I started geocaching last month, using just my Droid 2 and the free c:geo app. I usually geocache with my fiance and one or more of her sons. She uses a MyTouch Slide 3G, and we find that the GPS accuracy is much worse on her phone, even though both phones have dedicated GPS receivers. We also use the free GPS Status app (as instructed on the c:geo website) which shows you your satelite fix, your error in feet (or meters if you prefer), and shows your orientation on a nice large compass. My phone usually gets me to less than a dozen feet or so of any given cache.
Using c:geo, we find that it is invaluable to be able to load any new caches directly on the phone, get the cache description and hint immediately, view the logbook (so, for instance, you can check if the most recent logs are "finds," or "did not finds," when you are having trouble locating a cache and are wondering if it has been muggled), and download and view user photos (again to help locate those troublesome caches). If we know that we are going hiking somewhere where cell service is questionable, I just preview the caches on my phone beforehand, and click the "store" button for the ones I want to go after.
The only problem I have with android device geocaching is battery life. I can go for an evening of casual caching and have my phone battery last for 3-4 hours. Any longer than that, and I need a recharge. I can either carry a spare phone battery, as most android phones have removeable batteries (and is, incidentally, the main reason I haven't upgraded to the Droid 4 with it's *non*removeable battery, or *down*graded to an iCrap phone), or you can carry a New Trent IMP1000 external battery pack, which is my personal preference. At 11,000 mAh, I can recharge my phone to full almost eight times on a single charge on the New Trent Imp.
http://www.amazon.com/New-Trent-IMP1000-Thunderbolt-Blackberry/dp/B003ZBZ64Q/
They make smaller, less expensive units as well that should work just fine. Search for IMP50D, IMP60D, IMP70D, for instance. I have no connection to the company, by the way. I just love their products...
In spite of all of that, I am currently looking for a stand-alone GPSr. The boys don't appreciate running around blind without a GPS phone in hand, and I would like to see how a dedicated GPSr compares in signal accuracy, ease of use, etc.
On that note, anyone have any suggestions as to which stand-alone units can come close to, or hopefully surpass, my user experience using my Droid 2?
Thanks,
--J.R.
