Laptop notebooks for paperless

[+Blackfox07]

Does anyone use a laptop notebook for paperless caching? If so, what notebook do you use and do you use GSAK or Cachemate application with it? Any hints, tips or tricks?

Thanks.

[+paulbarratt]

Laptops for paperless???

 

Nah. PDAs are much better and can be pocketed while hunting round GZ. My laptop is far too expensive to be lugged around the woods.

[+Blackfox07]

I'm referring to the new smaller and cheaper notebooks. They don't have the capacity of a regular laptop but I thought they'd be good for storing cache information. I know they'd be a bit of a pain near GZ's but I'm more looking for a portable way to carry information.

Thanks.

[+the_bell_dingers]

you mean Netbooks. the laptop that can almost fit in your pocket

[+Dgwphotos]

Even Netbooks are kind of too big. Cachemate only runs on PDA's, By the way.

[+BlueDeuce]

Does anyone use a laptop notebook for paperless caching? If so, what notebook do you use and do you use GSAK or Cachemate application with it? Any hints, tips or tricks?

Thanks.

 

GSAK will give you cache page information with 5 logs without having to be connected to the internet, although you wouldn't be able to see images. That might be a problem if the images were part of the cache details.

 

You would have to be a premium member to download pocket Query information to load into GSAK.

 

Otherwise glean the information using wireless access. There are plenty of places to get access these days.

[+TheAlabamaRambler]

In my Durango I use my HP laptop with a Delorme Earthmate GPS.

 

The laptop is on a salvaged State Trooper car mount that holds it just above the console and accessible by the driver or passenger. The Earthmate sits on the dash.

 

Having full-screen scrolling maps while driving is way faster and safer than trying to look at a dash-mount or hand-held GPS screens, and with the HTML cache list running in the background I have full cache descriptions and hints at the push of a button.

 

There is a temptation to operate the laptop while driving, and that is to be resisted at all costs, other than that it's wonderful to have everything you need right there in view.

 

I used to do a lot of numbers runs where I would have a navigator to set a goto to the next cache while I was driving and it really made us fast.

 

Of course caching is but one use for my laptop, I am also a storm chaser for the National Weather Service and watch live radar on the laptop when I am out spotting (left, right and behind a tornado are okay, in front not so much!) And I do volunteer disaster relief communications so my radios are connected to the laptop for radio digital communications.

 

But, on an everyday basis where I use it most it's a wonderful geocaching tool.

[+ecanderson]

Does anyone use a laptop notebook for paperless caching? If so, what notebook do you use and do you use GSAK or Cachemate application with it? Any hints, tips or tricks?

Thanks.

If I have a serious need to log or research immediately (hence, paperless), I'll just fire up my little Moto cell phone. I've loaded a copy of Opera Mini on it, and while not the ideal choice, it works. If you don't have that, there's always the WAP site for geocaching.com that will work with any phone with Java.

 

This permits me to manage FTF logs quickly so I don't annoy the local FTF hounds with late logs, and lets me look up the cache listing with ALL of the information I need (using Opera) or the majority of it (with the simple WAP interface). I don't do paperless as a matter of course, but with this system, I am always prepared to wait until I get back to the car for any cache logging of a standard sort.

 

Here's how I'd do it (and do):

You leave your netbook in the car (geez, these things run 1.6GHz w/160MB drives, 3 USB ports, and wi-fi and .. for only $300 these days!) and manage all of your "paperless" logs via GSAK. If you have anything close to a recent cell phone with a browser, you can get all the info you need at a cache site that way. Some folks even use a USB connection to their GPS while in the car to do navigation with Fugawi for seriously off-road adventures that no GPS will have maps to match. The netbook works just fine for that, too.

[Team_Merchlinsky]

Does anyone use a laptop notebook for paperless caching? If so, what notebook do you use and do you use GSAK or Cachemate application with it? Any hints, tips or tricks?

Thanks.

 

GSAK will give you cache page information with 5 logs without having to be connected to the internet, although you wouldn't be able to see images. That might be a problem if the images were part of the cache details.

 

You would have to be a premium member to download pocket Query information to load into GSAK.

 

Otherwise glean the information using wireless access. There are plenty of places to get access these days.

 

Most gps now have paperless built in

[+CanUK_TeamFitz]

I recently used my Sammy NC10 Netbook on a camping trip in Devon and Cornwall with O2 wireless broadband and GSAK. However I found the O2 broadband was a bit patchy, but we actually found quite a few places with free wifi (an independent cafe, McDonalds, motorway services) so I found I could log finds pretty much on the day I found them.

 

You can even configure your browser to use cached images or no images as well if you have limited bandwidth.

