On Fri, 11 Jul 2003 14:39:55 GMT, Andrew Langer<Langrrr@aol.com>
wrote:
>Darrel -
>
>Do you have a recommendation on a good handheld GPS for a beginning geocacher?
>And do you have any thoughts on whether a built-in compass is something I ought
>to be looking for (or should I just break out my old Silva compass?)?
>
>- Andrew Langer
>
I'm not Darrel, and I look forward to his response, but:
Most any GPS would do well for that. Two brands with many appropriate
models are Garmin and Magellan (
www.garmin.com and
www.magellangps.com
respectively.
I would suggest one that can interface with a PC (almost all on the
market now). Nice to be able to back up your data, and load points
from your PC.
WAAS can improve accuracy a bit, from within 10 meters 95% of the time
to within 3 meters 95% of the time.
The electronic compass will add significantly to the price, and reduce
battery life. It will not be more precise than about 2 degrees.
You would need to carry a real compass (I'm not biased ;-)) as backup
anyway, as batteries can die, and a midrange one can get you to 1
degree or even 1/2 degree.
gpsinformation.net is a good resource, and will link you to many
others.
Happy trails,
Gary (net.yogi.bear)
------------------------------------------------
at the 51st percentile of ursine intelligence
Gary D. Schwartz, Needham, MA, USA
Please reply to: garyDOTschwartzATpoboxDOTcom