PocketSierra

It can be lethal caching after an unauthorized purchase without an adequate explanation. Good luck.

You say you have a Cingular 8125? You might try Backcountry Navigator. If it isn't user friendly enough, I've got some connections to influence the development.

There are some. These reccommendations are based on the experience of people using BackCountry Navigator. The Ipaq 6515/6900 has a builtin GPS and phone, but I wouldn't reccommend it because the GPS is sensitive but poorly behaved. The ETEN-700 G500 comes highly reccommended as an alternative. The Treo 700W has also been a good unit for combination phone/Pocket PC. You can easily use a bluetooth GPS with or any other Pocket PC that has phone and bluetooth. If you did get a bluetooth GPS, I'd reccommend one with SIRF III, or the latest bluetooth GPS from Rikaline. The reason for the Rikaline reccommendations is because of its power friendly features. You'll want to make sure whatever PDA phone you get will work with your service provider.

If you've been using BackCountry Navigator on your Pocket PC, you may want to check out some of the latest updates that are of interest to geocachers. Newest features include distance measurement tools, NavLine status bar on Map page, tracking list of nearest caches or places, a Quick Zoom Control, and more. You can check the latest changes under "Versions" at the homepage: http://www.backcountrynavigator.com/

You should also try BackCountry Navigator if you are in the US. There is an example here: http://www.backcountrynavigator.com/content/view/19/41/

I have Axim X50V and a relative has X51V. I use BackCountry Navigator.

I stand corrected. Windows Mobile 5 has versions for both Smartphone and Pocket PC. You will find more software for the 700W. With a data plan, you could download Topo and Aerial maps on the fly with BackCountry Navigator.

BackCountry Navigator 2.0. Read about putting the waypoints on a Topo or aerial map: Geocaching on Pocket PC Read about version 2.0 beta: http://www.backcountrynavigator.com/content/view/53/1/

Yes. You are well stocked. You may want to try BackCountry Navigator for the PDA. There is a beta program for version 2.

It's true that a Pocket PC doesn't report electronic compass headings, at least in the ones I know about. So it works much like a handheld GPS without an electronic compass. There could certainly be some issues if a bluetooth GPS reports electronic compass directions and you don't remember which way you've pointed it when you put it up on top of your backpack. I find that I do like to have a compass to help find directions with BackCountry Navigator, but don't always find that I've remembered one when I need it.

These devices are running Windows Mobile 5.0, a Pocket PC platform. BackCountry Navigator runs on this platform. Version 2.0 is optimized for the different screen configurations and Windows Mobile 5. I know of people who have used it successfully with the TREO 700.

Here is how you can do it with BackCountry Navigator: Geocaching with Pocket PC

I use an Axim X50V (Pocket PC) and Rikaline Bluetooth GPS. I use BackCountry Navigator 2.0. I like the VGA (480x640) screen for topo and aerial maps.

Some of you may already be on their mailing list and know about this. BackCountry Navigator for Pocket PC now has a beta available for version 2.0. They are looking for adventuresome users. The software uses GPX files for geocaching and uses free topo and aerial maps in the United States. If you have Pocket PC 2003 or above, it is something you can try out. If it doesn't do everything you want, you may be able to influence the new features. Here is the message about the Beta program: BackCountry Navigator 2.0 Here is a description of how to use GPX files with it: Geocaching with Pocket PC

Here is one example using an Axim: Geocaching with your Pocket PC

You can also try BackCountry Navigator

You can get a trial for BackCountry Navigator at this link: www.backcountrynavigator.com

I have some experience using a Pocket PC GPS exclusively. The advantages of going paperless, better screens, using your choice of software/maps, and entering coordinates much easier are compelling. Their disadvantages can be overcome. I have taken my Pocket PC in thick rainstorms, blizzards, and sea kayaking, but I have it in an Otterbox. In this case, it is as durable as a Garmin or Magellan. Battery life is also something to watch. Usually, a Pocket PC will have enough juice to last an afternoon or day, more if it is not always on. Geocaching, though, tends to be an always on activity. You can get cheap chargers on eBay that recharge a Pocket PC. It costs a little to overcome durability and battery life, but not as much as it would to buy a separate handheld GPS. For some, it may not be worth the trouble. For someone like me who develops software for Pocket PC, and has many other uses for the device, it is worthwhile.

If you are looking for GPS, your best bet might be a mouse style or cable connected. The Ipaq apparently doesn't have CF slot or bluetooth. I work on BackCountry Navigator, and you can certainly try that out, if you are interested in using topo maps and aerial photos with GPX files.

Another program to try is BackCountry Navigator, which I work on. But first, where are you getting stuck? Do the software programs seem to work? Are they failing to find the GPS? Some WM5 devices have changed how they list the serial ports, which caused some GPS software to fail, including BackCountry Navigator at an earlier time.

You'll need the appropriate cable and set your device to NMEA mode, if necessary. This site will give some pointers. http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showthread.php?t=111280 You can certainly try BackCountry Navigator, which I work on, if you are interested in US topo and aerial maps.

I have Axim X50V and have used both bluetooth and CF units with BackCountry Navigator. I prefer bluetooth because they work with an Otterbox and can be located for better reception. They are available at maybe ~$100 dollars at a store like BuyGPSNow. I think the Pocket PC GPS units are preferable to messing with cables. BUt cables may not be so bad if you are in the car. I am usually on a trail or in a kayak. And usually in the rain.

I have Axim X50V (pocket PC) and Rikaline GPS 6031-X7. Wifi and bluetooth. I use it for Geocaching with BackCountry Navigator. I also use it for hiking, kayaking, reference books, some appointments, contacts. It helps to have an Otterbox case.

I'd reccommed something with Sirf III. A relative just got an OnCourse Bluetooth receiver and it was very sensitive. You can try BackCountry Navigator.

Since I work on GPS software for Pocket PC, I am interested in people's experience and their likes and dislikes. I'll start. A relative got an OnCourse Sirf Star III Bluetooth GPS at Thanksgiving time. It was very good at getting a fix even indoors. It got within one foot or so of the caches we were seeking. It appeared to be much more sensitive than my Rikaline 6031-X7 from last year. It also had auto sleep mode for battery saving if there was no connection within 5 minutes or so. It also was smaller and slimmer and could fit in the OtterBox bluetooth GPS case (the Rikaline won't). One disadvantage I will note. It did not have automatic wake up like the Rikaline. It wouldn't come on if you recconnect; you needed to push the on button. (the Rikaline has no on button). So you can put it in a hard shell case and put it out of reach, but you probably wouldn't for that reason. From this experience, I can reccommend Sirf III in general. Anybody else.