 

Most of the time though, I'm using CacheBerry anyway, hardly ever need paper apart from when trying to solve puzzles.

 

For anyone who wants to get a Linux based netbook but thinks they won't be able to use GSAK I run Ubuntu on my netbook and have a slightly buggy version of GSAK installed. GSAK is a Windows GUI which actually uses open source tools designed for use on Linux which have themselves been ported to Windows.

 

I'm happy to provide instructions for anyone as to how I did it.. it would be nice if someone would build an alternate version of the GSAK GUI for Linux but I haven't seen anything close yet.

[+BlueDeuce]

I recently used my Sammy NC10 Netbook

 

I've been wondering if I can watch a Netflix movie on a Netbook. What's the display format for that site 6:19?

[+CanUK_TeamFitz]

I recently used my Sammy NC10 Netbook

 

I've been wondering if I can watch a Netflix movie on a Netbook. What's the display format for that site 6:19?

 

No idea, don't have Netflix in the UK, but most websites are OK. What you have to watch for is badly designed websites - mostly web 2.0 with all the flash and gloss, they create popup menus and controls that go off your screen and you can't do anything about it apart from try fullscreen browser.

 

But for your desktop you can pretty much customise it and I know a lot of Linux vendors are creating customised desktops for netbooks. As well as new vendors like Google who are creating a chrome OS which promises to completely reinvent the desktop.

 

I'm just using standard 'buntu works like a charm.

[+ecanderson]

 

Most gps now have paperless built in

"Most" GPSr units do NOT have paperless "built in". The more recent releases (e.g., Garmin Colorado, Oregon and Dakota) and others do, but these are the high end units. The more typical models many of buy (the old 60's 76's and eTrex models are all still for sale) do not.

[+BlueDeuce]

I recently used my Sammy NC10 Netbook

 

I've been wondering if I can watch a Netflix movie on a Netbook. What's the display format for that site 6:19?

 

No idea, don't have Netflix in the UK, but most websites are OK. What you have to watch for is badly designed websites - mostly web 2.0 with all the flash and gloss, they create popup menus and controls that go off your screen and you can't do anything about it apart from try fullscreen browser.

 

But for your desktop you can pretty much customise it and I know a lot of Linux vendors are creating customised desktops for netbooks. As well as new vendors like Google who are creating a chrome OS which promises to completely reinvent the desktop.

 

I'm just using standard 'buntu works like a charm.

 

Thank you.

[+ecanderson]

I recently used my Sammy NC10 Netbook

 

I've been wondering if I can watch a Netflix movie on a Netbook. What's the display format for that site 6:19?

Not a geocaching topic, but yes. They offered a portable CD + DVD R/W (dual USB plugs for power) for $65 to accompany my recently purchased Asus netbook, and it manages DVDs just fine. With the built-in 1Gb ethernet port, it manages on-line movies well, too. That was one of my tests, because the video isn't exactly high end, and I was a little concerned over whether it had the poop for video. I'm even using an OLD codec for the video, but it churns along happily.

 

Back to geocaching -- and that's one caveat about your typical netbook for $300 -- anything you need to load and go with is going to have to be managed via the Wi-Fi or USB thumb drive option or you'll need to get a USB optical drive for it. I found the latter too tempting when it came time for software loads, including Garmin's CD, TomTom's CD and other base software for caching.

Edited September 12, 2009 by ecanderson

[+CanUK_TeamFitz]

I recently used my Sammy NC10 Netbook

 

I've been wondering if I can watch a Netflix movie on a Netbook. What's the display format for that site 6:19?

Not a geocaching topic, but yes. They offered a portable CD + DVD R/W (dual USB plugs for power) for $65 to accompany my recently purchased Asus netbook, and it manages DVDs just fine. With the built-in 1Gb ethernet port, it manages on-line movies well, too. That was one of my tests, because the video isn't exactly high end, and I was a little concerned over whether it had the poop for video. I'm even using an OLD codec for the video, but it churns along happily.

 

Back to geocaching -- and that's one caveat about your typical netbook for $300 -- anything you need to load and go with is going to have to be managed via the Wi-Fi or USB thumb drive option or you'll need to get a USB optical drive for it. I found the latter too tempting when it came time for software loads, including Garmin's CD, TomTom's CD and other base software for caching.

 

I've never needed an optical drive.

[+ecanderson]

I've never needed an optical drive.

More an issue of convenience than absolute need in most cases, I'll grant you. But sometimes it's a real PITA to construct an image on a thumb drive for the autorun style of software CDs. Sometimes you can just copy over the file structure as-is without issues, but for some reason, it doesn't always fly (thanks to the DCMA folks). Moving the file structure to a thumb drive is about the only practical way to deal with some of them. Stuff whose installers are single file executables are a piece of cake from a thumb drive, of course (e.g., GSAK).

