Azzaboi2008 Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 I dont know what gps to buy. I really like geocaching but i dont know what gps's are worth buying. If any one has any suggestions please tell me. Thank you!! Quote Link to comment
NordicMan Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 How much do you want to spend? Do you do any other outdoor recreations such as boating? Hiking? Do you want the GPSr to help navigate your car too? Quote Link to comment
+SkellyCA Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 What's your budget? What else will you be using it for? Quote Link to comment
+Psycada Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 I am also an avid Geocacher, but I prefer to go completely paperless, and now, COMPUTERLESS! At this time, I am paperless and computerless since I started using by Blackberry Bold along with the Blackstar Geocaching solution. It is free, open source and very nice. Takes a little getting used to, but you can Geocache start to finish without paper or a computer, wherever, whenever. Only cost is the $3/month fee to Groundspeak for the pocket query capability. If you're adventurous and up for some easy hacking to get a device to work great, check out the iLoox device. If you don't want a phone, I recommend an unlocked Look n100 running the iLooks desktop (haven't tried a n110 or n120 yet but I'm going to soon). I use noniGPSplot as the mapping program, GPXsonar to track my caches, and I create a mobibook from the GSAK mobibook creator macro to view the details of a cache, the hints (GPX sonar shows hints too), and the comments. Works very well. Takes a little practice, but I was able to teach my wife and she is getting the hang of it after a few times out while I'm learning the Blackberry software. I was using a Navigon 2100, but the screen is bigger and a massive battery hog and is better for navigation. The n100 is small enough to be comfortable in my hand (although too small for dash mounted navigation), big enough to read adequately, has a great battery life, (I've gone all day without a recharge, 2100 gets me 4-6 hours), AND COMES WITH A STYLUS!!! With the ilooks desktop, it is very simple, clean and easy. gpspassion.com has all the help you could possibly want to get the loox working right, as well as info on any gps out there. I hope my suggestions help, but if not, gpspassion should. Quote Link to comment
+Colonial Cats Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 If you are willing to wait a month or two the Lowrance Endura Series of GPSrs look promising. Hodges Marine seems to have decent prices for these 3 units. On the cheap, you may want to consider the Lowrance iFinder Go2. Quote Link to comment
+Maingray Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 (edited) Tell us your budget. For starters, go with a dedicated handheld GPS.. don't use a phone or an automotive unit particularly if you have just started caching. A handheld is rugged enough and is guaranteed to have all the functionality you are going to need. Look at the Garmin etrex range for starters, many price points in there. With a set price (<$150? $150-$300? >$300?) you'll get better suggestions for units and optional mapping solutions. Knowing you live in the UK also will tell us what kind of maps you need. Edited April 8, 2009 by Maingray Quote Link to comment
+Rockin Roddy Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Tell us your budget. For starters, go with a dedicated handheld GPS.. don't use a phone or an automotive unit particularly if you have just started caching. A handheld is rugged enough and is guaranteed to have all the functionality you are going to need. Look at the Garmin etrex range for starters, many price points in there. With a set price (<$150? $150-$300? >$300?) you'll get better suggestions for units and optional mapping solutions. Knowing you live in the UK also will tell us what kind of maps you need. Just to follow up what Maingray said, make sure you look at the "H" series of the etrex's. This is moe if you buy used thn new as I think all new ones are "H"?? Has means better reception! Quote Link to comment
bruce.redecopp Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 (edited) i just found this thread too. we're looking for a HANDHELD unit, preferrably under $250CA. colour screen, easy to navigate and update (not having to pay for maps would be nice). we have a TomTom One XL in our car already if that makes a difference. i was looking at the Garmin eTrex Legend HCx which is available locally for $255CA at mec or Lowrance Endura Outback for $245 at GPScity.ca the problem i'm having is finding good prices in canada. are these 2 units going to be good for a while if i buy them now? we are BRAND NEW to geocaching. Edited April 8, 2009 by bruce.redecopp Quote Link to comment
NordicMan Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 i just found this thread too. we're looking for a HANDHELD unit, preferrably under $250CA. colour screen, easy to navigate and update (not having to pay for maps would be nice). we have a TomTom One XL in our car already if that makes a difference. i was looking at the Garmin eTrex Legend HCx which is available locally for $255CA at mec or Lowrance Endura Outback for $245 at GPScity.ca the problem i'm having is finding good prices in canada. are these 2 units going to be good for a while if i buy them now? we are BRAND NEW to geocaching. www.radioworld.ca or www.gpscity.ca usually have the best prices for GPSr's in Canada Quote Link to comment
+StarboardAttitude Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 I just ordered my eTrex Vista HCx for 214 on Amazon.com. Someplace called ibuydigital.com had it for 211, but they got bad reviews at shopping sites so I went with Amazon. Quote Link to comment
bruce.redecopp Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 www.radioworld.ca or www.gpscity.ca usually have the best prices for GPSr's in Canada i also noticed the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS Receiver - Refurbished for $265 at GPScity. which is quite a bit off new retail. Quote Link to comment
+hofy67 Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Walmart has the DeLorme PN20 for $138. The Topo software is worth almost $100. Plus this unit will do paperless caching. Quote Link to comment
+Dig Teamsters Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 I just started playing with a Oregon 400t, still have Garmin Vista HCX, but after today don't think I'll have a need for it, this might be the wrong forum, but if you're not looking for something new, has a couple scratches, I'll give ya good price on it. Quote Link to comment
+scottch Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 I hear that the Delormes are nice units, however since the posters is in Canada (assumption since quoting in canadian dollars) the delorme doesn't have canadian maps available for it yet. I have a Legend HCx and really like it. Nice form factor and easy to use. However a decent set of maps (above the included base map) will run you an additional $100. Quote Link to comment
+TheRedArmy Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 (edited) so is there anything that i can buy (maps and whatever else i need included) for around $200-250 canadian. they must come with BASE MAPS, are they good enough to get buy with, just not as fancy? i need the unit to work in canada and prefer not to have to spend $100+ on maps. don't they come with any maps included? i just want to use it for geocaching, nothing else, not for the car etc. mec.ca has some nice looking units and they offer a great return policy if you aren't happy. Edited April 9, 2009 by brucered Quote Link to comment
+Maingray Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 There are two threads here. The OP was based in the UK, the second poster asking the same question in Canada. So, for both, no point in buying the Delormes. Hard to follow. Quote Link to comment
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