A review of handheld GPS Systems for Geocaching.
This review will help you select a handheld GPS unit. There are many manufacturers of handheld units - the most popular are Garmin, Magellan, and Lowrance. I have chosen only Garmin units because they are the best supported by websites and software.
When selecting a handheld unit be sure it has a USB port to hook up to your computer. Also, that it takes AA batteries. You do not want to be out in the wild and need some type of special battery, or need to recharge at an outlet. You can always get AA batteries at a drug store or gas station. The AA battery size is the most popular world wide.
There are lower cost units than the ones below. You can buy a black and white unit and save about $40 - but you will wish you had color! Click the title for a detailed review and price for each unit. At the bottom of the page is a Side by Side comparison of each unit.
Garmin eTrex Venture HC High-Intensity Color Mapping Handheld GPS - a GOOD Choice
This is the lowest price unit I recommend. It is color, has a USB Port.
It will handle up to 500 Caches!
(when you get over 500, you just need to unload the ones you are not currently using. Then you can load another 500.)
- Handheld GPS navigator with high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver
- Locates position quickly and precisely and maintains GPS location in heavy cover
- 24 MB internal memory; detailed basemap with lakes, highways, railroads, and more
- 256-color, sunlight-readable TFT display; 500 waypoints with names and symbols
- 14 Hr Battery Life
Garmin eTrex Legend HCx High-Senstivity a BETTER Choice
This unit has all the features of the one above and will handle up to 1,000 caches. It also has an expandable memory slot.
- Handheld GPS navigator with high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver
- Locates position quickly and precisely and maintains GPS location in heavy cover
- MicroSD card slot; detailed basemap with lakes, highways, railroads, and more
- 256-color, sunlight-readable TFT display; 1,000 waypoints with names and symbols
- LONG 25 Hr Battery Life
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS One of the BEST Choices for Geocaching.
This unit adds an electric compass and altimeter.
- Handheld GPS navigator with high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver
- Built-in electronic compass and barometric altimeter for calculating direction and altitude.
- MicroSD card slot; detailed basemap with lakes, highways, railroads, and more
- 256-color, sunlight-readable TFT display; 1,000 waypoints with names and symbols
- LONG 25 Hr Battery Life
Garmin GPSMap 60Cx High-Sensitivity One of the BEST Choices for Geocaching.
- Bright, sunlight-readable color TFT display and an included a 64 MB microSD card
- Uses the powerful SiRF GPS navigation chip for supreme accuracy
- Lightweight, rugged, and water resistant case
- 18 Hr Battery Life
- Larger than pocket size, but famous with Geocachers.
FULL side by side comparison of the unit above click this link!