 

It's been nice to take SW that is distributed on CD and just pop it in rather than going through the extra steps.

 

Besides, for $65, it's a nice way to do backups to DL DVD.

Edited September 13, 2009 by ecanderson

[+CanUK_TeamFitz]

I've never needed an optical drive.

More an issue of convenience than absolute need in most cases, I'll grant you. But sometimes it's a real PITA to construct an image on a thumb drive for the autorun style of software CDs. Sometimes you can just copy over the file structure as-is without issues, but for some reason, it doesn't always fly (thanks to the DCMA folks). Moving the file structure to a thumb drive is about the only practical way to deal with some of them. Stuff whose installers are single file executables are a piece of cake from a thumb drive, of course (e.g., GSAK).

 

It's been nice to take SW that is distributed on CD and just pop it in rather than going through the extra steps.

 

Besides, for $65, it's a nice way to do backups to DL DVD.

 

Oiy, I forgot how annoying it used to be installing software with Windows.

[+plumbrokeacres]

I have a netbook that I take to events on the road. i only use it for downloading new caches if I can access free WIFI and then transfer the info to a PDA and my GPS. I now have a new Endura Safari and just load the Gpx files to it it along with a few others have paperless caching built into it. I wouldn't want to lug a netbook into the bush.

[4wheelin_fool]

Does anyone use a laptop notebook for paperless caching? If so, what notebook do you use and do you use GSAK or Cachemate application with it? Any hints, tips or tricks?

Thanks.

I used to use a laptop, but that method is too old fashioned now, as I just use my iPhone..

[+jbar]

I use an HP mini 110 with GSAK. Last weekened we went on a cacheathon in Maine, 120 caches in 2 days. I brought the HP mini to load PQs during the trip. Was also able to hook up to free wifi to do a few quereies. It worked out nice.

[+missamo]

Yes, absolutely. We bought an HP Mini 110 specifically for Geocaching. Before we got the netbook GSAK was on the desktop computer at home and we would sync waypoints down to our Vista HCx. But I'd always forget to sync the cache details to my phone. Royal pain.

 

Now GSAK lives on the netbook. I have macros set up that know how to export to the HCx and our old c320 (in-car GPS). We take the netbook with us in the car when we go caching. Regardless of where we are we know we have our whole GSAK database with us, and that we can sync waypoints to our GPS on the spot. Very handy since we find the HCx maxes out on waypoints relatively easily. Also makes it very easy to type in our log notes and mark caches as found right after we find them.

 

Rarely do we take the netbook with us out on the actual trails (we read the cache details before leaving the car), but on longer multi-cache hikes we'll just stick it in a backpack. It's so small and light it's not even noticable.

 

We're very pleased with ours!

 

Neil

[+Minimike2]

I sometimes take my old laptop out on cache hunts. I run Topo 8 on it and plug the PN-40 in to it with the USB connection. I get the map on the laptop with caches layered on it. The only problem is the laptop's inability to use the 3D function of the software. It needs DX9 and my laptop's video card only goes to DX8. No aerial photo overlays.

[+TheAlabamaRambler]

I mentioned my laptop in an earlier post but that's for mobile operations... for actual geocaching I use my Blackberry Curve 2310 smartphone. It is good enough that it replaced my Garmin GPSmap 60CSx and has way more features... as far as geocaching it could easily replace the laptop too.

 

Cost of entry was dirt cheap... I think it was $79 with a 2 year contract with AT&T. The downside is that it requires an unlimited data plan, which monthly fee is about like buying a new top-of-the-line GPS every year!

 

I have to have the data plan to support my disaster relief volunteerism so the cost is there whether I geocache with it or not... for someone who didn't otherwise need unlimited data access the phone makes for a pretty expensive GPS.

 

And if it gets even a little bit wet or the screen comes anywhere close to a rock it is converted instantly to a very expensive but nice-looking paperweight.

Edited September 13, 2009 by TheAlabamaRambler

[+WatchDog2020]

Our PN-40 works great for paperless caching.

[+Chi-Town Cacher]

 

Most gps now have paperless built in

"Most" GPSr units do NOT have paperless "built in". The more recent releases (e.g., Garmin Colorado, Oregon and Dakota) and others do, but these are the high end units. The more typical models many of buy (the old 60's 76's and eTrex models are all still for sale) do not.

