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Best GPS for a beginner.


Judo Master

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Hi All

 

I am looking into buying a GPS I am looking at the Magellan eXplorist GC GPS and Compass from Canadian Tire. It is priced at 174.99. It says that it is designed for Geocaching. I really do not know what kind it the best. I would like something that i can grow into something that I could keep for a long time and get my money's worth out of it. :lol: What do you recommend for a beginner geocacher? Does anyone have any of the garmin etrex series? How are they and would you recommend them?

 

Here is the link to the CT website where the GPS is located. Magellan eXplorist GC GPS and Compass

 

Here is a link to the picture of the GPS i am looking at.

Image of Magellan eXplorist GC GPS and Compass

Edited by Judo Master
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Interesting that they would advertize it as a GPSr AND a compass. Sounds like two different items, but they show it as one (which it is). A marketing gimmick.

 

The compass internal to the GPSr is fine -- I am not knocking that, but most all of them have an electronic compass today, so.... why the 'AND'? It's almost like.. "But wait, there's more......"!

 

The 'GC' is a unit that receives raves, but not everybody likes the Magellan support. Mostly I think, it is a matter of what you are used to (or get used to) using.

 

As far as a compass goes, we always carry a magnetic anyway. It's batteries never die.

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That is a fine GPS and works well for Geocaching but you cannot update the maps included on it.

 

I like the Garmin eTrex 20 as it is low cost, has map memory and works great for Geocaching.

 

Thanks for the suggestion i did not know that the maps could not be updated. :o

 

Where did you buy this GPS?

Edited by Judo Master
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Interesting that they would advertize it as a GPSr AND a compass. Sounds like two different items, but they show it as one (which it is). A marketing gimmick.

 

The compass internal to the GPSr is fine -- I am not knocking that, but most all of them have an electronic compass today, so.... why the 'AND'? It's almost like.. "But wait, there's more......"!

 

The 'GC' is a unit that receives raves, but not everybody likes the Magellan support. Mostly I think, it is a matter of what you are used to (or get used to) using.

 

As far as a compass goes, we always carry a magnetic anyway. It's batteries never die.

 

What would you recommend for a beginner GPS?

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I use the eXplorist GC and I am happy with it. If I can operate it, anyone can! It was actually more accurate earlier this week than the Garmin 62CSx. I got it as it is relatively simple, and saves printing out the cache pages.

I have heard (though I haven't done so myself) that downloading VantagePoint from Magellan makes things even better.

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That is a fine GPS and works well for Geocaching but you cannot update the maps included on it.

 

I like the Garmin eTrex 20 as it is low cost, has map memory and works great for Geocaching.

 

I use the eXplorist GC and I am happy with it. If I can operate it, anyone can! It was actually more accurate earlier this week than the Garmin 62CSx. I got it as it is relatively simple, and saves printing out the cache pages.

I have heard (though I haven't done so myself) that downloading VantagePoint from Magellan makes things even better.

 

Thanks for the response! Are your able to update the maps on the GPS? I was told that you can not or does that depend on the model? (see quote above).

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That is a fine GPS and works well for Geocaching but you cannot update the maps included on it.

 

I like the Garmin eTrex 20 as it is low cost, has map memory and works great for Geocaching.

 

I use the eXplorist GC and I am happy with it. If I can operate it, anyone can! It was actually more accurate earlier this week than the Garmin 62CSx. I got it as it is relatively simple, and saves printing out the cache pages.

I have heard (though I haven't done so myself) that downloading VantagePoint from Magellan makes things even better.

 

Thanks for the response! Are your able to update the maps on the GPS? I was told that you can not or does that depend on the model? (see quote above).

I don't know about the Garmins but as for the Magellans the eXplorist 310 and higher model numbers you are able to upload custom maps in to it. You can't upload custom maps to the eXplorist GC and eXplorist 110 but the maps are updateable via future firmware update.

