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workerofwood

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Posts posted by workerofwood

    Garmin vs DeLorme

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    I have been using a Magellan Meridian for some time. I'm ready to spend $$ for a new, better unit. The Delorme 20 looked like it would be great, but the screen is tiny! The 'gold standard' Garmin 60csx has a screen larger than the PN-20 but still smaller than my old Magellan. While I applaud Delorme for the upgrades in the PN-40, I'm extremely disappointed with the same, tiny screen. Come on, even cameras have a three inch screen these days. I'd pay some extra dollars for a screen I can see.

     

    Don't judge the screen by it's size alone. You know what I've noticed a lot? People who own the Garmin Oregon complain about the screen being hard to read outdoors in sunlight, while people who have never held a PN-xx complain about it having a small screen, while I have yet to hear a PN-xx owner complain about the screen (myself included). It's a really nice screen, you should go eyeball a unit that's powered on, I think you'll be pleasantly suprised.

    I was a Garmin user (5 years- eTrex, 60CS, 60CSX) and am now happy PN40 user, and I just don't see a problem with the screen. I'm on the (very) high side of 40 with reading glasses in my day pack, but I have not had any trouble with the PN40 images. I think that the more important issue is what a manufacturer does with the screen they have.

     

    My 60CSX screen was bigger, but when I turn them on side by side, Garmin uses headers and other graphic elements that take up screen space. The map image is about the same on both, and easier to read on the PN due to better contrast.

     

    Colorados and Oregons have a nice size screen (though very hard to read in sunlight) but again often clutter the screen with graphics and very poor contrast on nearly everything.

     

    I'm sure there will be larger screen PNs some day but for now I'll take the small screen with the good content.

    Garmin vs DeLorme

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted · Edited by workerofwood

    I see a review I wrote on the PN40 was quoted above so I ought to speak up.

     

    I've been caching 5 years. I started with an eTrex (briefly) then moved to the 60CS the week it came out, and the 60CSX the week it came out. I have been very satisfied with the 60's and really didn't think there was anything on the horizon that would cause me to switch, since it did everything I thought I needed. I tried the Colorado and the Oregon and found them pretty but otherwise lacking in features (and with large but unviewable screens in my opinion).

     

    I tried the PN20 when it came out and liked the concept but found it underpowered and missing features.

     

    When the PN40 came out I tried it and was surprised that the small screen (same size as an eTrex, one of the most popular GPS's out there) didn't bother me. I use reading glasses to view my PDA, but not the PN40.

    The maps for me are more usable than anything from Garmin. The price for the maps is so far below Garmin that I can't imagine any economic argument for ANY of their products anymore.

     

    I've had it for two weeks now and have had no need or desire to pick up the 60csx. The learning curve was quick and easy, particularly since the interface is close to the 60 in many ways. The map capabilities add so much to caching in urban or open areas that I'm not interested in going back to anything less. Paperless caching even in this early implementation is big value.

     

    Finally, everything I've seen of DeLorme shows me they understand caching and are working to create a product that will enhance our experience. I just don't see that commitment from Garmin. So I've drunk the koolaid for sure, and am very pleased to be using the PN40.

    Best Geocaching GPS Brand?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    I started out caching with Garmin, and have had the 60CS then the 60CSX when that came out. I wasn't too thrilled with any of the new Garmin releases this year though and tried a DeLorme PN40. After 5 years and 5K finds, my 60CSX is now in my wife's car and I'm a VERY happy DeLorme PN40 owner. I really enjoy caching with aerial photo images, and the paperless caching. I look forward to the next upgrades that will make it even more cacher friendly. Delorme seems more in tune with what cachers are interested in than either Garmin or Magellan.

    Too Close

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    Thank you to all who participated in this thread. If any of you are interested, this is the best that could be done to solve it; and the story of the Tide-E-Bowl. After I re-submitted it, it took about 5 minutes to get approved.

     

    http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...b5-dc4f358e634d

    Nicely done BB's :laughing:

    I look forward to visiting this with my family when we are in town this summer. I always wondered what that thing was... "art project" never made the list.

    Maritime Geocaching Association

    in Trackables

    Posted · Edited by workerofwood

    I agree. There is nothing wrong with charging whatever the market will pay for a product. That's how a for-profit business runs (like the coinclub). I think most people are questioning a non-profit (I assume) organization charging that sort of price. if this is a fund raiser, so be it. I didn't know that the guidelines allowed the trackable coins to be sold at that sort of profit though?

    (we are also assuming profit... I paid $5.50 per coin for 300 coins with 3 dies and 12 colors. This one does not look that complex, maybe your supplier is overcharging?)

