appletree

Do not undervalue the voice prompts for auto navigation, and only the Quest has that feature among units that can be used for geocaching. I have a GPS V and I love it and they are very cheap now, but the Quest is a much better value. Do not dismiss it for hand held caching without trying one. It is small, light, and has very long battery life. The screen orientation is not optimal and the battery may not last more than a few days so it is not a reasonable choice for long off-road adventures. Otherwise, it is a great GPS at a phenomenal price, considering that the maps and accessories (mounting bracket, power cable, battery, charger) are included.

I just bought a Quest from Digitaldelivered.com for $344 including shipping. It ships with CitySelect 6 and Garmin is sending CitySelect 7 at no charge, including unlock codes for 2 units. The Vista C is undoubtedly a great unit (I have 2 original Vistas) but considering the much smaller memory, the need to buy CitySelect unless you buy a Quest as well and use the codes for both units, and the tremendous functional advantage of the voice prompted navigation over the beeps in the Vista C, the included mounting and charging accessories that come with the Quest but not the Vista, the Quest is a much better choice if auto navigation is desired. It has some limitations for off-road use, but it should get the job done just fine. If one has the cash, getting one of each is the best way to go, or try to pick up a cheap old Vista which is still great for off road phase of the hunt.

It is not a matter of ignoring something. In my experience, Geocaching is primarily an off-road process after one reaches a suitable parking area. You can use the GPS -V to route you to a predetermined parking area near the cache. Then switch the routing preference to Off-Road and walk to the cache. In the navigation page, you will have a compass with an arrow pointing you in the direction of the cache as long as you keep moving.

Distance to next refers to the next turn in a route. If you select a destination and choose Go To, the GPS V will calculate a route. As you navigate that route, it will display the distance to next, distance to final, and/or other information as you wish. This is primarily, if not exclusively, for on road navigation.

I noticed a new model, the Quest 2, on the Garmin site. It comes preloaded with detailed maps of the USA and Canada, but I could not tell whether it comes with CitySelect software that could be loaded into a second unit. I also could not tell how much memory it has for other maps such as topo or Europe etc.

and while it probably won't make the plane crash, if I were on it or the pilot, I don't want anything to be messing with communications or any other electronics, no matter how minimal that interference is. I always carry FRS radios when I fly and, although I usually remember to turn them off before stowing them in my under seat bag, I have on occasion found that one was unintentionally turned on in the act of stuffing the bag under the seat. I sincerely hope that the frequencies and radiated power parameters of these and other consumer devices, which I do understand can affect some types of electronic devices, cannot have a significant or even a distracting affect on a commercial plane. No, I do not trust passengers, including myself, to always have such devices off at designated times. I do not know if they pose any real threat, but if they do, the situation requires more than instructions to passengers not to use the devices. If they do not, let us enjoy them as long as they do not annoy other passengers.

If consumer electronics such as cell phones, walkie talkies, radio controlled toys etc. could affect the safe operation of a commercial plane, who would be so foolish as to get on one? Would you trust your life to the voluntary and attentive compliance of dozens or hundreds of adults and children, many of whom will not understand the rules or may be unaware that some device in their baggage, carry-on, or pocket is on and operating? It would be crazy to certify an aircraft as airworthy if it could be operationally affected by ubiquitous devices that are legally transported by the millions and are undoubtedly turned or left on by thousands of passengers every day.

In spite of its limitations, the GPS V Deluxe with the included CitySelect maping software is a phenomenal value at the current price. If you compare it to the newer, better featured units, remember that you will have to buy the maps separately which adds substantially to the total price. Depending on your situation, it might be worth it, but many people would find a GPS V would meet all of their needs at a very low price.

I had version 2.3 installed and it worked fine. I replaced it with version 2.5 and now I can't launch the program. I get a message " Error #3 This line in USA PhotoMaps.ini represents a Lat/Lon that's outside the USA. etc". There is no contact info on the web site. Any help would be appreciated, including places to download an earlier functional version.

This site and program look very interesting, but there are no instructions about how to use it. I have tracks and waypoints saved as Garmin mapsource files. I could not find anything about how to go from a mapsource file to a map.

Actually, there is a 1.2 oz bright silver metal component into which the magnets fit on the bottom and the antenna assembly on the top. It was not easy to pry loose from the plastic cover but, after peeling off the mylar seal, I was able to do it without damaging anything. I placed the antenna back into the plastic cover and secured it with a piece of closed cell foam. I taped the two small magnets inside and re-sealed the bottom. I have noticed no loss of signal strength and I have less than half the original weight hanging from my collar. No reason to go to the trouble unless you will be wearing it on your head or neck, which I do.

I use the PC-Mobile antenna with my Vista and it always works great. Never any doubt, the strength bars zoom up quickly. I also use the brocolli rb, but I cut it in half so it doesn't press any buttons. I took the metal plate out of the antenna (actually, I bought 2 and left one intact) so it really weighs next to nothing. I use a small metal clip to attach the cable to the back of my shirt collar. My 2 units work so well, I would encourage you to check yours out carefully and contact PC-Mobile if it continues to dissapoint you. I would strongly suggest trying a second unit before giving up on it. I have been very impressed with the signal strength my units produce.

