Brdhntr54

Well, I'm beginning to be convinced, with so many negative opinions. My mind is buzzing with confusion, and that was before I even asked for help. I just thought so many of the features listed sounded nice, in particular the ability to take a photo and automatically have it's location attached. Geocaching was something I discovered after I started looking for answers, not realizing what a big following the hobby has. I was basically looking for something to carry while out in the woods, to give me some peace of mind. And since I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to hunt or venture into the woods with my dog, (I trip easily on the brush) I've thought about a mountain bike for exercise (oh, also had a heart attack 3 hrs. ago). So a GPS would also allow me to ride the old railroad tracks that have been converted to trails around here, and not get lost. I have an iPhone with its GPS, (sort of), but wanted something more. And since I financially wouldn't be able to keep upgrading, tried to buy the best I could from the start. So my question to any of you feeling kind enough to reply is...what would you recommend? I originally was going to go for the Montana 650, without the Topo, (since I have no need to see topo of areas I'll probably never go to) then buy the more detailed topo of my area when I could. I also wanted something that could do the driving directions, since I'll only be purchasing one GPS. The "Bird-Eye" subscription was also an imminent purchase, but the I started reading negative opinions on that, too. Thank God I didn't go right out and buy that and the 24K topo right away. The only other GPS I ever considers was one of those Rhinos with the two-way radios, but that was long ago, and I don't believe the GPS is as thorough, which is now more important to me. I am honestly saddened by all of this, but it's my own fault for blindly pissing away money I don't have without researching it more completely. It never occurred to me that there could be so many issues unresolved, before something was put on the market with all the wonderful hype of the advertising. So I ask, would the Montana 650 be a good replacement, or are there things I should know about that one? OR, should I consider another brand of GPS? Or, should I just forget it, stay home and smoke cigars on my deck? (I could buy a lot of cigars for $500+) Thank you all very much for all of your help.

Well, to illustrate how new I am to all of this, I had trouble finding the (this) website again that I asked for help on! Lol And then when I did, I was overwhelmed by how involved, technical, and complete it is, so I had to sign in to see if I was on the correct site, then search for my post. I guess the learning curve for this website is going to be almost as tough as for my GPS! That said, I am amazed at all of the replies I've received, and thank you all so much. I am hoping to learn more about caching, because the community certainly seems friendly and helpful. And it certainly looks like a fun way to learn. I immediately started looking at Garmin products because I read online how good their customer support was, and sure enough, yesterday they helped me put my compass back...apparently in "playing" with my Monterra I did something to lose it, or just wasn't on the correct screen, not sure. I'm torn about returning it, which is the majority of advice I've received so far. The more I explore it, the more I like it. And even though I am a complete newbie at this, it's hard for me to believe a company as big and successful as Garmin would introduce a defective product and screw their believers purposely, and not make things right as problems are discovered. (Ok, you can call me naive, or worse) Not to say I don't value all of your input. I checked and have 60 days to return to Cabela's, so since I've only had the Monterra for a little over a week, I might try to become more familiar with it for a bit. I'd hate to return it then read the issue was resolved, and how everyone loves their Monterra. I realize I should have started out with something more simple, but me being me, know I would have wished I had bought the newest thing I could have, so now I'm just paying the price. ( I still get confused with my iPhone, too! ) So I am very happy to have found this site, along with all of you, and hope to continue to learn and enjoy this new hobby, and maybe someday in the distant future be able to give some other newbie good advice. I'll let you know if I decide to return the Monterra after all, then ask for more advice! :-) Greg

Hello. I am an avid outdoorsman. I have Multiple Sclerosis, and the last few years had been thinking of purchasing a GPS, since I love taking my Setter into the woods hunting or whatever, but can easily get "turned around", so never strayed too far from the truck, however always wanted to see "what's beyond the next bend". So for my recent 60th birthday decided a GPS was in order. I blindly started looking online, soon deciding Garmin seemed the leader in the field. From reading their website, I discovered Geocaching, and the many other things a GPS could introduce to me. Still not really knowing anything about GPS's, I decided the Montana 650T seemed like a good choice, pushing my financial limit. But then I noticed the Monterra and it's dizzying (for me) capabilities, so I decided to forgo the installed topo maps, and with the $50 discount coupon I just conveniently received from Cabela's making the cost comparable, ordered the Monterra, figuring I could learn it and GPS in general as I go. I soon realized I bought a Stealth Fighter when I maybe should have bought a Piper Cub. I don't know if it's me and my MS, or the lack of "how-to" guidance in the included online manuals, but I so far am totally confused. This led me to searching the web, and discovering this very advanced and active site. The knowledge and expertise here is mind boggling to me, and way out of my league, but I can see unfortunately I should have discovered this site before making my purchase, because I would have learned how "new" the Monterra is, and the many bugs you folks have discovered. Between the harsh weather here in NWNJ and my MS, i thought I could teach myself how to become proficient with my new GPS sitting on my couch. But now to add to my confusion, my Monterra "blinked" the other day and now the compass is missing, which is what I was looking into when I found your site, and your many posts about compass issues and complaints. Geocaching really piqued my interest and sounded like a great way to learn to use my Monterra, but between what I have read here, and my disappearing compass, I'm wondering if I should return it to Cabela's before my 30 days are up, (I purchased it a week or so ago) considering all of your similar compass problems and complaints. I greatly apologize for this long first post, but I figure all of you have more knowledge in your pinkie than I will ever have, and desperately need your advise. I truly do not want to return it, now knowing all the fun and security my Monterra could provide, and hope it might be something only software related that will soon be remedied, and this Spring I can go off into the woods with my dog, or begin my first geocaching adventures. I thank you all in advance for your knowledgeable advice...I am now lost, right in my living room. Greg