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I use the eXplorist 500. FOR ME, it works great. I haven't had to deal with Customer Service because everything is working fine. The lack of a large internal memory is no issue because you can use SD cards with the unit for storing maps and geocaches. My accuracy seems to be on par with other units. It will take AAA's, but doesn't come with the much wiser choice, the Li-Ion rechargable battery. This you must purchase separately (see other threads for cheap alternatives). It will autoroute for you if you purchase and install the proper software. It has a Geocaching setting, but I don't like it. hah I just use my Treo to go paperless.

I created a website for Mac-using Geocachers, http://chimbisimo.googlepages.com . I use a Magellan eXplorist 500 as my GPS. I've tried MacCaching, but I just don't like it - I have a review up on my site. I MUCH prefer GeoJournal http://www.geojournal.net

1. Magellan eXplorist 500. My first and only unit, but seems to work well for me. No complaints here. 2. Treo 650 with Cachemate 3. GeoJournal http://www.geojournal.net 4. Haven't used any but the base maps that came with the unit.

Sounds like you're new to Macs. Welcome. Downloading and installing an application on a Mac is a little different than on PC's, as you've found out. If the file is a zip file, then double click on the icon to unzip the file. Applications on Macs are usually found in disk images, or .dmg files. Double click on this .dmg file and you will find the application itself, probably some Read First document, etc. Now, just drag the application icon to the Applications folder (or wherever else you'd like to save the program to). To clean up you can drop the .dmg file in the trash and eject the disk image. Unless you're working on Windows on an Intel machine (or via Virtual PC), you won't be able to open .exe files. Those are not supported by OS X.

Yeah, using normal batteries in the unit doesn't last long. If you want to keep using batteries, purchase a bunch of rechargeables and carry some with you. Make sure to keep the light on the lowest setting to squeeze more power out of the batteries, and try to maintain the best reception you can - searching for satellites takes up a lot of juice. But you'll probably want to spend a couple of bucks to purchase a rechargeable Li-ION battery. These last 16+ hours, in my case. You can purchase the battery either from Magellan, or pick up an equivalent off of Ebay for a few bucks. Search for other threads in this same "GPS Units and Software" thread for exact models.

GeoJournal is a great app and a demo is available, but it's not free. I have a web page that outlines free alternatives that work well between my Mac and my eXplorist. chimbisimo.googlepages.com EDIT: I should expound on why GeoJournal is nice. It's not just a "file converter/mover" but also a journal and planner for your geocache outings. EDIT x2: I should also point out that I'm not saying that the eXplorist is the best unit to use with Macs. But it works in my case, and I happen to like my eXplorist. Would I buy another one? Undecided.

I use a Magellan eXplorist 500 LE with GeoJournal (www.geojournal.net).

I don't want to start a new thread; just letting everyone know that the GeoJournal website now has a forum for suggestions, bugs, tech help, discussion, etc. GeoJournal is a Mac-based geocaching application. http://www.geoingenuity.com/main/

Sounds like once GeoJournal implements movement of files from GPS to computer (if ever, but Rich is great), it will be perfect for you.

I'm amazed. Transferring waypoints back-and-forth is such a part of my routine that it never occurred to me that a waypoint manager wouldn't do that. I grab waypoints off the GPSr for: 1. Routine maintenance to clean up waypoints no longer needed on the GPSr (much easier to do it in a manager than on the receiver). 2. Caches I have just placed, including all the averaged readings, stages, parking, etc. 3. Multi-stage caches I have done or am in the process of doing. 4. Notable locations I have waymarked for future reference, such as potential cache locations, trails, campsites, friend's houses, etc. The one thing I don't do is use it to update a list of "found" geocaches. I rely on queries and memory for that. I'm not a super high-volume cacher but I use my GPS receivers frequently and expect a waypoint manager to do the basics: transfer, organize and edit waypoints. Very intriguing. What does your normal routine - pre- and post- hunt - consist of? Those are some great ideas.

GeoJournal does not support moving geocaches from your GPS to your computer. In my case, even if GJ COULD do it I still wouldn't use it (now, if I could update my GJ database by importing my Cachemate database from my phone to my computer, THAT would be something else). Do you do this to update the list of "found" geocaches on your computer? Please explain; this sounds interesting.

Weird power loss problem. I can't help there. But for GOto's, I get a red stationary line on my map which does not update. But what I do also see that DOES update is a dotted line from my position to the target.

Just click on the "Found" button again. This will "unfind" that geocache.

Regardless what you specify in Preferences, you can navigate to wherever you wish in the "Send to GPS" options.

If you're just going to run Windows off your Mac, might as well not even get the Mac. But in terms of solutions to geocaching and interfacing your GPS unit to your Mac and Geocaching.com, you have several options. The best method in my opinion is GeoJournal http://www.geoingenuity.com/main/?page_id=6. For other options, take a peek at my site http://chimbisimo.googlepages.com

One of the system req's for GJ is a screen resolution of at least 1024x768. I think this is the reason for your trouble. But you're correct - a resizable window would be nice to have. Nice suggestion.

Auto-logging is against Teamspeak Terms of Use I believe.

I've created a website about Mac using eXplorist geocachers. http://chimbisimo.googlepages.com

What things? Just curious.

A good workaround that you can use until true drag-n-drop is adopted is using the "Open with" dialog in the contextual menu. Highlight all the files you want to import into GeoJournal, then control-click and choose "GeoJournal" from the "Open With..." option.

Or even better, the ability to access a wide variety of columns and create your own view, a la iTunes. This has been suggested. You're crazy if you prefer the codes. I find it's much more annoying to look up waypoint codes in Cachemate than it is to look up names. But the ability to choose either/or has been suggested. I also suggested the ability to choose whether to append notes or not - on my eXplorist, I have a limit of 250 POI's with notes, or 500 w/o notes. I'm still able to switch from Name to Wpt sort, and back. Are you not able to?

lol Jellyfish Lagoon was a very cool cache. Too bad you can't see the jellyfish with bird's eye view.

Wow, some real potential here, provided they did things RIGHT. We'll see.

Once you figure out how to put the gpx onto your GPS, you'll never go back. SOOO much easier. I highly recommend GeoJournal (http://geojournal.net).

Rich, you've mad my website obsolete. Jerk!