other accessories

I have this exact unit and have been using for GeoCaching for about 6 months. The guts of the unit are pretty much the same as the more expensive ones - you'll know where you are just fine. Much of the user interface is the same as the more expensive models.

The main pro for this unit (other than price) is size - it's smaller than the next products up the line and easier to just stick in your pocket.

The main con is battery life. The amount of time you get out of 2 AAAs is not so hot. You'll eat up a pair of batteries every time you go out. I counter this by only turning the unit on to get my bearings. With a device that uses AA batteries I would be able to leave it on and use the tracklog/backtrack features. I think about it...

Some other factors to consider;

Display - once you go up above the basic etrex yellow unit the garmin units have higher-res displays, which are nice.

Connectivity - you can do ok without it, but this model is the only one that does not allow waypoint download (not sure about the 201.) Experienced geocachers favor the higher-end models with more memory. They load large numbers of cache waypoints into memory and are ready to go no matter where they are in their home area. If you're a more casual hiker/cacher, then the cheaper models do just as good a job - even this one.

Mapping - the gekkos and the etrex yellow will show you where your waypoints are in relation to each other, but don't show any other features. The more expensive models can do natural features and even uploaded topo maps.

You can GeoCache with almost any GPS. The Etrex yellow is the standard, but this has served me well. Happy Caching!

You can buy a GPS w/ more features, but for the money, this little jewel does everything a runner needs and can be clipped onto your waist. It is very lightweight and is hardly noticeable. The stretch carrying case can be bought at Garmin for about $10.00.

I used mine for the first time this past weekend!

I recieved my Geko 101 about two weeks ago, and so far I am very pleased. You can't expect extrordiany things from [an inexpensive] unit, but if you don't want to spend alot, you're not missing much. For the light camper, it's perfect. You can pay ... more to get the Geko 201 with WAAS, which makes it accurate to 10 feet. Or you can skip the WAAS and get this, which is acurate to 50 feet. However, in my experiances, usually this unit is accurate between 25 and 12 feet. An extra 15 ft. so what!

Geko 101:

Pros-
1. Small! It's about the size of a cell phone

2. Lightweight. Because it's so small, it should be obvious that it's very light.

3. Accurate. Even though it doesn't have WASS capabilities it is just as accurate at times.

4. Waterproof. You never know when you might need it.

5. Features. It has just about everything you need or want (minus a detailed map) including when you'll arrive at your destination, speed, elevation, and all different units of measure.

6. Ease of use. The five button configuration makes it easy to use. Let's face it, if you find it difficult,[you shouldn't].

Cons-

1. It's not the greatest GPS ever made, but what do you expect for [the money]?

2. Batteries. This unit takes 2 AAA's. Although life is not a problem (12hrs.) unless you own something else that takes AAA batteries, sometimes they can be a pain.

3. PC compatibility. There's no way to link the Geko 101 to your PC. Oh well, even if you could, it would be $...more for the software.