It's been over a year now, and I still use my android most of all.
The Oregon 450t comes in most handy when I'm biking, because of the bigger buttons and large viewing angle. (it's clipped on my steer) It also gives a little squeak when getting close to the cache so I don't drive by :-)
About the 'real' GPS device
+ don't need to pre-load maps if I'm going somehwere. I've got detailed maps always with me.
Do note, I've found very good solutions for this on Android as well! Like OSM and Sygic.
+ the screen. Bigger viewing angle and touchscreen still works in the rain.
- the screen. Resolution is much smaller. Noticeable when viewing maps, and pretty useless for pictures.
+ GPS. It's more accurate than my android. But only by a little!
- GPS. It takes sometimes over 5 minutes to get a fixed signal (in open area outside city)
- No internet connection. And this is a big one!
• You can't search caches. You need to upload them from a computer. (well, duh) Without premium membership, this means uploading them one-by-one. About 3 click's a cache. (So far for getting around planning my cache adventure) So, buying a dedicated GPS device means you'll better be willing to buy a premium membership as well.
• You can't log caches. Off course you can, but you can't transfer this anywhere. => homework in the evening. Or, like me, logging in the field with my android device. Yes, sometimes I spend more time doing the digital paperwork than actually looking for the cache.
+ standard batteries. Always got plenty with me.
- the interface. The software in this device is no where close to what a modern days 'app' can provide. It simply looks like Garmin did not hire a GUI engineer in 10 years. Not much functionality plus slow CPU... = not a pleasant environment.
About the Android:
+ Making projections is much easier, and it automatically remembers and lists your starting and projected coordinates. If you don't save them manually as waypoint on the oregon, it simply forgets.
+ The interface is much better. You can choose what app you're using, it will come with a bunch of tools. It's nice, it's fluent.
+ Since I'm premium now, I found you can make good use of pocket queries on the Android as well.
+ Multi functional! Flashlight, navigation with Sygic, photo camera, decrypting hints and other tools for solving mysteries. I can go caching with just my phone. I never whent caching with just my GPS.
- Multi functional. If you're alone in the woods in the dark with just a phone on low battery, you're about to loose your flashlight, GPS, and phone to call for help. If you loose/break you phone you loose a lot more (data) than just a GPS. That said, just take care of it. Both my devices are still in good condition.
My conclusion is clear.
Don't buy the GPS :-) You're better of spending half that money on phone accessories like (external) extra batteries, a protective case and navigation app. Perhaps a mat screen protector as well... The ideal device does not exist (yet), but there are new (android) phones with very bright screens that are water/dust proof etc. We're getting there ;-)
Hope this is useful for someone, as this thread does not seem to be very active :-D
