Garmin has provided a competitive handheld GPS device with the Oregon 300. It provides a full touch-screen experience in combination with a rugged casing and vital navigation tools. We would have preferred more detailed maps, but Garmin has provided room for expandability — making this an excellent choice.

The AVIC-F500BT is a unique but welcome addition to the navigational market. This is the perfect device if you want to add the latest in navigation and entertainment to your vehicle without altering your existing stereo.

Although the GPS 60 looks like it means business, it doesn’t live up to expectations. A USB connection and Garmin’s MapSource software are small consolation for the lack of mapping and slow signal acquisition. There are better — and cheaper — handheld GPS options.

Although the eTrex H might suit those hikers who want nothing except the bare minimum, most will find it largely unusable. Inadequate functionality and no base map makes the unit extremely hard to use for anyone except the most experienced hikers, and the slightly more expensive Magellan Triton 200 is probably a better option.

It may have a hefty price tag but the Triton 2000 offers plenty of features. The touch screen makes this device much easier to use than units that only have a navigational pad.

If you currently own a GO 720, then there is no real reason to upgrade, as most of the improvements are software upgrades. If you are looking for a high-end GPS with all of the latest features though, the GO 930 is excellent, if a little overpriced.

The FD-250 has most of the basics and a few extra features that will serve you well, but the lack of responsiveness of the touch screen is an issue.

Costing the same as a low-end automotive GPS unit, the Triton 200 forgoes a touch screen as well as turn-by-turn and voice navigation in order to specialise in detailed mapping for outdoor activities. However, without the expandable memory required for detailed maps, the Triton 200 doesn’t provide the functionality necessary for more complex hiking and geocaching adventures.

The Triton 400 provides the perfect companion for travelling and hiking. It doesn’t offer the luxuries of Magellan’s more expensive models, but it provides the necessities for successful travel at a fairly reasonable cost.