Garmin handheld question

I've been considering the purchase of a basic Garmin
handheld, mainly for geocaching and recording trails of
bushwalks. From what I can tell from their website, the
basic etrex would fit the bill. I don't think I need the
mapping capability that higher end models have (I have a PDA
that has full maps, it just doesn't have the battery life
for continuous use on a long hike, but is fine for
on-look-off type use).

But on the garmin website one of the spec it lists is
"geocaching friendly" for which it says "no". Slightly
higher end models like the GPS60 say yes.

I've had a look at their website, and can't actually find
what it means when they say geocaching friendly. The Etrex
can hold 500 waypoints and allows connection to a computer,
so I'm curious what else is needed to be "geocaching
friendly". Anyone have any idea what it is specific about
these GPSr's that makes them geocaching friendly?

Otherwise I can't see a reason why to buy the GPS60 instead
of the etrex. The etrex is $100 cheaper, appears to have the
same receiver, and I don't need the map feature.

--
Have you ever noticed that all legal documents need to be
completed in black or blue pen, but we vote in pencil?

For openers, I don't think it's necessary to have the unit on
constantly except in special situations. I have had a Garmin-12 for
quite a long time and now have added the Legend HCX. Taking a fix
every so often, such as near significant features or forks in the
trail, is usually quite enough. Transfer your data points to any
mapping software and you're all set. The Legend has geocaching
features, but I find simply taking fixes every now and then or
entering waypoints for a go-to by hand is simple, easy & accurate.

I would spend a little extra to get the eTrex H model. The high sensitivity
receiver makes a world of difference when in difficult reception conditions
such as dense foliage.
The geocaching mode lets you select a symbol (usually the closed treasure
chest) for geocaches. There is a separate "find" menu that selects only
waypoints with the geocache symbol. When you do a goto "off road" for the
geocache, you get a unique screen with a button for "found". This changes
the symbol to an open treasure chest, records it on the day's calendar, and
gives you the option to "find next", the next closest geocache.

Klatch wrote:
Thank you, that answers my question. Sounds like the Etrex
will be perfectly usable for what I want. The geocaching
functions would be handy, but I'll still have my PDA to do
the logging (including upload to GC.Com), but it is not a
function that is critical for use. The PDA has been
perfectly good, but I'm thinking of getting something with
better battery life (and regular batteries), so I've got
something for extended walks.
Actually it is the Etrex H I was looking at. they are
$149AUS, vs $249AUS for the GPS 60. I can get a 2nd hand
regular Etrex for $70, but I think I'd rather go for a new
unit with warranty and the better receiver.

--
Have you ever noticed that all legal documents need to be
completed in black or blue pen, but we vote in pencil?

        I don't know what kind of battery your new GPS uses, but it uses AA
battery then I would suggest to invest in Eneloop (pre-charged) batteries
which is the newer generation which hold the charge much longer then the
older generation.

        If you spend lot of time in the jungle and don't wanna get lost, then you
may wanna do some research on panel solar-charger which can be rolled up
like a sheet of pastic. I don't own any but have done little research over
a year ago.