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Originally Posted by Ivan Awfulitch
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Exactly what I thought, easy to carry and a single unit which would be perfect for caching.
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Well, I don't know about perfect. I started with my Haicom 303III as a CF, thinking one unit would be great for caching. However, there are a few considerations, which have led me to using the 303III in a bluetooth slipper to cache. (1) You're carrying $500+ of fairly fragile electronic equipment. If you drop it on a rock or in the drink, you're out big time. At least with a bluetooth setup, you "save" either $400 or $100, depending on which you drop. (2) It's hard to put it down or on a belt case or what-have-you. Sometimes on the trail, you need both hands, especially if you cache with kids. (3) I haven't tested battery life much with the 303III used as a CF, but I gotta think it's much worse than bluetooth. My 303S drained the battery much faster.
One of my kids was carrying around his Nintendo case, and I noticed that my PPC would fit perfectly in one pocket, while the 303III and slipper would fit in the other. Plus, both pockets were padded. I immediately got my own (and cut off the Nintendo logo) to make a very nice cache pack that straps on my belt. I can slide the PPC in and out easily. The 303III will still get a signal no matter where you put it, and it never needs to come out of the bag. Easy hands-free. I've also gotten in the habit of putting the PPC in a plastic bag -- not only is rain an enemy, but so is dust. I can put mine in a plastic bag and still fit it in its case, and then still fit it in the Nintendo case.
It's a fine line between proud geek and total loser . . .
Finally, I've never noticed any speed difference regardless of whether I'm using it as a CF or Bluetooth. As Gary said, once-a-second is once-a-second.