garmin handheld vs car

[+mospeed1]

well im looking to buy my 1st gps and ive narrowed it down to either the garmin e trex for 80.00 or a nuvi 205 for 119 bucks im leaning toward the nuvi because my wife needs 1 for the car anyways.ive used the e trex before for caching .but how well does the nuvi perform for caching.i think the nuvi donst have the compass feature right? any one else have any pro's and cons to help me narrow down my descesion

 

and also does anyone use the garmin site for geocacing it says that you can automaticly load caches to the nuvi?

 

https://my.garmin.com/mygarmin/marketing/geocache.htm

 

thanks

[+bluedoberman]

I use two Garmins for my searches. I have a Nuvi and a Zumo (due to motorcycle riding). I like the Garmins. You can download caches straight from the Geocach website. I am doing it right now. there is no information. Just the name and coordinate.

Anyway, I prefer my Zumo over the Nuvi. The nuvi, at least my model, reportedly uses less satelites to reference. Therfore, there is a lot of changing and inconsistency. But, it should get you within 20 feet or so. I have been amazed at the ease of using a car GPS for foot work. You do have to switch from fastest route to off road in your navigation. If you do this during the hunt, you will have to re-map to your destination. Just some things I learned in the process.

Unfortunately, I do not know the differences with a tracker GPS. I hope to hear from someone too.

[+GrateBear]

So, you get the Nuvi, your wife is out driving around and finding her way with no problem, and you decide you want to go do a little caching. Hmm, I see a problem there.......

[+Jeep4two]

If your budget will only allow for one unit and you want to go Geocaching I would recommend the handheld. I would also recommend that you go with an eTrex H (or any eTrex with an H in the model designation) to ensure you have a high sensitivity unit.

 

The Nuvi 205 can do Geocaching but it doesn't have a compass/bearing screen which is the standard screen used by most cachers once they close in on the cache location (within .2 or .1 miles). This screen really helps point you (literally) to the hiding spot.

 

I have an Oregon 400t and eTrex Legend (non H version) and they both work fine for caching (even though the Legend is only used as a backup these days due to poor reception under tree cover and low lying areas).

 

I recently got a Nuvi 255wt (thanks to my wife's luck at a recent conference drawing) and it's great for the car. The turn by turn voice navigation is awesome and having the ability to have paperless caching features (full cache descriptions, hints and last 5 logs) loaded is nice but the hand held unit is still by far the best for locating the cache after getting out of the car.

 

You may want to consider something along the lines of a recertified (refurbished) in car unit plus a handheld. This will satisfy you wife's needs for in car navi, while also supplementing your Geocaching needs. New Egg currently has the TomTom One 130 for $49.99 after rebate as a recertified unit (you can trust newegg for rebates, the initial cost is $69.99 - then you get a $20.00 mail in rebate). Then pickup a used eTrex H for the 'last leg' of your Geocaching hunt. Your net cost would be well under $200. I think you would even be better off with a recertified in car unit and picking up a Geomate Jr. and update kit ($70.00 for the Geomate Jr. then I think $20 or $30 for the update kit). Then you can just turn on the Geomate once you get in the 'zone'.

 

You can also get the Nuvi 205 as refurbished unit for close to $60 or $70 if you sign up for sale notificaitons from TigerDirect.com, NewEgg.com and Buy.com - all of which will have the Nuvi 205 refurb for around $60 or $70 from time to time.

 

Something else to consider is that in car navi units (with a few exceptions) are not water proof or water resistant, have short battery life (and no changeable battery) and aren't rugged. So a drop on a rock = the end of your unit - heaven forbid a drop in a stream or creek.

 

Just some things to consider.

 

Best of luck deciding and good luck on your hunts.

[+StarBrand]

In-car GPS units like the Nuvi are just not the most suitable units for Geocaching. They are not rugged enough to take a fall, are not sealed against water (even a light rain), they have a short battery life, they tend to route you along roads and not off road well, they do not fit in your hand very well. Don't get me wrong - it will work - just not the best tool for the job. Sort of like using a butter knife to put in a screw - it works - just not the right tool for the job.

[+cmartin1970]

 

I recently got a Nuvi 255wt (thanks to my wife's luck at a recent conference drawing) and it's great for the car. The turn by turn voice navigation is awesome and having the ability to have paperless caching features (full cache descriptions, hints and last 5 logs) loaded is nice but the hand held unit is still by far the best for locating the cache after getting out of the car.

 

 

Hey Jeep, How do you get the full cache description, hints and logs? I have a Nuvi 260W and can't figure out how to access that info on my GPS. I have downloaded the Pocket Query but all I see on the GPS is the GCXXXX number.