I have had 2 Vistas for several years and have been very happy with them. I paid much more for them than $180 but today, at that price, I am not sure it is your best option. The main reason is that in order to get the real value from a Vista, you must buy either MetroGuide or CitySelect map software. Without them, you cannot look up addresses or most points of interest. With them, you can, which is very useful, but you will not be able calculate a point to point route without a separate PC. Right now, you can buy a new GPS V Deluxe for about $300, including CitySelect maps for the entire US and much of Canada. It has slightly less memory, is a bit larger and heavier than the Vista, but does autoroute and has several other desirable features the Vista lacks. It is also free of hardware problems that were a nuissiance for me and many other Vista owners. Don't take my word for the qualities of the GPS V, read reviews or ask anyone who owns one. If money is not a major issue, you can have the best of both worlds and buy a new Vista C, but you would have to buy the CitySelect maps as well. The very best deal, which I would do if I did not already own 2 Vistas and a V, would be to buy both the GPS V deluxe and a Vista C. You would not have to buy maps for the Vista as you get unlock codes for 2 units with the CitySelect software. You could buy the V now, and get a Vista C or Legend C or 60C or some other autorouting unit later and use the second unlock code at that time.

If you limit yourself to the basemap, you will miss out on one of the most usefull features of the Vista - address look-up. You should definitely get MetroGuide 4 or 5 so you will be able to easily find street addresses and points of interest, to say nothing of the greatly enhanced street detail and accuracy. You will also be able to autoroute or create a route on a PC and upload it to the Vista. You will not be able to autoroute on the Vista itself, but just having a line connecting your current location with your destination can be extremely helpful. I have and use both the USA Topo and the Western parks topos, but the Metroguide is really a "must" item, IMHO.

One more vote for the PC-Mobile antenna set-up. I use it with my vistas and my GPS V and it is great. Just for fun, I bought a second unit so I could dismantle the antenna in an effort to make it even lighter when I wear it on my head. Without too much trouble, I removed the thick metal base plate, stuffed some closed cell foam and aluminum foil, in case it would reflect some waves, into the plastic case and sealed it with duct tape. The magnets are small and light so I packed them in as well. It works fine in spite of my tinkering and I saved a couple of ounces, which is nice but not necessary.

I have 2 Vistas and a GPS V and I use and like them all. I am sure the 60 series is better in many ways, but for the money, considering the fact that CitySelect mapping software is included, the GPS V deluxe is by far the best buy. Once you have used the autorouting feature, you will not want to be without it. The V has a form factor that works well both as a handheld and as a mounted car unit. As I said, the 60 is a better featured unit, but not without purchasing the CitySelect maps. So it really comes down to money. The V will do anything and everything you might reasonably ask of a GPSR, but newer models do things quicker and in color.

The V is not perfect or state of the art, but it is a terrific unit at a phenomenal price, considering the essential software and accessories included in the Deluxe package. You are unlikely to regret buying one, but if you do, you will almost certainly be able to sell it for a minimal discount, as it is a durable unit with capabilities that will not be obselete for the forseeable future. One more point, the CitySelect map software that comes with it includes the right to install and use it on 2 compatable Garmin units. If you purchase a 60 or 76 or Vista etc. later, you will not need to by the software, which you otherwise would, in order to get any functionality out of the units. If you can't see yourself wanting to have two GPSRs, ask most people who post on this forum how many they have and continue to use (I have 2 Vistas, one V, and an old Casio GPS watch that is the only one rarely used, and that is only because it uses an expensive battery).

Get the V Deluxe. It is a great unit, comes with great maps, Autoroutes, has plenty of memory for most situations, and fits the accessories you already own. Have you ever heard anyone say they were sorry they bought one? You will not be either.

I bought it last summer in advance of a trip to Rocky Mountain NP. I enjoyed using the program on both my Vistas and my GPS V. It is also nice to use on the laptop, although I use Expert GPS and USA Topo to show my tracks on high res. topos. It is nice to use the POI data to find specific trails and other attractions in the park.

I second Nightpilot's suggestion. I have the same re-radiating set up. It always delivers a very strong signal. Very easy to use with my vista and my V (windshield problems). No need for an external antenna port when this unit is available and so reasonably priced. One caution - I tried using the re-radiating unit with a Garmin external antenna attached instead of the antenna that came with it because I could remove the garmin magnet to make it lighter. The signal strength was much weaker with the garmin antenna.

Finding my car in a large parking lot (mall, airport long term, theme park), determining how far I hit the ball on a golf course, and boredom prevention on long flights. Predicting ETA when I'm running late. It's comforting to know in advance just how late I am going to be.

Version 4 came with my GPS V. Although I was very happy with it, I elected to spend the $75 and get the updated version when it came out. I have found it very much worthwhile to have the newer, more accurate map and POI data. I have not noticed any other changes in the program.

I bought their antenna and re-radiator combo to use with my Vistas and GPS V and I have been very impressed. The signal strength is so strong with the Vista and the set-up is so simple that I really do not miss having an external antenna port on the unit. I also have a Garmin external antenna that I had bought for use with the GPS V. It does work with the re-radiator, but the signal strength is much weaker than when I use the antenna that came with the re-radiator. It really seems to be a much better antenna, except for the fact that the magnet cannot easily be removed.

I have used the repositionable disk in my wife's minivan and two rental cars and I have been very pleased with it. In use, it is like silly putty, only stickier and stiffer. Like silly putty, it prefers to stick to itself rather than the surface it is pushed against. When you remove the mount, twist or pry it off. Some of the adhesive will probably remain on the surface, but it is easily removed by rolling it off or quickly pressing and removing the mass of adhesive on the mount against the small pieces on the car surface. With little effort, I have been able to leave no trace of adhesive, even on irregular surfaces. I wouldn't try it on fabric, however. One more trick, I cut a piece of smooth, stiff, thin plastic slightly larger than the adhesive surface of the mounting bracket. I stick the plastic against the adhesive to keep it clean and ready to use when I pack it, or any other time it is not mounted in the car. I can understand the fear factor with such a sticky substance, but I think you will like it if you give it a try.