Agadora

Well, I did my first pocket query for caches in my area...that went really well and had a fun day today. Tomorrow I'm going to try to cache along a route. We'll see how that goes. I thought GSAK was just a PC program. I'm on a mac. I'm excited about learning all this stuff. I guess I should say we cause I cache with a partner! Fun new hobby for two teachers with a little summer free time!

I got a lot of good advice in this thread...and just wanted to update that I did get the Oregon 400t. I took it out today for my first cache and it literally plopped me right on top of it! I think I'll be very happy with it!

So ok....what are the free downloadable topo maps like? I'm not opposed to getting the 300 with a 4g card....but how do the free maps compare to the topo maps already on the 400t? I don't want to eventually have to buy those too.

Thanks for all the comments and bits of advice. I am an obsessive researcher when I buy a product like this and I just want to make sure I get the best bang for my buck. I think I will just go to REI and try out the 400t as it seems to have what I want/need.

Ok...after days and days of researching I am narrowing down my purchase field. I am new to both gps'ing and geocaching but I know that I would get good use out of a good system, so I'm not limiting myself by cost. Also, I've never used a gps before, but I am a pretty smart cookie so I don't NEED anything dumbed down for me....but if dummied down works the best...then I'm all for it I really do want an all-purpose unit....but leaning towards the active side of things, so that's why I'm headed towards the Oregon -- either the 300 or the 400t. I want topo and city maps. I've done a few searches for free maps, and I'm just a little new so I'm not sure if they'd fit my needs (I'm in Southern Minnesota and travel predominantly from MN, to ND, to across MT.) I will also be traveling overseas and other random places, so I do want some good expandability...and paperless is really attractive to me. I've also heard about some issues with the Oregon...screen lighting, hiccups, etc.... I also want an easy to use unit, so that's what's got me turned on to the touch screen. I just don't want to regret my purchase if I spend a good chunk of cash. I'v also looked at the Colorado and the PN-40, so anything I can hear from actual owners of all of these gpsu's would be great. I've read so many reviews I might just go blind..... Is this a no-brainer...should I just go with the Oregon? If so, which one? If not....what else? Any thoughts, advice for this newbie???