OK,so maybe I was wrong

[+J Grouchy]

A few weeks ago I was planning for a few longer caching expeditions that would not normally kill my phone's battery pretty quickly, so I decided to bite the bullet yet again and get a dedicated GPSr unit. The last time I tried, I got the Magellan eXplorist 310 and I absolutely hated it. It was slow to get a signal, it ate up batteries quickly, and I could never save any waypoints for some reason. It also rarely got me close to a cache, so I would end up pulling my phone out to seal the proverbial deal.

 

This time I got the Garmin etrex 20 and let me just say it is SO MUCH BETTER. It's a world of difference. It's fast to find a satellite signal, it is fairly easy to understand the UI, I can get the caches loaded fairly easily, and last night I loaded in a new map (the one it came with was embarrassingly bad) in under an hour. Yeah, the need for USB connection to a PC is annoying and slow and I hate dealing with PQs...but the battery life is awesome, the accuracy appears to be spot on and it even feels nice in my hand.

 

So while it's unlikely I'll use the GPSr as much as my phone for caching, I can now say that all GPSrs are not created equal and I'm finally convinced they have a real value in my own style of caching.

[+Viajero Perdido]

I can now say that all GPSrs are not created equal

How true.

 

I would also say, not all phones are created equal, not all apps are created equal, and not all maps are created equal.

 

It's taken some time, but I think I've managed to find the finest in all those categories. (Finest for me at least, not meaning to start any debates.) I'm a happy cacher.

Edited April 14, 2015 by Viajero Perdido

[ohgood]

A few weeks ago I was planning for a few longer caching expeditions that would not normally kill my phone's battery pretty quickly, so I decided to bite the bullet yet again and get a dedicated GPSr unit. The last time I tried, I got the Magellan eXplorist 310 and I absolutely hated it. It was slow to get a signal, it ate up batteries quickly, and I could never save any waypoints for some reason. It also rarely got me close to a cache, so I would end up pulling my phone out to seal the proverbial deal.

 

This time I got the Garmin etrex 20 and let me just say it is SO MUCH BETTER. It's a world of difference. It's fast to find a satellite signal, it is fairly easy to understand the UI, I can get the caches loaded fairly easily, and last night I loaded in a new map (the one it came with was embarrassingly bad) in under an hour. Yeah, the need for USB connection to a PC is annoying and slow and I hate dealing with PQs...but the battery life is awesome, the accuracy appears to be spot on and it even feels nice in my hand.

 

So while it's unlikely I'll use the GPSr as much as my phone for caching, I can now say that all GPSrs are not created equal and I'm finally convinced they have a real value in my own style of caching.

 

that highlighted part about needing a PC to do anything with a standalone is a big reason why i'll never buy another standalone.

[+Red90]

that highlighted part about needing a PC to do anything with a standalone is a big reason why i'll never buy another standalone.

 

You don't "need" a PC. You can make is work using a phone or tablet and the right gear to transfer information, if you like.

[ohgood]

that highlighted part about needing a PC to do anything with a standalone is a big reason why i'll never buy another standalone.

 

You don't "need" a PC. You can make is work using a phone or tablet and the right gear to transfer information, if you like.

 

correct, but also proving my point, that a standalone can't do much without help from other devices. since i already have that other device (a smartphone) in my pocket, the standalone is redundancy.

[+Mineral2]

that highlighted part about needing a PC to do anything with a standalone is a big reason why i'll never buy another standalone.

 

You don't "need" a PC. You can make is work using a phone or tablet and the right gear to transfer information, if you like.

 

correct, but also proving my point, that a standalone can't do much without help from other devices. since i already have that other device (a smartphone) in my pocket, the standalone is redundancy.

It really depends on the type of caching that you do that determines whether or not you *need* a dedicated GPS. Your phone is not meant for hardcore outdoor use. A GPS is. If you're only walking around town and going out for short hikes, your phone is probably sufficient for geocaching and basic navigation. If you're headed into some remote wilderness areas, long multi-day trips, day hike in gnarly terrain and conditions, or are involved in intense field work, a GPS will hold up to the elements much better.

 

Then again, if your only computing source is a smart phone and/or tablet, you might want to reconsider the role of technology in your life. The PC is not dead.

[+Gitchee-Gummee]

that highlighted part about needing a PC to do anything with a standalone is a big reason why i'll never buy another standalone.

 

You don't "need" a PC. You can make is work using a phone or tablet and the right gear to transfer information, if you like.

