the accompanying DVDs. I haven't tried to cut maps online yet, but I plan on grabbing a bunch of satellite imagery, as that is one of the key points that sold me on the PN-40. Now, onto the main reason I wanted a new GPSr, geocaching. The Etrex served its purpose, but sometimes I would be walking around an area for over an hour, with the GPSr jumping all over the place. With the PN-40, it took me right to the cache. I had already read the hint, so I thought I knew where it was. The GPSr showed that I was only 2 feet from where I thought it was!!! Unfortunately, I couldn't find it at first, so I keep looking, and finally I find it a couple of feet from where I was first looking. I look at the PN-40, and sure enough it was registering 0 feet. Maybe this was beginner's luck, but I was impressed. I'm already having a lot of fun with this. It's a big change from my Etrex. My biggest concern was that I would have buyers regret and wished I bought the Oregon. So far that is not the case. Once I start loading all kinds of different maps, which come with the GPSr (and for $29.99, I can get a year subscription of unlimited map downloads of their online maps), I don't see how the Oregon can even compare. Great job DeLorme!

But the Vista HCx doesn't offer paperless caching, correct? I'm looking for an all-in-one solution. The closest thing, which is Mac compatible would be the Oregon or the Colorado. After reading about all of the Colorado issues, I'm leaning towards the Oregon. Plus it is touchscreen. But, once again, the DeLorme PN-40 truly does it all with its maps, but it is not Mac compatible (native). Does anyone know if the PN-40 GPSr chipset is better than the Oregon? Also, any word on the Nuvifone? That would truly be the all-in-one I am looking for. Download caches OTA. perfect!

Thanks for the link Norm. That's quite a thread there. I'll be reading it for a while...

I'm motivated to get more information!

DeLorme is actively developing Macintosh connectivity, they may not be at the same level as Garmin at the moment, . . . but . . . active. I'm thinking that they will show "fruit" on a shorter timeline than did Garmin. It took them(Garmin) what . . . three years to "throw the bone" after the press release? DeLorme on the other hand, "plays a little closer to the chest", wisely so methinks, so as to observe, and capitalize on the decisions observed of others. Did I mention that there is an Mac. community within DeLorme that is lobbying to our favor, not quite an "ace in the hole", but every little bit helps. Norm If only there was some sort of timeline, that would definitely help me make a decision, otherwise I'll be buying the Oregon. But the Earthmate sure is appealing. I do agree with garylost, in that a company which doesn't support Macs in this day and age seems a bit backwards. Probably the main reason I loathed my Blackberry when I had one, it was just garbage when using with a Mac. It's good to hear that DeLorme is actively developing native Mac support, but the more important question is, is it simply vaporware at this point?

I had one of their map programs a few years ago (Before things like Mapquest and Google Maps), and it was a good product........ Then they decided Mac wasn't worth it, leaving folks high and dry. Sadly being a Mac person that has made me very distrustful of them (and a couple of non-related vendors) ever since. Rick Right, the DeLorme / Garmin situation reminds me of BlackBerry / iPhone. Basically, the BlackBerry does everything, and it does it pretty well, but the interface is clunky, and Mac support is terrible. I don't have first hand experience with DeLorme, but it seems to be the same situation. The DeLorme seems very powerful, but the interface seems a bit dated, and the software convoluted. On the other hand, the Garmin Oregon is a touchscreen interface, and comes with easy to use Mac friendly software, just like the iPhone. Simplicity, streamlined and ultra-modern. It may not be as powerful as the DeLorme, but it does it's job very well, and is great looking and easy to use. This is just like the iPhone. The iPhone revolutionized smartphones, and although it can't do some of the things as well as the BlackBerry can (push email, GPS navigation), it is leaps and bounds ahead in GUI design, and usability. Am I right? Can anyone speak to the ease of use with the Oregon compared to the DeLorme? I would be willing to get the DeLorme and use it on a PC laptop, but I really like the interface of the Oregon, and would love to use my Mac. Ease of use is a big factor too...in terms of using it in the field, and loading geocaches to device. I'm a total gadget geek. I hated my Blackberry because of its poorly thought out design, and lack of intuitive software. On the other hand, the iPhone is just so easy to use, and really changed the face of the smartphone industry. This is how the DeLorme / Oregon comparison seems. I don't mean to disparage the DeLorme, because it looks like an astounding device, and I'm seriously contemplating it. Just stating my opinion. An opinion based on what I've seen and read, as I've never held either the DeLorme or the Oregon.