Link to comment

That is a fine GPS and works well for Geocaching but you cannot update the maps included on it.

 

I like the Garmin eTrex 20 as it is low cost, has map memory and works great for Geocaching.

 

I use the eXplorist GC and I am happy with it. If I can operate it, anyone can! It was actually more accurate earlier this week than the Garmin 62CSx. I got it as it is relatively simple, and saves printing out the cache pages.

I have heard (though I haven't done so myself) that downloading VantagePoint from Magellan makes things even better.

 

 

Thanks for the response! Are your able to update the maps on the GPS? I was told that you can not or does that depend on the model? (see quote above).

I don't know about the Garmins but as for the Magellans the eXplorist 310 and higher model numbers you are able to upload custom maps in to it. You can't upload custom maps to the eXplorist GC and eXplorist 110 but the maps are updateable via future firmware update.

 

Thanks for letting me know that i might choose to go to Magellan. Because of the touch screen.

:laughing:

Link to comment

That is a fine GPS and works well for Geocaching but you cannot update the maps included on it.

 

I like the Garmin eTrex 20 as it is low cost, has map memory and works great for Geocaching.

 

I use the eXplorist GC and I am happy with it. If I can operate it, anyone can! It was actually more accurate earlier this week than the Garmin 62CSx. I got it as it is relatively simple, and saves printing out the cache pages.

I have heard (though I haven't done so myself) that downloading VantagePoint from Magellan makes things even better.

 

 

Thanks for the response! Are your able to update the maps on the GPS? I was told that you can not or does that depend on the model? (see quote above).

I don't know about the Garmins but as for the Magellans the eXplorist 310 and higher model numbers you are able to upload custom maps in to it. You can't upload custom maps to the eXplorist GC and eXplorist 110 but the maps are updateable via future firmware update.

 

Thanks for letting me know that i might choose to go to Magellan. Because of the touch screen.

:laughing:

 

How important is a GPS with up loadable maps?

 

:huh:

Link to comment

That is a fine GPS and works well for Geocaching but you cannot update the maps included on it.

 

I like the Garmin eTrex 20 as it is low cost, has map memory and works great for Geocaching.

 

I use the eXplorist GC and I am happy with it. If I can operate it, anyone can! It was actually more accurate earlier this week than the Garmin 62CSx. I got it as it is relatively simple, and saves printing out the cache pages.

I have heard (though I haven't done so myself) that downloading VantagePoint from Magellan makes things even better.

 

 

Thanks for the response! Are your able to update the maps on the GPS? I was told that you can not or does that depend on the model? (see quote above).

I don't know about the Garmins but as for the Magellans the eXplorist 310 and higher model numbers you are able to upload custom maps in to it. You can't upload custom maps to the eXplorist GC and eXplorist 110 but the maps are updateable via future firmware update.

 

Thanks for letting me know that i might choose to go to Magellan. Because of the touch screen.

:laughing:

 

How important is a GPS with up loadable maps?

 

:huh:

It really depends on you.

If you don't like waiting for the manufacturer to update their maps or if you want topographic or trail maps then you'll want to go with a model that allows you to upload maps. Topo and trail maps on your GPS are very nice but not a necessity because you can buy or print paper version. Some people don't use maps at all.

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Hi

 

I got the Magellan eXplorist GC as a starter gps unit, and i'm over the moon with it.

 

I got it for £126 on Amazon UK.

out of the box it had firmware 1.8 when only 1.7 is on the web site?

 

Magellan Vantage point is a must, it works very well with the gps.

My only complaint is the user manual is poor(only 5-10pages long)

 

Did 5 geocaches today and it worked great!!

 

Very good for the money.

 

jim

Edited by The Murray Walkers
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Hi

 

I got the Magellan eXplorist GC as a starter gps unit, and i'm over the moon with it.

 

I got it for £126 on Amazon UK.

out of the box it had firmware 1.8 when only 1.7 is on the web site?

 

Magellan Vantage point is a must, it works very well with the gps.

