Garmin Chirp gives you an edge in geocaching

Modern-day treasure seekers: GPS manufacturer Garmin's new gadget can add a new dimension to geocaching.

From the Consumer Reports Car Blog:

Chirp is a small, waterproof electronic beacon that measures 1.3 by .9 inches. Priced at $23, Chirp can be programmed with a compatible, wireless-enabled Garmin handheld to signal geocachers that they are getting close, provide hints, and relay coordinates to the next cache, opening up interesting possibilities for multi-cache challenges. Compatible devices are expected to be able to detect Chirp within 32 feet. (Read more at the Consumer Reports Car blog.)

In case you haven't yet discovered the hobby of geocaching, it's a great way to use technology for fun that doesn't tether you to a couch or desk by tapping your inner Indiana Jones. Simply, a geocacher hides a treasure box and shares its location online using GPS coordinates; other geocachers then use their handheld GPS devices to try to find it, based on the coordinates and clues, and even sometimes puzzles.

Once the cache is discovered, it is traditional for finders to choose a trinket from the box and to leave something behind. Typical treasures can be small toys, keychains, and travel bugs—special medallions that are transported from one cache to another. The finds are logged online at geocaching.com, where members can track their accomplishments, share notes, and post photos. Membership is free, and most modern, handheld hiking devices easily synch with the website.

Even if you don't own a GPS, you're not out of the game, as long as you have the right smart phone—check your apps market. The organization behind geocaching,com, Groundspeak, offers apps for both the iPhone and Android platforms.

These apps use a combination of the phone's GPS capability, Wi-Fi, and cell towers to determine your location and point you to local geocaches. Such mobile apps provide a low-cost way to try geocaching, without committing to purchasing a dedicated device.

—Carol Mangis