CacheFreakTim

It looks like you only save $50 signing up for a data plan. That doesn't seem like a deal considering you are giving up the right to cancel at any time.

Any GPS including the iPhone will not put you on top of the cache. Under the clear sky I usually get within 20 ft. using my iPhone 4. Once under tree cover that can go down dramatically depending on how much cover you have. What you are describing is typical. You do not need to buy a new handheld GPS just for this reason. I also own an Oregon 450 and find both of their accuracy to be on par with each other even under tree cover.

On the iPhone using the official app you cannot get the PQ's from your email. Instead just open the app, login, and then from the main screen hit "Pocket Queries." From there you can view the current PQ's on your device or download/redownload them by hitting the download button.

Most defiantly go with either the Dakota 10/20 (you can often find them on sale for around $200) or wait a couple weeks and go with the eTtrex 10. It will have paperless Geocaching and looks to be a great unit.

My guess is that it has something to do with the serial cable. Many people have issues with these types of cables. My recommendation is to pick up a USB cable for your device that has the serial to USB conversion done in the cable itself. I use one like this on my etrex and it works just fine under Windows 7 and OSX.

I have found the Blackberry web browser leaves something to be desired. Use the website wap.geocaching.com instead. This is a scaled down version of Geocaching.com designed for use on cell phones. As long as you type your name/password correctly it should work just fine.

The 3G iPad does not require you to sign up for any 3G service. You can just buy it for the GPS and never activate the Internet service and the GPS will work just fine. Also if you do decide to sign up for the internet it is month to month with the iPad....they no longer do a contract so you cancel at any time. Basically if you do not plan to use the 3G internet you are paying $130 for the GPS (well worth it in my opinion especially if you are going to use it a lot for Geocaching.) Another option is if you also have an iPhone you can share the iPhones 3G, and GPS signal over to the iPad using the personal hotspot feature. Check out the details here.

My first GPS was an old Garmin etrex. I decided to go with the camouflage color because it looked cool. Little did I realize that it would have been a much better decision to go with the bright yellow one instead because I lose it on a hike one day.

I second the Dakota 20 for that price. Defiantly amazing GPS that does almost everything.

Also to make it simple if you are on the map screen just hold in enter button and it will let you put in a new waypoint and manually enter the coords.

Hey again, I'm guessing that basecamp is a program? Gps file depot might have it? I am new to this, and it does show what you describe, only major roads. I thought that a basemap would be the detailed road map. BaseCamp is a freebie from Garmin. You can download it here. Also a "base map" is not a good description for that kind of map. It should be called a "basic map" instead as you would think it would give you more info than it does.

The freebie app is very very basic and limited. The official paid for app has a ton of features and well worth $10. Also check out Geosphere (another paid app), and if you are a premium member check out GeoBucket (free.)

The base map should be pre loaded and turned on. Remember that a base map does not show much, just major roads. If you zoom all the way out you should see them. I can also recommend the maps that IBcrashen recommend from GPS file depot. You can use Basecamp and load them to your GPS.

Many people run into this issue with the serial cables and modern operating systems. I personally have used this cable. It works with Windows 7 and Mac. I have also read posts from several other people who have punched this cable (or similar ones) and they work well.

Defiantly the Dakota in every capacity. It has a ton of features that the Magellan GC does not have. While I have not personally tested the Magellan I have read too many posts from those with them and the bugs they have run into. The main thing it is missing that really puts me off is the lack of the ability to add maps. I have used the Dakota and love it. Very simple and easy to use, and also Gander Mountain has it on sale for $200 right now. Since you already purchased the Magellan give it a few days. If it does not work out you can always take it back (minus a restocking fee depending on where you bought it.)

I think as of right now the Dakota 20 is the way to go. Here are the differences I see.... The Dakota 20 runs around $200 on a good day, while the eTrex 30 will be closer to $300. The Dakota has a slightly larger screen (2.6" to 2.2") The Dakota has custom map support (the ability to scan in your own paper maps.) The eTrex will hold twice the amount of waypoints (1000 vs. 2000) The eTrex has twice the internal memory. The eTrex has better battery life (25hrs vs. 20) The eTrex is button controlled while the Dakota is touchscreen. Both are great units. As it sits right now I am a big fan of the Dakota. I don't see the extra specs the etrex 30 will have to be worth the extra price. Either way you go you cant go wrong, but I'm leaning for the Dakota 20.

I really like the Garmin units right now. In terms of features and quality my opinion is they are at the top of the pack. The Magellan GC is the most inexpensive paperless unit, but I have heard to many issues of bugs, etc. If you can hold off those new eTrex units (10, 20 & 30) should be out within the next couple months. They look very compelling based on features and price.

Indeed it does...very interesting. We may not know until it actually comes out. I have found Garmins spec page to be off from time to time so it doesn't surprise me too much.

Being 16-24ft. off ground zero is perfectly acceptable with just about any modern GPS unit on the market. No GPS available will get you on top of the cache every time, you might have just been lucky before. You have to remember that not only will you be off by that margin, but the hider might be as well. Based on the fact that both of your GPS units can be 20ft. off that means that you might be 40-50 ft. off on each cache. Also as far as your house comment remember that if you just walk out of your house it can take a few minutes for your GPS to adjust to your exact location. This might have been what caused your variance. I also own a eTrex Venture HC and it is often up to 30ft off. Again remember that no GPS is perfect and sometimes they have bad days just like we do, but what you are describing is acceptable.

The reason you are loosing your location is that the iPod touch does not have a GPS. Once you leave a wifi connection it has no clue where you are. With that said you have three options, one is go buy a stand alone GPS unit, two is to move to an iPhone (which has a GPS), or three buy a GPS add on for your iPod touch like the Bad Elf. While I have not personally used the bad elf I know people that have and it gets really high marks in terms of quality and accuracy. Now you will not get as accurate as many stand alone handheld GPS units, but at least you will be able to cache with your current iPod.

This is mine. Should walk you though step by step on how to do it.

The new Etrex units will come out within the next couple months. As of right now for $200 I would go with the Dakota 10/20. You should be able to find one used for that price.

I am spoiled when it comes to my iPhone. Every time I have to fire up GSAK to load caches to my handheld it is such a pain. The convince factor of the iPhone is a huge plus. I personally believe that smartphones will overtake handheld GPS units within 5 years or so.

Im a big fan of my 450 when it comes to Geocaching. Entering coordinates, and logging caches is super simple with the touch screen. I have not had one single issue with mine.

This seems much more reasonable given the specs.