Why Paperless Caching With a Palm???

Some wonder why I would cache with both a Palm and a seperate GPS unit? Why wouldn’t I just purchase the new Garmin Colorado or Oregon that does paperless caching? Well, let’s look at the pro’s and cons:

Pro:

Buying a GPSr that does paperless caching too is convenient and minimizes the number of devices you take into the field.

Cons:

1. Bundling too many appliances into one box almost always results in the mediocre performance of all of them.
2. Putting a GPSr and a paperless caching device together will leave you stranded if either application ‘dies’; you’ll then end up losing both devices when you send it in for repairs. Essentially, you’re putting too many eggs in one basket.
3. I’m not one of those who has to have the latest and greatest of everything.  As my old grandfather used to say, “When others run, you walk.”  I have always avoided buying the first of anything – I’ll let all of the bugs be discovered and worked out first. I don’t want to be the Beta test team. Therefore, I’ll stick with my GPSMap60cx until it no longer works and makes no economic sense to get fixed. As far as I’m concerned, it’s just stupid and wasteful to get rid of something that works great, just so I can be the kid on the block with a new pair of skates. Whooop-dee-doooo.
4. As much as the Colorado and Oregon cost, it’s far less expensive to buy a moderately priced GPSr and an inexpensive Palm. If my Palm gets broken, big deal. Somewhere,  I’m sure I can find another $15 for another one.
5. The $500 I would spend on a new Oregon would be far better sitting in my savings account than in Garmin’s.

Well for what it’s worth, that’s my take on paperless caching with the Garmin Colorado or Oregon. If you already have one, that’s wonderful! However, until she gives up the ghost, I’ll stick with my 60cx. But, I think we have a lot of caching to do before that happens!