Which version of the Oregon are you using? Do I really want the electronic compass for geocaching, which is included with 300, but not 200? Thanks!

Hey everyone. So, I am in the market to upgrade my GPS. Currently, I have an Etrex, basic model. I am very excited about upgrading to a much more powerful device. I primarily use a Mac, so I am looking for a unit that is compatible with a Mac, and has Mac software designed for it. My budget is no more than $400. Here are my criteria: 1. Truly paperless caching 2. Mac friendly 3. High sensitivity (won't lose signal in a forest) 4. Decent Mapping capabilities 5. Possible use as a car GPS The DeLorme seems to fill all of the above, except the Mac friendly bit, and that is a huge factor for me, so it seems I will have to go with a Garmin. In that respect, it seems that the Oregon would be the model for me. But, possibly any of these models: 60CSx Oregon 200 Oregon 300 One of the Colorados? Vista HCx Or maybe DeLorme after all (but the lack of Mac software seems like a deal breaker) Now for the questions: In terms of geocaching, does anyone know why I would choose the Oregon 300 over the 200? I seem to be reading that most people dont use the electronic compass for geocaching, so why would I want the 300? How hard is it to view the Oregon screen in daylight? I am a real techie, and am used to using a smartphone in the daylight, or using the iPod Touch (with screen protector) in daylight. Any clue if there is a firmware update in the pipeline which will add the ability to increase or decrease brightness? Would I want the 60CSx over the Oregon? The Colorado over the Oregon? Or does someone want to try and sell me on the DeLorme inspite of lack of Mac compatibility (BootCamp or Fusion is not an option). Is there a different model I am forgetting? Any and all comments are welcome. I hope I was thorough, as I tried to be. Thanks!

Actually, that is incorrect, the iPhone 3G has GPS and A-GPS when GPS isn't available. So it's even better than just GPS. From the iPhone 3G webpage: --------------------------------- How it works. GPS (Global Positioning System) technology uses information from earth-orbiting satellites to find locations. A receiver estimates the distance to GPS satellites based on the time it takes for signals to reach it, then uses that information to identify its location. But the A-GPS (Assisted GPS) solution on iPhone 3G goes a step further, using a unique approach to find the closest satellites and more quickly identify your position. That gives you a faster fix on your location than with regular GPS. Get the signal. In addition to A-GPS, iPhone 3G uses signals from GPS satellites, Wi-Fi hot spots, and cellular towers to get the most accurate location fast. If GPS is available, iPhone displays a blue GPS indicator. But if you’re inside — without a clear line of sight to a GPS satellite — iPhone finds you via Wi-Fi. If you’re not in range of a Wi-Fi hot spot, iPhone finds you using cellular towers. And the size of a location circle tells you how accurately iPhone is able to calculate that location: The smaller the circle, the more accurate the location. --------------------------------- Unfortunately, someone found this statement in the iPhone SDK (Software Developer Kit) User Agreement: Applications may not be designed or marketed for real time route guidance; automatic or autonomous control of vehicles, aircraft, or other mechanical devices; dispatch or fleet management; or emergency or life-saving purposes. So using the iPhone 3G for geocaching may be dead on arrival. -Merge!

Well said Fats277! -Merge

Ok, I have a Centro, and everything works fine for me. I use wap.geocaching.com, to search for caches. If I really want to load up for a day of caching, I use CacheMate. I have a premium membership with Geocaching.com, so I build a pocketquery, and transfer it to Cachemate. Good little app. Additionally, the Centro comes with Google Maps, so that can help too. Its really a great companion to my GPS. If only it had its own GPS, than it would be perfect (and if it had a bigger screen). As for the step-by-step instructions you ask for. You need to read the manual that comes with the Centro. It's a must if you want to know how to use the device. Read the instructions for CacheMate (http://www.smittyware.com/palm/cachemate/). Let me know if you need additional assistance. -merge

I got stopped trying to place a cache late at night, walking home, after hanging out with some friends. I was completely honest, and just told them what I was doing. They were convinced I was trying to urinate! They shined their flashlight, and saw that I wasn't. Strangely, they didn't even check the container that I had to see what was in it. And this was in NYC. Guess I got lucky.

I work at a software company, and when our servers are experiencing an anomaly, I am the one that gets the calls from the users. I couldn't agree with everything you have said more. Thank you! -Adam