What do people think are the best PDAs for geocaching? I would like to go paperless, but I'm not sure where to start regarding a PDA. I'd like to use it as a blackberry and to be able to get on the Web, but of course I mostly want to download caches! Thanks! -schmoozie

Moved this post to the technical forum.

For just downloading cache pages a fairly basic PDA will do. The more memory you have the more caches and associated images you can download.

I have a Palm Zire 71 which has worked pretty well for me using Plucker; it also has a builtin camera which is nice for the occasional photo at the cache site.

Another advantage of a PDA is having apps like a calculator and notepad for working out those multis.

i use my sprint treo 650 for web access, cachemate and other caching tools. -TP

I like my Tungsten E. It interfaces well with MS Office for calendar and contacts. I also use Cachemate and GSAK.

No WiFi or internet browsing though.

I use a Tungsten T. It works great.
However when caching out of town (ie GGA Meetings) I use my laptop with GSAK.

Thanks everyone! This gives me a good place to start. I'll print all the responses and start shopping!

-schmoozie.

I just saw a Palm vs PocketPC review.
It won't cover caching, but gives good pros/cons in general.

Palm vs PocketPC

Kenneth

I got a bonus at work, so I decided to go whole hog! I just ordered a Garmin iQue M5!!! I'm so excited I can't wait until it gets here.
http://www.garmin.com/products/iQueM5/
After I go caching with it and play around with it while traveling, I'll let you all know how I like it. -schmoozie

You'll love the M5. I've had mine for a few months now. The only thing that seems to be missing is the arrow to point the way. Once you get to the cache site, you'll have to rely on another GPSr to point the way. If you have any questions about the M5....just let me know.

I have the garmin Ique and love it I Am planning on grabbing one Of the M5 just for its bluetooth. As far as the navigating arrow cachemate has a cache nav that should work fine for pointing.

This is great input everyone. Thanks! I read the Palm vs. Pocket PC article. I think I made the right decision. Once I play with the iQue M5 a bit then I'll figure out how to get an arrow to work. I usually end up using just the coords once I get close to the cache anyway. Bitty, who I cache with a lot is a non-goto arrow cacher. She seems to always know where NSEW are. Drives me nuts. She has a built in compass in her head, no matter where she is...is that the spatial version of perfect pitch?? -schmoozie

quote:

Originally posted by GaCacheCows:
You'll love the M5. I've had mine for a few months now. The only thing that seems to be missing is the arrow to point the way. Once you get to the cache site, you'll have to rely on another GPSr to point the way. If you have any questions about the M5....just let me know.

I do have a question about Bluetooth. I would like to surf the Web, e.g., at the airport or while traveling. Can I use Bluetooth for that? tks! -schmoozie

Oh...I just answered my own question by going on Garmin's web site to look at the FAQs. Should have done that in the first place. I'm going to get a wifi card: SDIO expansion card and use wifi where it's available. I'll tackle Bluetooth after that. As I understand it, you go through your bluetooth capable cell phone. wifi seems easier for now. tks. -schmoozie

quote:

Originally posted by GaCacheCows:
You'll love the M5. I've had mine for a few months now. The only thing that seems to be missing is the arrow to point the way. Once you get to the cache site, you'll have to rely on another GPSr to point the way. If you have any questions about the M5....just let me know.

I have a real question this time: I got the SDI0 wifi card, but it only works for certain tungsten models and something else, not the iQue. I can't seem to find which wifi (or even better, a wifi/memory card) that is compatible with the iQue M5. Garmin's website is no help. Do you have any idea? Thanks! -schmoozie