Manitoba Geocaching Association

[Riany]

Does anyone use an Android or a Iphone for Caching? And how well does it work? I am debating on getting a new GPS or just getting a phone ( really I need a new phone too anyway) I thought I could just get a 2fer, and cut costs.

[Ztirnats]

We use the geocaching App on the iPhone. We started with the iPhone 3GS and now have the iPhone 4S. Both worked extremely well for us. No need to download coordinates as it is in real time. It also has the benefit of additional Apps that may be helpful for puzzle caches.

[Les roux]

The GC App for the iPhone works really well. Most of the times I use the phone but keep the GPS with me just in case. The only downside is that you can't manually enter a coordinate in the App and "navigate" to it (unless I am not aware of this function in the GC App or another iPhone App). So when I am doing puzzle or multi caches, I must have my GPS with me to move to the next stage.

[Torossi]

Here's my two cents. I have an iPhone 4 and use the geocaching app for cache description and hints etc. I still use my Garmin GPS to find the cache. I sometimes find the geocaching app's compass to be slow and sluggish.....this could be due to other background apps running on my phone. The app is great otherwise!! I use the same app on my iPad to log my finds!
Happy caching

[glacier_ice]

Smartphones will get you there for cache finding. Most times they are reasonably accurate. Some times bang on, other times, at least, enough to put you in the right general area.

Where it falls apart is when you're wanting to take super accurate coordinate readings, like when you're hiding a Geocache. That's when you'll want the dedicated GPS. Most times, far more accurate than smart phones.

Where it REALLY falls apart, however, is when you're wanting to find Geocaches outside of the range of a cellular tower. The accuracy drops and because the smart phone relies on cell/data service to update your map 'over the air' you can get pretty snafu'd. The GPS has, at the bare minimum, a base map to work with. With a map upgrade (paid, or free if you are using Open Street Map) you'll always have a map and knowledge of your surroundings.

[ToonYogi]

Does anyone use the Garmin GPS App for the iPhone??? Its $60.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/garmin-n.-america/id435740864?mt=8

[Riany]

hmm okay thanks guys, I may look into that kids Geomate gps, cheap enough at $85, I heard good things about it. Mine works well enough but the battery case is on its last legs.

[ertyu]

The geomate has been discontinued. I wouldn't recommend it as a primary unit either. The etrex 20 is a very featurefull entry level unit for ~$200. Or there might be some used models around for a good price.

[IAMSTIG]

I use an iPhone to cache and couldn't see myself going back to a normal GPS. I still borrow one from work when hiding caches as it is more accurate but nothing beats a mobile phone for cache finding...esp spur of the moment caching as its always current and ready to go.

As for caching outside cell range you can pre save cache maps and the GPS will still work just fine.

[fallyn]

I use a blackberry torch with cachesense, which I really like.
http://www.cachesense.com/
They also make an android app.


On the go stuff and can log instantly.

You can also do this with the Iphone app from Trimble's Geocache Navigator
http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/Products/GeocacheNavigator/

I believe all the above apps are $9.95 lifetime.

If you go with a phone, make sure you have a car charger.

[Riany]

Thanks for the input !

I may end up buying a cheaper gps.

The geomate actually may do a comeback, I guess we'll find out soon enough if it does or not.

http://gpstracklog.com/2012/05/geomate-jr-to-be-revived-after-latest-acquisition.html

[glacier_ice]

In another forum, someone is selling one of their units.

http://www.mbgeocaching.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1920&pc_tzo=-18000&pc_d=20120508&pc_t=83213