PDA Questions

[eclose]

I've seen palm readers,don't really understand them,except maybe to keep names and numbers.What can they do to help in caching?

[hikenit]

eclose said:

I've seen palm readers,don't really understand them,except maybe to keep names and numbers.What can they do to help in caching?

eclose,
There are a few programs that are used with PDA designed for Geocaching. For example, if you are a paid member of Geocaching you can download a couple of batch files that have all the way-point info for your GPS and the cache descriptions in an ebook format. Other programs for PDAs do so much more and in the format you specify. As of now I think that AB4N or sledgehampster use PDA's for Geocaching.
On our links web page there are a few programs you can check into.

[SlEdGeHaMpStEr]

I use my PDA for downloading cache pages. That way I don't waste time printing a bunch of caches, only to find out they have been archived when I get there. I hot sync my PDA and everything is up to the minute correct, also saves the cost of paper and ink cartridges ! I also use Delorme Street Atlas2004 Handheld on my PDA for routing to caches if I don't know the area. Gives me turn by turn driving directions so I don't waste caching time getting lost (usually )
The investment is worth it to me, but I am a confessed tech junkie! Email me if I can be of help or just to answer questions for you.

[DrNature]

I have recently acquired a PDA (a Palm V -- a dinosaur, but well-worth the price [FREE ;D]). I am completely sold on paperless caching. It also helps that I got MapSend Topo for my SporTrak Map, so now I have maps, too.

I highly (HIGHLY) recommend Geocaching Swiss Army Knife (GSAK: gsak.geocaching.com.au/) to go with it. With GSAK (free) and Plucker (free www.plkr.org/) and GC Pocket Queries ($30/year), you are all set. I don't even need Cachemate, as Plucker on the Palm does a good job. I can always save a cache to a Memo to record my comments about finds.

I agree with much of what has been written about PDAs and caching: get a cheap, used one that will be just for caching. If nothing else, when you are retrieveing your GPSr from the surface of the creek you won't be as upset about the PDA lodged in the rocks 10 feet down. BTW, they ain't waterproof!

Check out www.geocacher-u.com/resources/paperless.html !

[AB4N]

I have a Palm Tungsten E and love it. The paperless caching is wonderful so long as I remember to load the right file into it This last week I had the priviledge to go to New England for the first time and do a couple caches up there. But I loaded the wrong file into my PDA and was missing a few cache descriptions for the area that we were in. It cost me a find because I didn't know that I was looking for a micro

I just downloaded GSAK and started playing with it for the first time - I am impressed! It will definitely become a tool that I will use. I will get a link to this software on our webpage tomorrow.

As far as PDA software I have been using both Cachemate and Plucker for a few months now, but am starting to use Cachemate almost exclusively. I do like the fact that Plucker is free, but Cachemate was only $7 so I went ahead and registered for the full version. They have been making steady improvements and I really like the way it organizes the caches and the logging function that it has.