 

correct, but also proving my point, that a standalone can't do much without help from other devices. since i already have that other device (a smartphone) in my pocket, the standalone is redundancy.

This depends upon one's point-of-view, really. None are wrong, only different --

 

The OP seemingly wants a "back-up" device to supplement use of a phone for geocaching purposes;

Some see the stand-alone device as "the only device necessary";

Others (my viewpoint) see the stand-alone as primary and a phone as secondary or "back-up";

Others yet, see the phone as "the only device necessary".

 

Many folks enjoy the planning (previewing/scouting, downloading, route planning and other things) as an integral part of the geocaching experience. Some obviously... do not.

 

Dif'rnt strokes...

[+GeoTrekker26]

that highlighted part about needing a PC to do anything with a standalone is a big reason why i'll never buy another standalone.

 

You don't "need" a PC. You can make is work using a phone or tablet and the right gear to transfer information, if you like.

 

correct, but also proving my point, that a standalone can't do much without help from other devices. since i already have that other device (a smartphone) in my pocket, the standalone is redundancy.

 

True for someone who only finds a couple of caches a year. It won't hold up if you want to spend the day in the country on a caching adventure. The real advantage of a handheld unit is ruggedness, battery life and usually a screen that is much easier to view in bright sunlight.

[+J Grouchy]

that highlighted part about needing a PC to do anything with a standalone is a big reason why i'll never buy another standalone.

 

You don't "need" a PC. You can make is work using a phone or tablet and the right gear to transfer information, if you like.

 

correct, but also proving my point, that a standalone can't do much without help from other devices. since i already have that other device (a smartphone) in my pocket, the standalone is redundancy.

This depends upon one's point-of-view, really. None are wrong, only different --

 

The OP seemingly wants a "back-up" device to supplement use of a phone for geocaching purposes;

Some see the stand-alone device as "the only device necessary";

Others (my viewpoint) see the stand-alone as primary and a phone as secondary or "back-up";

Others yet, see the phone as "the only device necessary".

 

Many folks enjoy the planning (previewing/scouting, downloading, route planning and other things) as an integral part of the geocaching experience. Some obviously... do not.

 

Dif'rnt strokes...

 

Exactly this. All along I was wary of GPSrs...and my experience with the Magellan only confirmed my suspicions. It was my desire for something more utilitarian and durable for a long bike ride through areas of varying cellular signal reliability that made me bite the bullet (again) and get the Garmin.

 

So while I'm finally convinced of the GPSr's value now, I would probably never buy a more expensive unit. Not only because it is intended to only serve as a "back-up", but also because I don't need it to do anything more than point me in the right direction reliably. Once it starts bringing in smartphone-like features, then the overlap/redundancy becomes a waste of money for me.

[+Red90]

correct, but also proving my point, that a standalone can't do much without help from other devices. since i already have that other device (a smartphone) in my pocket, the standalone is redundancy.

 

Says the guy with 7 cache finds in 2+ years.

 

When you are out all day, away from the car, or it might get wet or dropped, the phone loses its appeal. Each device has its place. For the odd cache near by your car, the phone works great. For a day out hiking finding dozen of caches, not so much.

Edited April 15, 2015 by Red90

[+thebruce0]

It really depends on the type of caching that you do that determines whether or not you *need* a dedicated GPS. Your phone is not meant for hardcore outdoor use. A GPS is. If you're only walking around town and going out for short hikes, your phone is probably sufficient for geocaching and basic navigation.

True for someone who only finds a couple of caches a year. It won't hold up if you want to spend the day in the country on a caching adventure.

When you are out all day, away from the car, or it might get wet or dropped, the phone loses its appeal. Each device has its place. For the odd cache near by your car, the phone works great. For a day out hiking finding dozen of caches, not so much.

 

Ugh.

No, recall quoted above: "not all smartphones are the same."

Any device you use, you just have to understand what it can and can't do, and what's needed and reasonable to you to do what you want it to do.

My phone does plenty well with hardcore outdoor use, and MUCH more than just "walking around town" and "going out for short hikes" and "basic navigation". It's certainly capable of all that and more. As long as you know how to, and care for it sufficient for your own needs.

 

This myth that [all] smartphones are incapable of rugged use needs to stop.

 

If you're headed into some remote wilderness areas, long multi-day trips, day hike in gnarly terrain and conditions, or are involved in intense field work, a GPS will hold up to the elements much better.

Out of the box, sure. GPSrs are in their basic condition more rugged.