[+jhauser42]

 

I recently got a Nuvi 255wt (thanks to my wife's luck at a recent conference drawing) and it's great for the car. The turn by turn voice navigation is awesome and having the ability to have paperless caching features (full cache descriptions, hints and last 5 logs) loaded is nice but the hand held unit is still by far the best for locating the cache after getting out of the car.

 

 

Hey Jeep, How do you get the full cache description, hints and logs? I have a Nuvi 260W and can't figure out how to access that info on my GPS. I have downloaded the Pocket Query but all I see on the GPS is the GCXXXX number.

 

I do true paperless with a Nuvi 205W. You can find the instructions here, thanks to pilotsnipe.

 

Joe

[+briansnat]

Using an automotive unit for geocaching is like trying to play tennis with a baseball bat. It can be done, but it may be frustrating and there is a better tool for the job.

 

For one automotive units aren't physically designed to be held in the hand. There is no lanyard to prevent dropped units and if you do drop one, there is a good chance it will not survive, as they are not built for the rigors of the outdoors. If you get caught in a sudden downpour,or drop your automotive unit in a puddle or creek it will likely become an expensive paperweight, because they are not waterproof. Battery life is not sufficient for a day of caching if you are away from your car for any length of time and finally they don't have the compass navigation screen which is a feature that most geocachers rely heavily on.

[+Jeep4two]

 

I recently got a Nuvi 255wt (thanks to my wife's luck at a recent conference drawing) and it's great for the car. The turn by turn voice navigation is awesome and having the ability to have paperless caching features (full cache descriptions, hints and last 5 logs) loaded is nice but the hand held unit is still by far the best for locating the cache after getting out of the car.

 

 

Hey Jeep, How do you get the full cache description, hints and logs? I have a Nuvi 260W and can't figure out how to access that info on my GPS. I have downloaded the Pocket Query but all I see on the GPS is the GCXXXX number.

 

Follow the link above to the 'True Paperless Caching for the Nuvi' page. I also would recommend not using the GPX pocket query directly on your Nuvi (use the paperless instructions that combine your pocket queries in GSAK, then transfer as custom POI's). The GPX will populate your 'Favorites' folder and I don't think it gives the full description that way.

 

When you use the instructions by Pilotsnipe you'll end up with a Custom POI list located in your Where To -> Extras menu that will contain all your caches with full data. In addition, the caches will show up on your map if you zoom in to 300 feet zoom level. I also set my proximity to .2 miles I think - to get a 'ding' when a cache is near

[+isuquinndog]

The Nuvi's DO have a compass screen. Simply hold down on the green signal bars. Now, you have to move and it shows you which direction you are going. That screen also shows you your current coordinates.

 

Add in pilotsnipes directions that add descriptions, logs and hints....well now you are cooking.

 

But the above is also correct, it is not rugged. For my use right now (using it in town, in parks with easy PnG's since I'm new to this) it's perfect. If I start going on longer, more rugged trips, I will probably want to invest in a better handheld.

[+Tobias & Petronella]

Using an automotive unit for geocaching is like trying to play tennis with a baseball bat. It can be done, but it may be frustrating and there is a better tool for the job.

 

For one automotive units aren't physically designed to be held in the hand. There is no lanyard to prevent dropped units and if you do drop one, there is a good chance it will not survive, as they are not built for the rigors of the outdoors. If you get caught in a sudden downpour,or drop your automotive unit in a puddle or creek it will likely become an expensive paperweight, because they are not waterproof. Battery life is not sufficient for a day of caching if you are away from your car for any length of time and finally they don't have the compass navigation screen which is a feature that most geocachers rely heavily on.

 

If you are going on a two day hike into the woods and need the unit on all the time or going swimming with your GPSr then a car unit is not your best choice.

 

However if you do a lot in city caches there is no problem. Our longest day caching in Seattle, WA (which is known for rain) is 12 hours. All we do is plug our Nuvi 255w in to the cigarette lighter anytime we are driving from cache to cache. If its raining or if we are going around water, we just put it in a small plastic bag and its good to go. Since the 255w is about as thick as a deck of playing cards (4.8"W x 2.9"H x .8"D) we have no problem holding on to it with one hand. Having the right tool for the right job is very is a true statement. So if you would like turn by turn directions in city and the ability to then leave your car with the same unit to go paperless caching, I feel that the 255w would be a good choice.

 

The battery life on the 255w is about 3.5-4 hours. But if you are on a trail system and you know that the next turn off isn't for an half hour or so, turn the unit off. The GPSr only needs to be on when you need directions. If you are driving, then leave in plug in to the car so that it is aways fully charged. As far as having a compass, it has one, but we still carry and use a real compass for better readings.

 

We have only been caching since late 9/08 and have only 571 finds with a nice amount of FTFs. I'm sure there may be a better unit out there that we could be using, but for now, the 255w Nuvi is the best choice for us.

