Garmin for geocaching?

[+TexasCacheCrew]

As I ask my Lowrance iFinder Explorer to do more and more multitasking, I am thinking about getting a second GPSr. I would use the Explorer for the fishing and hunting tasks that I originally bought it for.

 

And I would use the second unit for geocaching and when on the road.

 

Is a Garmin better suited for geocaching? It appears that Garmin owners can download waypoints into their units from this Web site.

 

I know there are cache-friendly symbols, as well, on Garmins. What other advantages do Garmins offer for caching and road trips? Also, I see issues that some folks seem to have with their Garmins, i.e. firmware, etc.

 

And I am a Mac user and happy because of it. Am I limited by using a Mac? I have to use a PC and Windows for work, and I refuse to do so at home.

 

Thanks,

Sharptail

[+briansnat]

I really don't see why you would need another GPS just for geocaching. About the only thing most of the Garmin handhelds can do that your Explorer can't is provide turn by turn driving instructions.

 

Other than that your Explorer should be able to handle everything, including downloading waypoints directly from this website. If you are running out of memory it would be a lot cheaper to buy a more capacious memory card for your Lowrance than another GPS.

 

But if you are dead set on getting another GPS it would be hard to beat one of the new Garmin eTrex HCX models like the Legend or Vista. Color display, autorouting, high sensitivity receiver. Great units.

[+Airmapper]

I'll echo Brian on a Lowrance being just as capable as a Garmin for caching. When it comes to Tun-by-Turn navigation, Garmin units offer that where Lowrance does not.

 

Have a look at the Lowrance Users Geocaching Guide. However I'm not sure it will help much as all the info there is aimed at Windows users, I have no idea if the needed programs will work with a Mac.

 

If I'm not mistaken (and that is likely as I know nothing of Mac's) you will find compatibility issues with just about any GPS make and Mac OS. I did hear of a Geocaching program for Mac users, you might look into that and see what GPS units it likes.

 

Edit: typo

Edited August 25, 2007 by Airmapper

[+Chuy!]

If you want to get a second GPS, I recommend you get a dedicated auto GPS like a Nuvi 200 that's relatively affordable at, I think, $275. It comes with preloaded US maps and accepts an external card for your POIs. I have several handhelds but when going out for a few hours of caching, I find it most useful to navigate with the auto GPS and grab the handheld for hitting the trail. Just remember to hide the auto GPS out of view if leaving your car behind.