I've been geocaching for a little under a year using my iPhone4 and the
geocaching app and am happy with that setup. I especially like the paperless
caching that is possible due to the app providing all the information I need
and the possibility to switch between various map types on the go.

The drawback to this is that I need a data connection while caching but at
home (Switzerland) this is not a problem as coverage is generally good and
my data plan allows for enough traffic (1GB/month).

Of course, travelling abroad, this becomes a problem as data roaming has the
potential for financial ruin :-)

I've experiemented using my iPhone offline (importing cache data using
pocket queries; viewing maps beforehand in all required zoom levels and then
storing them for each cache). I've tested this with a couple of caches at
home to see if it is viable. It works in principle, but requires extensive
preparation (mostly buffering the map data) and comes with a lack of
flexibility.

Due to this, I've been toying with the thought of buying a "secondary"
proper GPS device that I could use when travelling abroad. I've looked into
some of the Garmin devices and as far as I could see, the current ones all
support using OSM map material and some even come with GPX/paperless caching
support.

I haven't yet looked at other suppliers but wouldn't rule those out at all.

This device is not intended to replace my iPhone for caching at home (my
predominant use), it is really just an "offline" solution to have flexible
access to maps.

I'd summarise my requirements as follows:
- not too expensive
- good quality GPS receiver and compass
- either geocaching capable base maps or possibility to use OSM map data
- paperless caching is a bonus but not a requirement
- no need for fancy features like the Oregon 550's camera (I have my iPhone
  and digital camera for that)

Based on my description above, have I left out any requirements?

What devices would you recommend that match my requirements?

I'm looking forward to hearing your suggestions.

Cheers
Urs "sbeelis" Beeli

[...]

[...]

The only other requirement I can think of is, do you need it to be
robust/weather proof? Other than that, I’m far out of date in the gadget
game, I find the plethora of devices bewildering. Last time I replaced
my mobile (cell) phone, I was unable to find one without a camera.
--
Ian ◎

Not really. The iPhone I use as my main device is far from robus or weather
proof, so the secondary device doesn't need to be better :-) If it is (and
it seems most GPS devices will be) it won't hurt me but it's not a
consideration for me.

Same here and hence my post. Someone in de.rec.geocaching recommended the
Garmin Etrex Vista HCx and I currently have a bid running for one. I've been
highest bidder for the past two days and the auction ends tomorrow night, so
I'll see how many last minute bids will be placed...

I'll get back to you all to let you know how things work out when I get one
of those units.

Cheers
/urs "sbeelis"

On 5 Jul 2011 14:44:04 GMT, sbeelis wrote:

Well, I've been the proud owner of a second hand eTrex Vista HCx since mid
last week. I spent a few days playing with it and so far am quite happy with
it. I got the device without topo maps and don't feel like shelling out the
big money for it.

I have downloaded some OSM maps and installed them both for Mapsource and on
the device. I am amazed at their detail level. The only thing lacking that
topo maps would offer is the display of single houses on streets, but
considering the cost difference I'm quite happy to forgo that.

I've found a few caches using the Vista and its GPS quality is excellent. I
used both my iPhone (my primary) device and the Vista in parallel and they
matched coordinates very closely. Map wise, it takes some getting used to
the difference of satellite hybrid maps and the OSM vector maps but as I
specifically wanted a device that could do offline caching for trips abroad
(without data roaming) this does nicely.

Just thought I'd let you all know.

Cheers
/urs "sbeelis" Beeli

[...]

[...]

Thanks for that—I haven’t yet myself used OSM data outside the UK, but I
must give it a try. So far I’ve used ready‐made gmapsupp.img files for
the UK that someone makes (reminder to self: I think I’m long overdue an
update), but the process to do it yourself looks quite
straightforward. Do you use mkgmap?

--
Ian ◎