My only complaint is the user manual is poor(only 5-10pages long)

 

Did 5 geocaches today and it worked great!!

 

Very good for the money.

 

jim

 

Thanks for the information!

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Hi Judo Master,

I am a real beginner in geocaching in Germany. I bought a Garmin etrex 30 3 days ago an i am really happy with it. I did 4 caches up to now! I think etrex would be a good choice! Good luck for your caches!

helfensteingeckos from Germany

 

I believe i am going to go with the Garmin Etrex 20. Is it similar to the 30? :huh:

Link to comment

That is a fine GPS and works well for Geocaching but you cannot update the maps included on it.

 

I like the Garmin eTrex 20 as it is low cost, has map memory and works great for Geocaching.

 

I use the eXplorist GC and I am happy with it. If I can operate it, anyone can! It was actually more accurate earlier this week than the Garmin 62CSx. I got it as it is relatively simple, and saves printing out the cache pages.

I have heard (though I haven't done so myself) that downloading VantagePoint from Magellan makes things even better.

 

 

Thanks for the response! Are your able to update the maps on the GPS? I was told that you can not or does that depend on the model? (see quote above).

I don't know about the Garmins but as for the Magellans the eXplorist 310 and higher model numbers you are able to upload custom maps in to it. You can't upload custom maps to the eXplorist GC and eXplorist 110 but the maps are updateable via future firmware update.

 

Thanks for letting me know that i might choose to go to Magellan. Because of the touch screen.

:laughing:

 

eXplorist GC is what I use. I originally had a geomate jr. just because of the cost, but I don't recommend it at all. The eXplorist is a great value for the price.

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Another vote here for the GC. Yes, it's maybe a bit more money, but you will be much happier with it. I've known a number of people buying lower-level eTrex and they were very unhappy with them.

 

I bought our GC from Walmart and used it 30 days before returning and they took it back no hassles. I loved it so much it was really hard returning but DS wanted an Oregon.

 

Another option is to use a smartphone if you've got one. Cheap way to get started and see if you like caching before buying a proper GPS.

Edited by The_Incredibles_
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Another vote here for the GC. Yes, it's maybe a bit more money, but you will be much happier with it. I've known a number of people buying lower-level eTrex and they were very unhappy with them.

 

I bought our GC from Walmart and used it 30 days before returning and they took it back no hassles. I loved it so much it was really hard returning but DS wanted an Oregon.

 

Another option is to use a smartphone if you've got one. Cheap way to get started and see if you like caching before buying a proper GPS.

 

Were you able to update maps? What model did you have. :huh:

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Another vote here for the GC. Yes, it's maybe a bit more money, but you will be much happier with it. I've known a number of people buying lower-level eTrex and they were very unhappy with them.

 

I bought our GC from Walmart and used it 30 days before returning and they took it back no hassles. I loved it so much it was really hard returning but DS wanted an Oregon.

 

Another option is to use a smartphone if you've got one. Cheap way to get started and see if you like caching before buying a proper GPS.

 

Were you able to update maps? What model did you have. :huh:

 

You cannot "update" the maps on an Explorist GC, or load any alternates into it, such as Topo maps. This doesn't mean the maps will not be updated, ever, Magellan could do this as a firmware upgrade.

 

Etrex 20? Don't quote me on this, but I'm pretty sure you can update the maps, or throw the others of your choice in there.

 

EDIT: I see Glenn pretty much already posted all that about the GC. But it almost sounds as if you were confused as to whether or not The Incredibles updated the maps on a GC. They cannot.

Edited by Mr.Yuck
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HI, I was also very interested in buying the "Magellan eXplorist GC GPS" unit, but I've been reading a few horror stories about really bad GPS signals when under dense wooded areas, etc. and also that the USB sockets have a bad habit of breaking/ leaking water.

 

Has anyone in the UK had any of these issues? .... or is it just some people being too fussy with what they expect for their money.