For some, any extra precautions or accessories for a phone are not worth it. And that's just fine. But that's not the same as the phone not being able to handle it.

Regardless of your device, you take care of it knowing its limits. If you don't like its limits, don't use the device. But beyond care-taking practices (as few or as many as they may be) the technical capabilities of most any decent GPS-capable device are right up there these days.

 

BTW, I've never had protective case for my phone. My personal caretaking goes as far as an external AA battery pack, and extra care handling the phone. Since I started caching, geocaching-related accidents related to my phone are at: 1. And my phone survived. It was a 3GS dropped in a pond and sitting for a few minutes - eventualy dried and kept working, though not as well a previously (eventually replaced). Other accidents included a 4S dropped for a couple of seconds at my feet on a beach - dried and kept working; another was a 5S sitting in a snow bank all winter, found in spring, sort of worked but never really came back to full life (eventually replaced). In 6 six years, that's pretty darned good, with only one geocaching related accident (which could have been avoided had it been protected by a water proof case), and each phone having been through a wide variety of 'hard core' experiences, from dry desert to open water to heavy forest and wilderness.

Easy.

Capable.

Be prepared.

Know your device.

Even rugged GPSrs have weaknesses, they typically can just take more before getting there. And if that's what's you find acceptable, then great.

 

Then again, if your only computing source is a smart phone and/or tablet, you might want to reconsider the role of technology in your life. The PC is not dead.

heh, that's a whole other debate

 

The OP seemingly wants a "back-up" device to supplement use of a phone for geocaching purposes;

Some see the stand-alone device as "the only device necessary";

Others (my viewpoint) see the stand-alone as primary and a phone as secondary or "back-up";

Others yet, see the phone as "the only device necessary".

Right on.

It all depends on your caching style, your comfort level, and how much (or little) effort you're willing to put into taking care of your device.

[+BlackRose67]

correct, but also proving my point, that a standalone can't do much without help from other devices. since i already have that other device (a smartphone) in my pocket, the standalone is redundancy.

 

Says the guy with 7 cache finds in 2+ years.

 

When you are out all day, away from the car, or it might get wet or dropped, the phone loses its appeal. Each device has its place. For the odd cache near by your car, the phone works great. For a day out hiking finding dozen of caches, not so much.

Exactly.

 

Last Saturday I was out caching for 11 hours straight, and found 49 caches while covering approximately 200 kms road distance (not including hiking several kms into the woods).

My phone as a support device was almost drained. My standalone GPS only dropped 1 bar during the day.

[ohgood]

correct, but also proving my point, that a standalone can't do much without help from other devices. since i already have that other device (a smartphone) in my pocket, the standalone is redundancy.

 

Says the guy with 7 cache finds in 2+ years.

 

When you are out all day, away from the car, or it might get wet or dropped, the phone loses its appeal. Each device has its place. For the odd cache near by your car, the phone works great. For a day out hiking finding dozen of caches, not so much.

 

geocaching is about 2% of my time outside. the majority is hiking, dualsporting, or dirtbiking.

 

the phone is always on the bars, recording, or guiding, and it's batteries are usually around 30-70% remaining when i'm exhausted and heading to camp. tracking 50 miles of singletrack, or 400 miles on the street, isn't a big deal for the battery. plug it in at camp, or swap in a fresh one. no biggie.

 

dropping a phone isn't a big deal. mine gets washed off in a mud puddle or with a camelbak. it's three years old and fine. (see casio c811, casio c711, the slew of samsung rugged devices, the iphone otterboxes, similar)

 

what is this 'car' you speak of ? ;-)

[ohgood]

correct, but also proving my point, that a standalone can't do much without help from other devices. since i already have that other device (a smartphone) in my pocket, the standalone is redundancy.

 

Says the guy with 7 cache finds in 2+ years.

 

When you are out all day, away from the car, or it might get wet or dropped, the phone loses its appeal. Each device has its place. For the odd cache near by your car, the phone works great. For a day out hiking finding dozen of caches, not so much.

Exactly.

 

Last Saturday I was out caching for 11 hours straight, and found 49 caches while covering approximately 200 kms road distance (not including hiking several kms into the woods).

My phone as a support device was almost drained. My standalone GPS only dropped 1 bar during the day.

 

use airplane mode and offline maps.

[+ecanderson]

use airplane mode and offline maps.

Many phones wouldn't handle the screen being lit for that many finds without a good hit to the battery, much less for navigation and other features. Taking RF offline isn't going to help enough for most people. Edited January 14, 2016 by ecanderson