GPS Device or Smartphone

[+bodie37]

Hi

 

I've only just started geocaching and I've been using my HTC Windows 8s smartphone and the Groundspeak Geocaching Live App. It seems to do the job apart from the phone does not support a hardware compass and I cannot find where you can enter co-ords manually. I've also come way over my data allowance.

 

I've been looking a GPS devices and the ones that seem of interest (ie price) are:

Garmin Etrex 20

Garmin Dakota 20

Navman Magellen Explorist 110

Navman Magellen Explorist GC

 

Are these devices any good and which one out of the 4 is the best to go for? We do geocaching as a family and I get nervous when my 8 and 10 year old want my phone. I do also use an old HTC Wildfire S with G:geo on it but the GPS seems way out on this old phone and the battery life is rubbish.

 

Is it worth spending the extra £'s for a GPS device?

 

Thanks for any advice.

[+Bear and Ragged]

As you're in the UK, the Garmins will take the FREE talkytoasty maps... Which can save you a few £'s

[+bodie37]

Sounds good thanks

[+DazeDnFamily]

Here in the States, Bass pro Shops has the 62S on sale for $199.99. Not sure if you could get in on that deal. For $50 more than the eXplorist GC (which I also have), you get a night and day more capable GPS, that will work with a lot of free or custom made maps.

 

Best of luck!

[+ADKer]

A Garmin is definitely the better choice.

I personally own the eTrex 20 and love it.

 

From what I've heard (which isn't much) the Dakota 20 is basically the eTrex with a touch screen. (I could be wrong though.) Basically, the choice would be based on whether you'd want buttons, or a touchscreen

. Outdoorgearlab.com has a great review on GPS devices, and covers both of these, along with 7 other GPS units.

[+Walts Hunting]

After going to a touch screen some time ago I could never go back.

[+Mr. Wilson & a Mt. Goat]

Dakota 20 owner here.

Would recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind a small touch screen. It's like a cross between an Oregon and an eTrex, with features like the eTrex laid out like the Oregon. Nice little GPS if you ask me, I've had mine since 2011, still going strong.

[+JesandTodd]

I have a Garmin 60CSx, 62s, and ab iPhone

 

If I had to pick one, it would be the iPhone, hands down. No question.

 

Then the 60CSx, then the 62s...