 

Not all car units are the same, not all hiking units are the same. Regardless which tool (GPSr) you use, make sure that it is the correct one for you.

[+tango501]

I started geocaching using a Nuvi 260w

nice unit for the car, fairly inexpensive

but it really bit the dog as a caching unit

 

I finally broke down and got a GPSMAP60csx and I am really happy with this unit for geocaching

I still use the Nuvi for urban caching to get me close, then switch to 60csx when I get out of car

 

ease of using the Garmin Communicator to upload caches to both units is a bonus too

 

happy hunting

[+briansnat]

The Nuvi's DO have a compass screen. Simply hold down on the green signal bars. Now, you have to move and it shows you which direction you are going. That screen also shows you your current coordinates.

 

Add in pilotsnipes directions that add descriptions, logs and hints....well now you are cooking.

 

But the above is also correct, it is not rugged. For my use right now (using it in town, in parks with easy PnG's since I'm new to this) it's perfect. If I start going on longer, more rugged trips, I will probably want to invest in a better handheld.

 

Mine doesn't. I can hold those bars down all day and nothing happens.

[+briansnat]

Using an automotive unit for geocaching is like trying to play tennis with a baseball bat. It can be done, but it may be frustrating and there is a better tool for the job.

 

For one automotive units aren't physically designed to be held in the hand. There is no lanyard to prevent dropped units and if you do drop one, there is a good chance it will not survive, as they are not built for the rigors of the outdoors. If you get caught in a sudden downpour,or drop your automotive unit in a puddle or creek it will likely become an expensive paperweight, because they are not waterproof. Battery life is not sufficient for a day of caching if you are away from your car for any length of time and finally they don't have the compass navigation screen which is a feature that most geocachers rely heavily on.

 

If you are going on a two day hike into the woods and need the unit on all the time or going swimming with your GPSr then a car unit is not your best choice.

 

However if you do a lot in city caches there is no problem. Our longest day caching in Seattle, WA (which is known for rain) is 12 hours. All we do is plug our Nuvi 255w in to the cigarette lighter anytime we are driving from cache to cache. If its raining or if we are going around water, we just put it in a small plastic bag and its good to go. Since the 255w is about as thick as a deck of playing cards (4.8"W x 2.9"H x .8"D) we have no problem holding on to it with one hand. Having the right tool for the right job is very is a true statement. So if you would like turn by turn directions in city and the ability to then leave your car with the same unit to go paperless caching, I feel that the 255w would be a good choice.

 

The battery life on the 255w is about 3.5-4 hours. But if you are on a trail system and you know that the next turn off isn't for an half hour or so, turn the unit off. The GPSr only needs to be on when you need directions. If you are driving, then leave in plug in to the car so that it is aways fully charged. As far as having a compass, it has one, but we still carry and use a real compass for better readings.

 

We have only been caching since late 9/08 and have only 571 finds with a nice amount of FTFs. I'm sure there may be a better unit out there that we could be using, but for now, the 255w Nuvi is the best choice for us.

 

Not all car units are the same, not all hiking units are the same. Regardless which tool (GPSr) you use, make sure that it is the correct one for you.

 

This post proves my point. You need to perform all sorts of orchestrations to use an automotive unit for geocaching. Or you can buy a hand held unit and dispense with all that nonsense.

[zappy328]

My wife and I use a Nuvi 205 to geocache. If you are new (like we are) it serves you fine. Like someone in this tread already said....there are better tools for the job. We chose this unit because my wife also wanted an in car GPS - two birds with one stone. We will probably upgrade to something more rugged as we progress, but then we will already have a car unit! I like the idea of using the Nuvi to get close, then the Geocache Jr. to pinpoint. Pretty low cost upgrade.

 

A tip for the Nuvi owner - change your on-screen icon from a car (or the Wagon Queen Family Truckster that I quickly downloaded and put on there) to the walking feet. The dot for your cache will center itself between the shoes - rather than be covered by the car, truck, family truckster pic. Also, change the cache symbol to the smallest dot. This unit has put us pretty much right on the money every time.

[+isuquinndog]

The Nuvi's DO have a compass screen. Simply hold down on the green signal bars. Now, you have to move and it shows you which direction you are going. That screen also shows you your current coordinates.

 

Add in pilotsnipes directions that add descriptions, logs and hints....well now you are cooking.

 

But the above is also correct, it is not rugged. For my use right now (using it in town, in parks with easy PnG's since I'm new to this) it's perfect. If I start going on longer, more rugged trips, I will probably want to invest in a better handheld.

 

Mine doesn't. I can hold those bars down all day and nothing happens.

Hmmm, very odd. Works well for me.

