GPS Equipment
Well – what better way to start this blog than a general article about that main-stay of Geocaching equipment – the GPS!
As you know – there are a wide-range of GPS’s available to the consumer. These can be split into various categories – but I prefer the following method:
1) Stand-alone handheld device
Examples are the Garmin Etrex, the Garmin GPSMap 60CSX.
2) Stand-alone ‘PDA based’ handheld device
Examples are the Garmin Colorado and the Acer N35PDA.
There are obviously pro’s and con’s for each device – and these can be roughly explained as;
The simple devices tend to fetch higher second-hand prices – they are much easier for non-techies to use. BUT they are often less flexible – so for example you won’t be able to browse the web on your GPS Map 60CSX.
The simple devices often use AA batteries – so if you run out when you’re walking in the countryside you can either grab some replacements from your backpack – or maybe even buy some in a shop.
PDA-based devices offer a lot more flexibility – but this can often be annoying to someone who ‘just wants the device to work’.
PDA-based devices often use batteries a lot quicker than their simpler alternatives – and usually do not take AA batteries.
What I would suggest…
Personally – I would suggest a good starter device would be the Garmin Etrex. It should set you back approx £55 these days. They are hard working devices, they take AA’s and run for hours. GPS reception under trees could be better.
A nice mid-range device is the etrex HC – which comes with the colour screen and the ability to put topo maps on the device. It costs approx £150. Expect slightly less battery-longevity than the normal Etrex due to the colour screen.
The top of the range stand-alone device in my opinion is the GPS MAP 60 CSX, it’s a little more expensive than the others but it’s got all the features… £250 gets you a colour screen, waterproof GPS, professional gear that fishermen use daily. These last approx 4-5 hours on AA’s. The sirfstar iii chipset improves the GPS reception a lot as well.