    Wow.. That is an excellent price! These were more than that! I am assuming it is a U.S. price? (We have to add from 20% and up to that depending on the exchange rate!)

     

    I know people are assuming we are making a big profit on the coins, if they only knew the all of the costs!

    That answers my questions. I have no problem paying $10 for a coin that cost $10 to make (well, might only buy one anyway). I just would question a $5 coin selling for $10.

    Thanks for responding.

    Maritime Geocaching Association

    in Trackables

    Posted

    Coin inflation.  Soon they will be all $25.00  Mark my words. :D

    Oh, you mean like the Conn... err, nevermind.

    Go ahead and say it. Connecticut. Tho$e coin$ are $elling for way too much.

     

    How about a reason for the $10 price of these coins? Are you just trying to get funds for your group? It looks like your back is the same stock die that dozens of other coins have used already, so I fail to see why the cost is that high. And no, I'm not whining, because I'm not buying any of these.

    I agree. There is nothing wrong with charging whatever the market will pay for a product. That's how a for-profit business runs (like the coinclub). I think most people are questioning a non-profit (I assume) organization charging that sort of price. if this is a fund raiser, so be it. I didn't know that the guidelines allowed the trackable coins to be sold at that sort of profit though?

    (we are also assuming profit... I paid $5.50 per coin for 300 coins with 3 dies and 12 colors. This one does not look that complex, maybe your supplier is overcharging?)

    Jaybee's Geocoin Shipping Method

    in Trackables

    Posted · Edited by workerofwood

    Where do I get the labels I need to have them printed and paid thru paypal?

    We ordered them through labeluniverse.com

     

    USPS Click-N-Ship

    That's a good price. I get them in boxes of 100 at office depot or Officemax, but they are just a single sheet and the label must be cut out. I'll try these next time (never thought I would need a "next time" with a box of 100...sheeeeesh).

    Trading Courtesy

    in Trackables

    Posted

    I would ask all traders to be clear when they respond to an email.

    I may sent a trade request via their profile page, but get a response that doesn't reference my mail or their user ID, just a "Sure, lets trade. Signed John Smith".

    Some traders use multiple email accounts to reply as well, leaving me wondering who I am talking to.

    I try to keep all the previous email attached to the reply so I know what/who I am talking about....

    What Was In Your Mailbox Today!

    in Trackables

    Posted · Edited by workerofwood

    A nice big bundle or rubberbanded envelopes, unceremoniously dumped on my doorstep (maybe I need a bigger mailbox):

    Emerald valley (copper)

    Tiki (lord Pomsby)

    Son of Cyclops

    another Emerald Dragon (how many did I trade for anyway? I just like Dragons...)

    BlueGillFisherman

    Bag o' 'bamas

    Sir Gerald x2

    GBOTs

    Mrs. Moops

    Optics Boy

    3CostcoGuys

    BuffaloWings (silver)

     

    ....and that was following a pleasant evening trading with other crazed coin enthusiasts, where I received Marky's new Nano coin (and a nano nano coin too), Team Checkers, Protech, a NielsenC Clover, and a very special Volunteer coin. Yessir, been a gooooood week.

    Whining Thread

    in Trackables

    Posted

    I set up a trade with two different people.  I sent my coins to them and have not recieved the coin they promised. 

    Just wondering how often this happens to you frequent coin traders. Is this a rare occurrance in the GC community, or does it happen more often than you would like. Mailing coins to others in trade and not receiving my trade coins would definately cause some angst!!!!!

    I have only had one case in two years of sig item trading where a person didn't send what was promised, and would not after repeated emails (and several months waiting). Most people get the coins to me within a few days, and I would not complain to wait a week or two (we all have other things to do rather than run down to the PO 5 times a week).

    Geo Coin On Ebay

    in Trackables

    Posted

    Full disclosure: I often sell there, so I am certainly biased.

     

    I price all coins with a "buy it now" price that is a bit BELOW the recent average sales price. But coins often get bid above that price. So they could have bought it for less, but got caught up in the auction. I don't sell coins that could still be purchased, just because it doesn't make sense for me to do it.

    Geo Coin On Ebay

    in Trackables

    Posted

    The only thing about selling the coins on ebay which I disagree with is the fact that people are bidding/paying too much for coins that are still available at the original $8.

    there are "milestone coins' for sale at the caching place dot com, at that price, yet I see people paying $15 dollars for them+shipping. thats a rip off.

    Yes, and should every store that sells something at a higher price than Amazon state clearly that you could get it cheaper online? The bidding usually starts at below market value. If people bid over the retail price, well, that's the way auctions are. No one forces them to bid too much. There is no deception. No rip off....

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