somebody clue me in on this

[Dee4j]

I have until June to figure out how to use it :banghead:  I've gotten to turning it on and how to get to the main menu but can't figure out how to tell it where I want to go, so it can tell me how to get there...I just stink at this stuff :compumad:  maybe a class at pismo is in order??? I loved the didgital photo class.

[Braz54]

This is just like letterboxing. My sister is teaching me all about this .It certainly looks like alot of fun especially being an outdoors person.
Can you join without having your own box?

[cosmotcat]

To the more experienced Geocamping people out there, what is the real difference between the models with and without maps on the screen.  It seems the lower priced ones don't have a map display but just an arrow showing you where to go.  For someone starting out is it really necessary to have the map or it just a matter of preference?

[gsm x2]

To the more experienced Geocamping people out there, what is the real difference between the models with and without maps on the screen. It seems the lower priced ones don't have a map display but just an arrow showing you where to go. For someone starting out is it really necessary to have the map or it just a matter of preference?

Cosmo,
 
If you are going to use the unit for geocaching, you definitely want to make sure it is WAAS enabled. This increases the accuracy, which is very important for geocaching.
 
I recently did an extensive comparison of the Garmin units, so here's my humble opinion, and I don't want to offend anyone who uses another manufacturer.
 
All units are WAAS enabled.
 
The Garmin Venture has some city database information, but not really mapping with its 1 MG memory. This would be a good unit if you were going to go geocaching and little else.
 
The Garmin Legend has 8 MG of memory, which gives is basic mapping of the U.S. and a database of exits on the Interstates. This is the one we have. We used this last month as we drove to O'Hare Airport and suddenly needed a restroom, like "right now". Not only did the GPS tell us which one of the next three exits had facilities, it even let us know that the gas station required a left turn so we could get in the correct lane.
 
The Vista has 24 MG of memory, which allows higher resolution mapping.
 
Watch out for the Summit and the wrist worn Forerunner series. They are not WAAS enabled.
 
I did not look at the GEKO series, bu t they are WAAS enabled and cool looking.
 
A piece of advice that works for me. "Look at what you NEED and purchase ONE LEVEL UP." Then you'll avoid the "I wish I had..." that comes with purchasing just what you NEED not what you WANT.
 
Office Max has the Legend for $149.99, which falls in the range of what you would pay on-line, with no shipping fees.
 
In the end, I got myself a Legend (non-color). Now both G and I have our own GPS unit (the same model)...we just don't like to share technology.
 
Hope this helps.
 
gsm x2

[homecrew]

Amazon.com has the Garmin Legend for $131 with free shipping. If you are a new customer you might get a popup that has you sign up for an amazon credit card for $30 off your first charge. Final cost $101.

[rock_hound]

To the more experienced Geocamping people out there, what is the real difference between the models with and without maps on the screen.  It seems the lower priced ones don't have a map display but just an arrow showing you where to go.  For someone starting out is it really necessary to have the map or it just a matter of preference?

I have been geocaching for about a year (150 finds).  I use a magellan Sportrack Pro with Topo maps loaded.  I can't imagine caching without the maps.  It really helps in finding your way (in your vehicle) to a the general cache location.  I also use it for vehicle navigation on long trips.  Get the maps if you can afford it.  I paid about $200 for my Sportrack including a 12V power adapter.

Hope this helps.

[cosmotcat]

I have been geocaching for about a year (150 finds).  I use a magellan Sportrack Pro with Topo maps loaded.  I can't imagine caching without the maps.  It really helps in finding your way (in your vehicle) to a the general cache location.  I also use it for vehicle navigation on long trips.  Get the maps if you can afford it.  I paid about $200 for my Sportrack including a 12V power adapter.

Hope this helps.

I ended up getting a Garmin etrex Legend which was the cheapest Garmin with maps.  I'm glad I did.  It was worth the extra money.

[MTNDAVE]

Congratulations on you Garmin Legend purchase.
 
I know you will be more than happy.  I have had my Legend for a good 3 years (cost a lot more back then).
 
I have had many adventures with it not only Geocaching but biking, trail hiking, bushwacking and searching for old ghostowns (a hobby of mine).  
 
I also use it on sometimes when traveling not so much as a router but to check what's ahead.
 
It is a strurdy little unit, compact and easy to use with lots of features.  Once you get used to it you will find plenty of things to do with it.  
 
One recommendation once you start using it often.  Unless you have stock in Duracell, invest in rechargeable batteries and a charger.  
 
Cache On
Camp On
Happy Trails
 
MtnDave