 

I am just starting with Geocaching, and want to purchase something reasonable that will last a while, but don't wan't to buy something that's a complete waste of money either !

 

Any advice would be grately appreciated, as I'm going round in circles here trying to make a decision!

 

Thanks! :unsure:

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Hey

 

I'm very (very!) new to geocaching. I thought I'd tag along on this thread. I'm from Virginia (USA), and I'm leaning toward Magellan GC to start, but am unsure. Is Vantage Point free? Are there any specific problems for the GC here?

 

Thanks

 

Pulchra Veritas (beautiful truth)

 

Vantage point is totally free. By here, do you mean Geocaching.com? When you use the "send to GPS" feature for downloading onesy, twosey caches off the website or the maps, there is a pop-up that asks if you want to upgrade to the latest version of Magellan Communicator. But you don't have to, Magellan needs to fix the communicator. You cancel out the pop-up, and the cache downloads fine. The only problem I'm aware of.

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Hi! I'm super new to geocaching and I was wondering what people thought of the geocaching.com app. for the Ipod? Does it seem like a decent replacement for a GPS or would it be better to get a specialized GPS?

I believe you will need to have a GPS receiver add-on to actually USE the app for caching. I use it to download the cache info (description, etc.) then use my Garmin for the actual GPS. If you search the Forums for "ipod for caching" it should have more detailed discusson. I know Bad Elf makes something. I was going to get one, but for a bit more I am going to upgrade my GPS to one that enables paperless caching, that way it's all in one. Hope this helps - I do enjoy the app for just getting the info into one spot though!

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I would strongly suggest looking at eBay for a starting GPS. I ended up with an eXplorist GC which I managed to get for about £70. At the time the eTrex 20 was fairly new over here and so wasn't readily available - however the Dakotas were selling for not much more. I'd previously managed to get an eTrex Summit about a year before for about £50 but found it really hard to use - the eXplorist is so much easier for simpletons like me!

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I've been using the eXplorist GC ever since it came out (...ok, about a month after it came out) and I think it's a great unit for Geocaching... well, at least for me.

 

I wasn't looking into a unit for navigation and it was "in-budget" with all the features I was looking for (just Geocaching).

 

I don't think the inability to update the map is a real "con" for most considering that it includes a fairly recent version of the Worldwide NAVTEQ map, which already includes a lot of information (even for my little "usually-neglected" region in New-Brunswick, Canada, where it includes certain trails and even roads used for forestry).

 

As with every piece of electronics, and even beyond, there are better units, and there are worst units; there are more expensive units, and there are cheaper units. The "best" unit is the one that's going to have all the features you need at the price you're willing to give.

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I've been using the eXplorist GC ever since it came out (...ok, about a month after it came out) and I think it's a great unit for Geocaching... well, at least for me.

 

I wasn't looking into a unit for navigation and it was "in-budget" with all the features I was looking for (just Geocaching).

 

I don't think the inability to update the map is a real "con" for most considering that it includes a fairly recent version of the Worldwide NAVTEQ map, which already includes a lot of information (even for my little "usually-neglected" region in New-Brunswick, Canada, where it includes certain trails and even roads used for forestry).

 

As with every piece of electronics, and even beyond, there are better units, and there are worst units; there are more expensive units, and there are cheaper units. The "best" unit is the one that's going to have all the features you need at the price you're willing to give.

 

Yeah, I once loaded a few caches to see if the roads in a very rural area of British Columbia were shown, as someone considering purchasing one asked. Yes they were, and I do believe she bought the unit.

 

When exactly did the GC come out? Sometime in 2011? I know the even cheaper Explorist 110 just came out in January, 2012.

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Between April and May 2010... I don't remember exactly when.

 

Close enough. About 2 years old. They're certainly selling a lot of them. Especially with the little rift between Groundspeak and Garmin. Brilliant marketing ploy with "100% dedicated to Geocaching adventures" plastered all over the box. :lol:

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