RTechS

The 62s is a very popular unit, I hear it mentioned on a lot of podcasts. I've not yet seen one in person, but after using my phone for so long I'm afraid the display on the 62s may be too small for my liking. Next time I'm at a store that sells GPS's I'll have a look at the 62s.

I've listened to several geocaching podcasts where the cacher(s) used the map method for hundreds of caches. I've not done it personally as I am using my smartphone at present, but I'm sure it does add an additional level of challenge to the find. I have used the maps in the past to check my coords./accuracy, so they certainly are helpful. I say if it works for you and you're having fun, why not! There's no rules (within reason) to how this game/sport/hobby is played - that's what makes it so much fun!

Yes, that is a very nice couple of features. I'm still on the fence about which brand I want to go with though. I've been doing more reading and I see many unhappy Garmin users as well, experiencing several different types of issues. Seems like quality control issues mostly, and some firmware/software problems... QC should not be a problem at all with the prices they are asking for these units and as long as they been producing them. They've (any manufacturer) has had plenty of time to "get it right" by now. I know I would be extremely unhappy if/when I drop $500 + for a unit that's buggy...

How deep are the scratches? Hopefully light from the key scrape... I have not used the following method on a GPS screen as of yet, but I would do it if I had scratches to remove. Computer tech here, and I've used headlight polish kits to remove scratches on similar screens. I've cleaned up a very expensive Pioneer head unit, various other small screens, tablets and an auto repair shop's scan tool, (very expensive unit) which featured a touch screen. Are you mechanically inclined, work well with your hands? If you follow the procedure properly, do not apply too much pressure (not required) and keep the screen lubricated I don't see why it shouldn't work. If someone brought one into my shop I would certainly attempt it. I normally like to use 3M headlight restorer kits - it what is avail. at my local parts stores and they feature small abrasive pads that are very suitable for small screens. Worst case scenario, you still have to send it in for the $200 repair. Just my .02... YMMV

That's true - no moving parts. I guess I'm concerned that it might have been dropped a bunch of times and I know that's not the best thing for electronics to be subjected to. I don't know how much testing goes into a refurb unit before they send it back out. I guess that's where a good warranty comes in though The Magellans are a bit cheaper than the Garmins are, esp. for their top of the line models. Anyone with experience with the Magellan units? I know they've gotten some bad rep in the past, have they improved at all? I've read some online reviews (for what they are worth) and it seems that many are 4-5 star ratings. I'm wondering if they load easily from the website and are the features good? Guess I'll watch some youtube vids on them for more research.

I'm seeing quite a $$$ difference between the two (refurb vs. new) and I'm tempted to go for a refurb. Just wondering if anyone on here uses a refurb unit & what have your experiences been with it. I've been considering the Magellan Explorist 610 or 710. I can purchase a 2-3 yr. warranty (past the standard 90 days) for something like $24 extra/year. Caching season (warm weather) will be soon upon us here in Penna., and I want to be ready! (I have been enjoying the winter caching as well, though - so don't read too much into that comment!) Thoughts/suggestions? Thanks so much!

I'm a bit fuzzy on how the PQ's actually work. Am I to understand that if one downloads the PQ's, you can then search/sort them by "nearest first", and so forth? Are they downloadable by zipcode/city/region?

Gitchee-Gummee & alandb - Thanks so much for that info., much appreciated. Premium Membership - I actually do plan on purchasing that shortly, no issue there. I must say I am a bit disappointed by the "limitations" of the GPS'rs, from what you have told me here. If a phone/app isn't limited by turn by turn nav., nearby caches by zip & so forth, I don't understand why a GPS shouldn't include these features. I clearly need to do a bit more research before making a purchase. Since my caching experience is limited, I don't really know yet how well my phone will perform under heavy tree cover, etc., so that would probably be an area where a GPS unit would shine. As far as a different platform to learn, I can make "the time" to learn GSAK, etc., if there are good tutorials available...what I meant was that I don't have the time to invest in doing a lot of digging through forums, trying this & that to make something work. Not lazy...just extremely busy!

Hi all, I am considering the Oregon 450, (not a lot of extra cash to spend right now) but I believe I want more features than it offers. I am used to caching with my android, and I'm pleased with its' functions/capabilities, so I would like a unit that closely mimics what I have already become accustomed to. I cannot believe the accuracy of this phone; when I'm at GZ, the phone is "right there" on top of it, very impressed. I run into a little error around buildings in some towns, but not too bad. My only real complaint with the phone is the battery life. (what else, there's no real remedy for that unfortunately)... Questions: Does the the Oregon 450 have... 1.Turn by turn voice navigation? 2."Nearby caches" feature like in the app. that I'm currently using? 3. Ease of loading caches, such as "by zipcode", etc.. I really don't have an idea as to how they are normally loaded. Don't really have the spare time to put into learning a steep learning curve process...(GSAK?) Does the Oregon 450 have these features? Am I overlooking anything important or other nice features to have? Any/all comments, suggestions welcomed/appreciated. Thanks!

I wouldn't say that's the norm, at least not from my experiences. I use a Kyocera Hydro Elite(Android) and I'm very happy with the performance. Except this last week, the navigation directed me "around the block" when I was withing walking distance of GZ on a couple of different caches. Up to that point I have had nothing but very good results. Maybe you could try standing still in an open area to give the phone a chance to settle down a bit and obtain a good connection with the satellites.

Well, I learned something today. I didn't realize "unspoken" game was a competitor...I just figured it was another gps/searching game like the many that are out there. I thought they all coexisted peacefully...

That is a very neat story! I'm rather new to caching and have not done anything like that yet, but I hope to at some point. Thanks for sharing!

Try to start out with beginner caches/ 1/1 finds, such as lamp posts/ guard rail magnetic key holders, etc. And, don't forget to read the hints in the cache description for a little nudge in the right direction! Also, if you have a smartphone you could try using a geocaching app for that. I started with my Android and am still using it - I find it to be quite accurate.

Thanks to all for the suggestions - and thanks for the link to the existing thread! I'm the kind of person who likes to be well prepared, but then again, I realize one should not weigh themselves down with a lot of items that might seem "cool" but never end up using.

Hi All! I'm relatively new to geocaching and was wondering what you all prefer when it comes to a kit bag/other. I don't really want to carry a loaded-down backpack around, so I as thinking about hip sacks/fanny packs, shoulder-type bag, etc. I would like something large enough to carry all the general caching essentials, such as pen/pencil, repair kit, first aid kit, magnifying glass, other misc. odds & ends, etc., etc. Whatever you (seasoned cachers especially) would stock in your kit. This would be mostly for rural caching/hiking into the woods. I don't know...maybe a backpack is the best option for this type of caching. Also, what items make for a well rounded caching kit/ what do you like to take with you? Throw some ideas out there - let me know what works best for you - I'm open to any/all suggestions. Thanks in advance!

556 for me, which I found amazing since I live in a rural/small town area.