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If he or any of your family or friends has a smart phone, they usualy will take a GPS system. I know i have tom tom on one of mine and i'm sure you can download a tracking systm of some sort...you can tell i'm really up on this stuff can't you..  just an idea

I would imagine some one out there will be able to fill in the rather large gaps.

Most SatNavs come with the maps pre-installed. Some have UK and ROI others have Western or Eastern Europe and some have all of them.

The main problem that I can see is battery life. As they are generally intended to be plugged in to the car's 12 volt supply they do not have a very long time that they can be used 'in the hand'. A lot will only go for a couple of hours before needing a recharge. I think you can get some that run for 4 hours but this might be sales talk.

Phil.

Just remember if you buy a gps device that it may come with a "base map" pre installed.

These maps are little more than useless on the lower end machines.

If you are wanting os quality then these will cost but some models can take memory cards with the maps on.

look into it fully before

When I was thinking of a GPS device for geocaching (I haven't bought one yet, but will do one day) the Garmin Oregon was top of my wishlist. I think it all comes down to how much you want to spend really but I'd recommend a handheld dedicated GPS rather than a car Sat Nav or a phone. One of the reasons is, I suppose, because I believe in "Jack of all trades, master of none" but another one, already mentioned, is battery life. There's no way, if I'm out walking in the back of beyond, I'd want to use my phone constantly for navigation and risk running the battery down. My iPhone is great for maps, but has a MUCH shorter battery life than a Garmin, so I think it'd probably run out of juice after an hour or two of navigation.

No connection with Garmin, but I gather they're well thought of and they have a comparison feature on their website so you can compare different models and features.

Quote: Originally posted by lynn6183 on 06/5/2010

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I am wanting a gps receiver as well, partly because if you have an accident you can be tracked by them. I have got a bit paranoid since my accident, you just never know.
I quite fancy trying the geocashing as well.

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