jopasm

Well, as you can tell from the variety of replies neither unit is obviously "better" than the other, however, some are better for specific uses. I don't have a HCX, although I may pick up one of the less expensive ones to use when biking. I do have a 60cx. I go geocaching on occasion, but I also use my GPS for work (and now school) as well. I had three main reasons for choosing it, at the time: 1) SirfIII chipset (the new chipset in the HCX has negated this reason, now the two models are on par) 2) External antenna jack (useful to me, but it might not be for you) 3) Serial port (once again, useful for me) If I had to make the same choice today, I'd still go with the 60 series for reasons 2 & 3 above. I don't mind the buttons on the the 60cx - I've used a Vista in the store and wasn't too impressed with the click stick, although I could get used to it. It's probably easier to use one handed if you have average or smaller sized hands. So, rather than asking which is better/which would we buy, prioritize your needs. Do you need a unit that's been around a while and has a lot of the bugs ironed out? A small, easily portable unit? Less expensive? Need an external antenna? Serial port? I don't think you'll go wrong either way, assuming any issues w/ the HCX can be fixed with firmware updates. For friends who are interested in getting into geocaching and having a GPS for general recreational use I'd probably recommend the Vista simply because it's a little smaller and less expensive.

I've used the "cut to fit" protectors from electronics stores in the past (Best Buy, Circuit City, even Wal-Mart usually carry them) and they seem to work fine, although they'll probably have to be replaced more often than the ShieldZone product. They're often in the camera department if they're not with the PDAs.

Mac support from Garmin is slowly appearing/improving. There is a version of WebUpdater for OS X now, and supposedly a version of MapSource is under development (check out Garmin's web site for more info). I have a desktop Windows based PC and a Mac notebook (a non-intel iBook) along with a Garmin GPSMap 60cx. There are various Mac program that will allow you to transfer waypoints from your Mac to your GPS and vice-versa. I actually don't use them that often - I tend to do more mapping than geocaching these days so I use my PC (one of these days ESRI will get on the mac bandwagon!). GPSBabel is one tool, and there are some other nice tools under development for the Mac - search the forums here for tons more information. Since you'd be getting a newer mac with an Intel processor you have the option of running Parallels and running Windows software. Note that you will also need a copy of Windows XP/Vista and a valid license code. As I understand it, Parallels is virtualization software, not emulation software (nothing like VirtualPC, for example). Essentially you are running two operating systems at once, however, Parallels apparently has the ability to "hide" the XP/Vista interface so the Windows programs show up in a window on your OSX desktop. You also have the option of dual-booting between OS X and Windows (and possibly more) with the use of Apple's Bootcamp. You also have the option of running WINE, although I'm not sure how well supported geocaching apps will be. Check out more info at: http://wiki.winehq.org/MacOSX Wine is a Windows Emulator - basically a reverse engineering/rewrite of the windows libraries such that you can run Windows programs on on Unix systems - no copy of Windows required. Finally - no, OSX is not Linux. They would be, cousins perhaps, rather than siblings. Both use some BSD components but Linux uses the, well, Linux kernel (the "core" of the operating system) while OS X uses the Mach micro-kernel, inherited from NEXT. They're both Unix-variants, but OS X features a *much* more tightly integrated Graphical User Interface while Linux gives you the choice of several different GUIs, although most are based on X. I've used Linux extensively for servers, and it's great in that market, and the desktop functionality is greatly improved these days to the point where it's a viable desktop OS. OS X though, has a development team that's much more focused on the GUI user experience, so it's likely to stay a step ahead for a while. If you're really interested check out one of the sites on the history of Unix - there is a long tangled family tree with East Coast vs West Coast rivalries (System V vs. BSD) and more. If you're into computer history it's fascinating, if you're not you'll get a headache from the acronyms.

Garmin is SLOWLY adding Mac support to their product line. The mapping software is probably a ways off still (City Navigator, etc) but they have released a beta of their WebUpdate wizard and there are third party applications that will let you upload and download waypoints, as well as geocaching specific programs. So, yes, most GPS's will work with Macs, and Garmin in particular is adding official support and has relased a program that will let you update the firmware on your GPS using a Mac.

Garmin is slowly adding support for OS X. They have a beta version of webupdate as well as a POI loader available. The POI loader beta is at: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3497 THe WebUpdater beta is at: http://www8.garmin.com/support/collection....ct=999-99999-27 In addition there are a few geocaching specific programs for the Mac which have been pointed out by others already. You can also try a search for "Mac" through the forum and see what pops up. I've got a Mac and a PC so I usually just use the PC to load waypoints.

You have several options. What exactly do you want to do? MacGPSBabel should work with that unit (if it doesn't it should soon). It'll let you load/retrieve waypoints. Check out "The Missing Sync" to let you load data on your PDA. I use it to sync my Smartphone to my iBook, works great. It's my understanding that CacheMate for PPC (that's Pocket PC) will let you directly import .gpx files. Missing Sync will mount your PDA as a drive on your desktop so you can just drag & drop files to it. Geocaching Menu is a neat little plug-in for safari that will download waypoints directly to your GPS. Finally, if nothing else, there are applications such as Parallels Workstation 2.1 that will let you run Windows in a virtual machine on your MacBook Pro. Of course, you'll need a copy of Windows.

Works on my 60cx, no problems.

After a quick glance at the website and the readme file it appears that, at present, the only way you'll be able to get Mac SimpleGPS to work is with a usb->serial adapter and a serial cable. I can't really test this as, at present, I have a 60cx and it's only supported through the serial port on Macs. However, there is hope for your vacation. check out GPSBabel - there's a mac version (MacGPSBabel) that might let you get waypoints into/out of your GPS for the duration of your vacation. SimpleGPS looks pretty nifty, I'd say follow up on it when you get home and have access to some cables.

