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Author Topic: Geomate.jr: A GPSr for the kids  (Read 858 times)

Novac

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Geomate.jr: A GPSr for the kids
« on: May 20, 2009, 17:04:21 »
geomate.jr's website
Info at geocaching.com

From what I have read in various articles, here are the pros & cons.

Pros:
  • You can get out and caching for about $70.
  • Very simple display and just 2 buttons doesn't complicate things for the kids. In addition to the distance from the cache and directional arrow, the display shows you the cache difficulty, terrain, and size.

Cons:
  • You are stuck with the 250,000 preloaded caches unless you buy an "update kit". Since you can't add caches on the fly, this means you couldn't do any puzzle/mystery caches or multis! Updated coords on a cache? Forget about it.
  • No magnetic/internal compass, so it will only know what direction you're facing if you're on the move. A magnetic internal compass is one of the things I would want my kids to have because it simplifies everything so much. You can stop, pause, and get your bearings (literally).

I guess this is just too simple a device for my preference. If it had a simple USB connection where I could update the caches to my liking, I wouldn't mind giving to one of my kids while I carried around my eTrex. I have a feeling that once you buy the unit and add on the update kit, you'll be in the price range of a refurbished adult unit. Until I can find a simple way to do that, this will not be on my Christmas list.

What do you all think of this new device for kids?
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dnnsgps

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Re: Geomate.jr: A GPSr for the kids
« Reply #1 on: May 20, 2009, 19:20:56 »
hat's wrong with the garmin yellow etrex?   One can get this for around $40-60 if you shop around.   Sometimes Alds has this for sale around $45.  This was how I got mine.   Or how about the garmin greko (not sure if I spelled this right).  Great for kids. 

I think the Geomate jr is a BIG RIP OFF!!!  What happeneds if the cache gets archived or temporary disabled how are you going to knnow?   Why buy an update when you can just pay $30 for a membership and all the updates you need for free!!
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Johfra

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Re: Geomate.jr: A GPSr for the kids
« Reply #2 on: May 21, 2009, 02:06:36 »
Dnns you are thinking like someone who has already geocached, the geomatejr is to get people started.  Think about it, parents are always trying to get kids to do stuff that is good for them.....most kids have pretty much maxed out there gaming/gift  needs/ideas by 11 or 12 or so, and parents can't think of anything to buy their kids anymore.  Along comes a preloaded 70 dollar gadget that is going to get the kids out hiking and finding treasure....damn, it is just what the doc ordered.  Figure 1 out of every 50 sold will turn a family into more serious cachers....that is still a bunch of new people in the sport. 
   As far as the unit itself goes, I'm sure if someone smart gets a hold of the makers of this thing and explains the HUGE advantage (and market) they would corner by making the updates non-proprietary and actually easy, they would make tons-O-cash.
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Novac

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Re: Geomate.jr: A GPSr for the kids
« Reply #3 on: May 21, 2009, 10:19:11 »
I think that, as an experienced cacher, I would stick with a cheap "real" GPSr for the kids. The two-button design with large basic display is the only attractive feature of this unit. Anything else is a negative aspect or neutral at best.
My 7 year old is capable of working my eTrex. Both he and my wife have trouble when they accidentally switch to another screen, but they can use it when it is set up to go to a cache. My 3 year old loves the hiking and finding portions of geocaching but isn't interested in following the GPSr yet.
I guess I could equate this to any other gadget geared toward kids. The Fisher Price digital camera, for instance: It is durable and built great for kids, but the camera itself is low quality. Thus, I never bought that product. If I get them a camera, I'll get them a cheap but decent quality camera. In the same vein, if I get my kids a GPSr, I'll get them a cheap but decent quality GPSr.
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Novac

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Re: Geomate.jr: A GPSr for the kids
« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2009, 20:02:56 »
The update kit is available now. On geocaching.com, it sells for $25.

If you use a Garmin, you can purchase any old USB cable for much less :)
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