[+jhauser42]

The Nuvi's DO have a compass screen. Simply hold down on the green signal bars. Now, you have to move and it shows you which direction you are going. That screen also shows you your current coordinates.

 

Add in pilotsnipes directions that add descriptions, logs and hints....well now you are cooking.

 

But the above is also correct, it is not rugged. For my use right now (using it in town, in parks with easy PnG's since I'm new to this) it's perfect. If I start going on longer, more rugged trips, I will probably want to invest in a better handheld.

 

Mine doesn't. I can hold those bars down all day and nothing happens.

Hmmm, very odd. Works well for me.

 

Works on my 205W. Thanks for that tip!

[+AlohaBra and MaksMom]

The Nuvi's DO have a compass screen. Simply hold down on the green signal bars. Now, you have to move and it shows you which direction you are going. That screen also shows you your current coordinates.

 

Add in pilotsnipes directions that add descriptions, logs and hints....well now you are cooking.

 

But the above is also correct, it is not rugged. For my use right now (using it in town, in parks with easy PnG's since I'm new to this) it's perfect. If I start going on longer, more rugged trips, I will probably want to invest in a better handheld.

 

Mine doesn't. I can hold those bars down all day and nothing happens.

 

*The 255W I got for my daughter does not work like that. It has a "My location" function though for coordinates.

*My older 650W does work from the signal bars.

*But for Geocaching I prefer the Vista HCx with 24K Topo maps. Lithum batteries last for weeks(!!) if you turn it off when you are not reading it.

[+Jeep4two]

The Nuvi's DO have a compass screen

 

Well - that's partially true. My 255w will give a 'Satellite' screen showing the constellation and signal strength, satellite numbers, and accuracy (epe). On the constellation animation there is a 'ball' - I guess that might show your course, but not bearing as far as I know - I'll test it out tonight on my way over drop my new hide.

 

To activate the satellite screen I press the upper left of the screen (over the signal bars) from the main menu screen for about 2 or 3 seconds and release - it activates the Satellite screen.

 

That said - I did update my unit to the latest firmware when I unpacked it from the box. Maybe that's part of a firmware update that some 255w users are missing.

[+AlohaBra and MaksMom]

The Nuvi's DO have a compass screen

 

To activate the satellite screen I press the upper left of the screen (over the signal bars) from the main menu screen for about 2 or 3 seconds and release - it activates the Satellite screen.

 

 

Hmmm...I did not hold for 2 or 3 seconds, cause the 650W just requires a tap....I will pass that info to her.

[+Jeep4two]

The Nuvi's DO have a compass screen

 

To activate the satellite screen I press the upper left of the screen (over the signal bars) from the main menu screen for about 2 or 3 seconds and release - it activates the Satellite screen.

 

 

Hmmm...I did not hold for 2 or 3 seconds, cause the 650W just requires a tap....I will pass that info to her.

 

Should work - and as far as I know that's the only way to know your EPE (or accuracy).

 

I tested the indicator on the satellite screen to see if it gave the direction of travel and it does. It's indicated by a grey ball with red dot in the middle along the horizon of the constellation graphic. Of course that's your direction of travel, not a bearing to a waypoint so while helpful, not exactly geocaching friendly like a bearing pointer.

[+mospeed1]

well i bought the nuvi 205 today so i visted 2 spots that i know where the caches are.on the 1st one the nuvi brought me withen 275 feet and i was standing right on it..and the 2nd one brought me right to the zero foot mark when i was on it....so i will use it for a week or so and if i dont like it illl return it

[+jhauser42]

A little tip for using the 205. Use the map screen to get you close to the cache. Then switch to the "Where Am I?" screen under tools. It will show you latitude, longitude and as long as you know the coords of the cache you can use that to get closer than the map will get you.

 

Joe

[+rdfirebrd]

I use my nuvi car unit for caches where I might be in the public eye...it looks more like something a normal person would carry than my handheld unit, though I put it on mute since the unit saying something like "arriving at destination" or "turn right" kinda ruins the idea that I am just really into my phone or game or whatever people might think I am carrying. I find it works great for cemetary/urban caches.

 

If I am going out into the wilderness though I use my handheld unit...both work fine, but I find that each unit has its own little pros and cons depending on what I am doing.

[+bluedoberman]

Not that I suggest the Zumo for everyone, but it works well for both car and hiking. It is designed to sit on a motorcycle handlebar in 100 MPH winds and in the rain/oil/grease or anything else you could imagine flying at you on a bike. It is water proof tested. So, it is very rugged. It has decent grips for holding and a good battery life. It also has the compass feature as people have noted with the Nuvi. My and the wife tag team some of these caches. This GPS has been tossed around several times. Ironicallly, the most damage it has received is from falling inside the car. Of course, not everyone wants to spend $500 for their GPS, but for some, it may be worth it.