SilentWolf

I love my Oregon 300 (with city navigator so it is routable) I think the simple question would be do you want paperless geocaching? If so, get the Oregon. Otherwise, I don't think you'd go wrong either way. And I know it's already been mentioned, but just make sure if you get the Oregon to download the latest software (3.20) and the bugs are no longer

It's my understanding it has to be "unlocked" for each unit it is being used in.

From Main Menu -> Where to -> Coordinates

I haven't relied on google maps at all - and wouldn't - My home coordinates are at least 100' off what their map shows. I recently was marking coordinates for some people doing research in graveyards so they could have better "descriptions" where certain headstones are, and I found they were also about 100' off the satelite views.

Those "forever" flashlights are pieces of junk. I sold them retail for a while, and almost every one I sold came back broke or non-functional. I've used the Smith & Wesson lights and they are extremely well made and rugged - and bright. I am also a fan of Streamlight.

Yea I think it's absolutely the CO's responsibility to ensure that his/her cache is of good quality and able to survive the elements, whatever they may be.

It's obvious why an archived cache wouldn't show up, but I'm curious as to why a cache that is still out there (and being found apparently) would be archived?

I find it a natural way to pursue the most important thing in the world to me - spending time with my family.

Love my Oregon - you'll enjoy yours I'm sure

Got city navigator today, installed and compared with some of the tracks that I had saved - definitely TONS more accurate than the base map.

I think I'd agree with that - like you say having a PDA still may be paperless, but why carry around 2 units if one is capable?

I have nothing to compare it to, but I loaded 3.20 into my 300 the day I got it - I've been using it for 3 weeks or so now, no glitches whatsoever. (That I'm aware of that is - still not familiar with every aspect of the unit)

Yea, unless you find a used one, I doubt you'll find a gps that meets all your criteria for less than $200 (at the very least)

I've helped with a few searches on the ground, and also have helped with a few from the air as well.... it's a great feeling to know that you're helping out, even if the result doesn't turn out as one might hope, but obviously even better when it ends happily. As most geocachers are very familiar with their GPS's and their use, they could be a great asset to a search (I hate to say that I've seen many a search & rescue member that can bairly tell north from south, let alone read a gps)

Definitely one of the best family activities I've ever found - welcome to the hunt!

I narrowed my search down to, and bought the Garmin Oregon 300 - and haven't regretted it one bit. Don't let people's reports about how "bad" the screen is in the daylight scare you, I can see it just fine and dandy in direct sunlight or mounted on my dash. (Actually wedged between my dash and windshield for the moment till my mount arrives) The paperless geocaching feature is sweet, and the touch-screen menu's and interface are awesome and extremely easy to use. You'd probably want the topo maps though, so I'd get the 400t in your situation. (If you'd even consider the Oregon's that is.) This is my first and only GPS, so I can't give you any comparison's otherwise.

I'm really liking them so far, the handful that I've found anyway. I like that they make you think about where they could be hidden, or stuck, or dangling, or tied, or threaded into, etc etc..... I mean a peanut butter jar under a bush is fun and all, but how many times has that been done? I've only got like 25 finds so far, and so far the micro's have been the funnest.

Yea the compass on this baby seems to be a stinker... I used it for the first couple of days, but seemed like I had to re-calibrate it a lot - even just getting in and out of the car (where it is held upright instead of level) seemed to foul it up. It did work good once it was calibrated. I decided to turn it off and try it that way, and I think I do like it better. (I'm running 3.20 just as a note)

I've noticed the same with mine, and just assumed that the basemap's are somewhat crude, and therefore have the latest version of city navigator on order. But, from what little driving i've done with it so far, it doesn't seem to be terribly off, like has been said the more you zoom in the more it's obvious. I took a 40 mile drive the other day up a local canyon that is constant turns and bends, and I was actually surprised how close it was. (And it tracked extremely well too)

I love my Oregon too - although I have nothing else to compare it to....

Where do you find out what the latest version/update is? If I were to buy online, how do I know I have the latest and greatest. Sorry for the stupid questions. The 10 is also the first part of the item #, you can double-check it that way (010-10816-00 is the most current DVD)

But not paperless.

I like that attitude. And I agree, who really cares? I have fun caching - I don't care how many I find or even don't find, all I care about is that I'm doing something I enjoy, and it gives me quality time with my family that might otherwise be wasted away. I know this sounds weird to some, but to me there's nothing more important in my life than my family, so it's not a competition for me. I can still sleep at night even if I'm not the best cacher in the world, cause we all had fun irregardless.

My wife and I cache together, but we just share my Garmin Oregon 300. I'll usually let her get us from cache to cache while I drive, then I let her get us started on finding the cache, until she gets frustrated or confused, then I take over Sometimes she does ok, but most of the time I end up taking the reins, mostly that she's not familiar with the use of a GPS in general - getting better though... So, I guess a couple of different thoughts..... if you like caching together I think there's really no need for another unit. But, if you really want your own then I'd suggest getting something different so you both have that "second opinion" available if you will, a lot of people seem to like the Delorme PN-40 (but make sure you carry lots of batteries), I myself was really interested in the Lowrance Endura line, but decided against them since they are very new and have some bugs that need working out. However, I also like the idea that was mentioned of getting an Oregon like he has but a cheaper unit (like my 300), that way you can share accessories and stuff but still have separate units.

Just got the e-mail from then saying I can expect it on the 22nd, which is a ways off, but hey - the price you pay for free shipping..... However everything I've ever ordered from them has been here before the expected date, so we'll see - I'll definitely report back though.