I haven't used easyGPS, just seen it recommended a lot. Give GSAK a try as well and see if it does what you want.

I think easyGPS or GSAK will work with that model. GSAK (geocaching swiss army knife) is, as the name implies, aimed at geocaching while easyGPS allows basic functionality such as downloading/uploading waypoints, tracks, etc. easyGPS is free, GSAK is low-cost/shareware but you can try it out for free.

There's several sources. pfranc.com and the GPSGeeks ebay store both offer cables, pfranc sells connectors so you can make your own cable as well.

It's sold.

Just a note: I don't my Palm for geocaching (yet), as I'm just getting into Geocaching. I've used a Palm PDA for several years though. Probably not. All it's going to buy you is not having to plug in a USB cable. You can, but I'm not sure what's required as far as converting the Excel files to the Pocket format. I don't use my Palm for that. I can't really tell you, other than saying that the files transferred to a palm are generally pretty small so there's not as much of a difference time-wise. If you're transferring music or video then there would be a significant difference. Could be - it'd allow you to eventually add a bluetooth GPS unit as a primary or backup. You can also sync over bluetooth plus, if you have a bluetooth enabled phone and data plan you can access the Internet on the Palm.

Once again, I'm new to geocaching, but I do archaeological survey work (which involves much tromping through the woods). A machete is probably a no-no in a park, although it might be acceptable on private property. I carry a folding knife (swiss army trekker, in particular) with a relatively long, locking blade and a saw blade. It's been useful when I didn't have a machete and needed to clip a vine that was tangling around me or my gear. I sometimes carry a leatherman as well, it depends on what I'm doing. The knife is easier to get to (I can open it one handed) so it's always with me. I generally carry a bandanna - a nice, large, red one. It's useful for everything to wiping sweat, to a makeshift bandage, to a flag to make yourself a little more visible if you're injured and prone. A blaze orange safety vest. It packs into a bag small enough to fit in my back pocket. If you live in an area with lots of hunters I wouldn't venture into the woods without one of these. You can get them at large retailers like Wal-Mart or most hunting/fishing supply stores. If it's deer season a blaze orange hat wouldn't be a bad idea either. rite-in-the-rain notebooks/journals are very useful if you keep paper notes. They're not the cheapest, but they won't dissolve into mush if they get wet. Actually, I generally use a inexpensive pocket composition book but I'm going to switch to rite-in-the-rain soon. In addition they make copy/laser paper - might be a good thing for those "almost but not quite moisture proof" mini and micro caches. A sharpie - writes on anything, almost. I generally try to carry a "just in case" kit that has a lighter and/or matches, some dryer lint (tinder), and other small survival-type items. I was a boy scout, yeah.

One of the "features" of WM5 is (supposed to be) that the Smartphone and "regular" edition can run each other's software. I'm not sure how true or well implemented it is though.

I'm new to geocaching so I can't comment on specific software, however, a caveat: Windows 2003 Smartphone Edition will *not* run "regular" Windows Mobile Edition apps. They have to be compiled specifically for the Smartphone. So far I haven't been able to get Cachemate to run on my 2003 Smartphone. Windows Mobile 2005 is supposed to be able to run any app that's compatible with the non-Smartphone edition so you may not have an issue on newer phones.

I purchased this before I acquired a Visor. I've decided to go with a stand-alone GPS so I really don't have a use for it. Unit is in the original box and includes documentation and software. It is new but I have no way to test it. I suspect the batteries it comes with may be dead as they're dated with a "use by" date of 2005. The box is "shop worn" but the unit is clean. I've opened the box so it's not sealed. I haven't been able to find any information on whether WAAS is supported. According to Magellan's web site it's a 12 channel receiver. More information can be found at: http://www.magellangps.com/en/support/prod...panionvisor.asp Make an offer. I can take paypal and ship by USPS.

Thanks for the advice everybody! I decided I might as well bite the bullet and spend the extra $100 on a GPS that does exactly what I want. I've ordered a GPSMap 60cx. Hopefully it will show up by Friday so I can use it for a project I'm working on now. Weekend after next, if all goes well, I'll be able to go on my first geocaching expedition. I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks for the responses. I'm going to look into my options. As a side question - has anybody used something other than Garmin GPS's with ArcView? The DNR Garmin extension looks nice so I've been leaning towards Garmin GPS's. If there is a comparable utility for other GPS manufacturers it would certainly give me more options though.

I'll check out the GPS V - anybody know offhand what are some less expensive models that use the SIRF III chipset? I may be able to spend a little more. Function under tree cover is *very* important and, well, if I have to spend a little more for better results in those conditions, so be it.

I'm considering purchasing a GPS. I'd like to start geocaching but I also have some very specific, non-geocaching related needs. Basically, I need: A unit with good reception in moderate tree cover (I've looked at the eTrex Legend but it seems to get a weaker signal than some other units) Ability to connect to a computer Made by Garmin - I have an application that only supports Garmin GPSs External antenna port (somewhat optional, but it'd be nice) ability to load maps - specifically topo maps serial port - if it has USB and Serial that's OK, but I have a Mac I'd like to use the unit with and, as far as I can tell, USB support is PC only on pretty much every GPS made whereas serial is pretty universal. More memory than 8 megs and color would be nice but my main limiting factor is cost: I really can't spend more than $250 on this right now. With all that in mind, any suggestions? I've looked at the GPS Map 76, and it seems nice if a bit bulky. I like the size of the eTrex, although, well, I'm left handed so it would be nice if I could use the GPS in my right hand.