XgritsX Posted June 19, 2007 Posted June 19, 2007 I've read a lot of the forum, but I can't find one that discusses using the GPS device similarly to an in-dashboard device...so I decided to ask. I'm tired of printing off mapquest directions and then not even having very good luck with guessing whereabouts the cache is. So, I've decided that I'm going to look into a handheld GPS device. At the same time, I'm hoping to use this in my car to put in a driving route and have it audibly give me turn-by-turn directions. Are there such devices out there? Do they come pre-loaded with the software (I don't want to have to pay monthly fees or pay to download extra maps, etc.)? How much do you think it might cost for one of these devices? Any specific models you'd suggest (I'm really hoping for around $100)? My reasoning is that I do want a geocaching device, and I do want a turn-by-turn device. I just don't want to have to buy two separate things. What are my options? Thank you for helping out a new geocacher...so much! XgritsX Quote
+TrailGators Posted June 19, 2007 Posted June 19, 2007 I've read a lot of the forum, but I can't find one that discusses using the GPS device similarly to an in-dashboard device...so I decided to ask. I'm tired of printing off mapquest directions and then not even having very good luck with guessing whereabouts the cache is. So, I've decided that I'm going to look into a handheld GPS device. At the same time, I'm hoping to use this in my car to put in a driving route and have it audibly give me turn-by-turn directions. Are there such devices out there? Do they come pre-loaded with the software (I don't want to have to pay monthly fees or pay to download extra maps, etc.)? How much do you think it might cost for one of these devices? Any specific models you'd suggest (I'm really hoping for around $100)? My reasoning is that I do want a geocaching device, and I do want a turn-by-turn device. I just don't want to have to buy two separate things. What are my options? Thank you for helping out a new geocacher...so much! XgritsX The Garmin Quest is a nice option for both... Quote
DarkArchon Posted June 19, 2007 Posted June 19, 2007 What I used to do, and still will as soon as my girlfriend gives me my laptop back is hook my Garmin 120 up to my laptop and use MS Streets and Trips to find my way around. Fairly accurate, good turn by turn voice, etc. Requires some settings changes on the Garmin, but nothing most people can't handle. If you go this route you just need a USB to Serial cable (available at radio shack). Hook it up to your Garmin and plug it into the computer. Streets tracks your route, just set it on your passenger seat. When you get close to the cache, yank off the serial cable and take your Garmin on a stroll. I imagine you could do the same thing with a google earth paid subscription, or some similar software. Quote
+imajeep Posted June 19, 2007 Posted June 19, 2007 I have generally recommended against using the same GPSr for both driving and geocaching. The reason is that good caching units don't generally make good car navigation units (small screen, no voice directions). Plus, you need two sets of maps, a city set for driving, and a topo set for caching. Dedicated car navigators have gotten so inexpensive that they aren't that much more expensive than a set of city maps. So, their lighter weight, larger screen, and voice directions don't really cost much more these days. You can get a good car navigator for as little as $200. I use both types of units, and I have been very pleased with the results. Quote
+Always & Forever 5 Posted June 19, 2007 Posted June 19, 2007 I have generally recommended against using the same GPSr for both driving and geocaching. The reason is that good caching units don't generally make good car navigation units (small screen, no voice directions). Plus, you need two sets of maps, a city set for driving, and a topo set for caching. I disagree with the above, to a certain extent. I have a Garmin GPSMap 60CSx, and it's great for both driving and caching. True, there is no voice prompts, but I don't need them. Also, I don't think you need topo maps for caching, unless you're doing some extreme caches in deep wilderness. The 60CSx is a great choice for driving and caching. Quote
+fratermus Posted June 19, 2007 Posted June 19, 2007 At the same time, I'm hoping to use this in my car to put in a driving route and have it audibly give me turn-by-turn directions. Are there such devices out there? Do they come pre-loaded with the software (I don't want to have to pay monthly fees or pay to download extra maps, etc.)? How much do you think it might cost for one of these devices? Any specific models you'd suggest (I'm really hoping for around $100)? You're not going to find a portable autorouting gps for $100, or a voice-directed gps for $100, or a gps with the maps installed for $100, much less all three. My thoughts on mixed-used GPS units is online here. Remember to bring your {full} wallet, or a greatly-reduced set of expectations. :-) Quote
Glenn W Posted June 19, 2007 Posted June 19, 2007 There are units that can be used for geocaching and car navigation, but not in the $100 price point. The Garmin Quest, 60CSx, Vista Cx, and Nuvi are all capable of doing what you want, but are all very expensive. Just the CityNav maps needed for autorouting cost more than $100. You need to scale back your expectations or drastically increase your budget. Sorry, this game can get expensive really fast if you are not carefull. Quote
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