I agree with ecanderson on almost everything said up to this point with only one slight difference. In addition to the high end/high dollar units he/she has mentioned there is also the Delorme PN series of paperless caching GPSr's. If you can catch the Delorme PN series on a sale they truely drop down into the middle of the road pricewise while continuing to be top of the line as far as paperless caching goes. On sale recently a top of the line Delorme PN-40 which is a fabulous GPSr that is good for paperless caching and you can download aerial and satellite imagery for less than you could buy a new Garmin Vista HCx and a set of topo maps for the Garmin (street and topo maps are FREE with a Delorme PN series). You won't hear many people recommend it just because not many people have actually used one, but they are a great unit. Anybody looking for information on the Delorme PN series GPSr's can go over to the Technology forum where they are frequently discussed quite vigorously. So my 2 cents says the Delorme PN-40 is the best a person can get for paperless caching and of course your opinion may or may not agree with mine. Happy caching everybody!

[+ecanderson]

I agree with ecanderson on almost everything said up to this point with only one slight difference.

I should have qualified to refer to the number of units actually being sold these days, but the PN-40 is still what I would call a higher end unit since it commands a street price of around $300. Their edge, of course, is that their business model allows them to include the topos at little extra cost to them. Some cachers make good use of these, and some don't find them necessary. As a result, $300 still looks high in comparison to many of the good Garmin handhelds that are used for caching.

 

Truth to tell, I wouldn't use either the Delorme or Garmin handhelds for gross navigation (that eliminates the Vista from my lineup as well) ... the handhelds are best for strictly up-close work at the cache site. The purpose built road nav GPS units with decent screen sizes and text-to-speech are far better for road nav, especially if you don't have a navigator riding along to give you the turn-by-turn information. I have my road nav unit spitting out the street names over my car audio system as I go. Hard to beat for solo work.

 

I stick with a handheld that isn't burdened with the extra cost of street mapping, and use a decent road nav unit along with it. I'm getting older and working with reading glasses now -- reading the screen on any of the handhelds to navigate for urban caching while I'm driving is probably a really bad idea!

[+Arrow42]

Does anyone use a laptop notebook for paperless caching? If so, what notebook do you use and do you use GSAK or Cachemate application with it? Any hints, tips or tricks?

Thanks.

 

I find my blackberry satisfies all my needs for field research... I don't think the additional functionality of a laptop would be worth the hassle.

[+Sol seaker]

So what would a good cheap PDA be that would work well for geocaching.

 

I just distroyed my supposedly waterproof Garmin GPSr in the rain last week, so I want a PDA that it won't be the end of the world if I ruin it too. Something disposable almost. Very cheap off of ebay would be fine.

 

Any ideas?

[+Arrow42]

So what would a good cheap PDA be that would work well for geocaching.

 

I just distroyed my supposedly waterproof Garmin GPSr in the rain last week, so I want a PDA that it won't be the end of the world if I ruin it too. Something disposable almost. Very cheap off of ebay would be fine.

 

Any ideas?

 

If it suffered water damage you might be able to get it replaced under warranty.

[+Sol seaker]

So what would a good cheap PDA be that would work well for geocaching.

 

I just distroyed my supposedly waterproof Garmin GPSr in the rain last week, so I want a PDA that it won't be the end of the world if I ruin it too. Something disposable almost. Very cheap off of ebay would be fine.

 

Any ideas?

 

If it suffered water damage you might be able to get it replaced under warranty.

 

I somehow doubt it. It's seven years old!!!! (I got it from my geobuddy who has been caching since the day he got it seven years ago)

[the_cache_monster]

Our PN-40 works great for paperless caching.

 

Agreed on the PN-40 :-)

[+Elderiss]

I take a laptop, Iphone, and GPsr with me on every cache hunt. I prefer the laptop with google earth built in to navigate down the roads to the next cache. Prior to going out I print all caches I am going after via pdf995 which allows me to have a hard copy of the cache on my laptop.

[+Chewy_06]

We just did a big (for us it was huge) road trip from Vancouver to Anaheim & return.

 

We took a laptop (a cheap 15.4" model we picked up from Costco for only slightly more than a netbook) loaded with streets&trips with it's own GPS antenna. I dumped all the cache data into GSAK & added POI to streets and trips which made navigating / planning our dashes from the I-5 easier. GASK had the details (sans pictures sadly) of the caches. Once we arrived, we left the laptop in the car (locked to the car no less even though we didnt actually expect it would slow down a determined thief)

 

Yesterday we bought an Oregon 200 for the wife which complements our 60Cx well & gives us paperless capability (one day in, we're happy so far). If we get really desperate we also have an iPhone & a nice fat data contract. Just need to be sure that we're not getting picked up by US carriers when we're caching near the border - those roaming data charges are a killer. Good thing I had a GPS track data to send to my carrier to prove I didnt go into the US.

 

I'm not sure the laptop will be going with us caching again unless we're planning on covering an area that has more than 1000 caches.