Digital Trends

TWO LEGS

Handheld GPS devices are small enough to fit easily into your pocket, and they tend to have smaller screens (and thus far longer battery lives) than automotive portables. Most are ruggedized, and many are waterproof, making them excellent companions on hikes. They're also indispensable for geocaching (a GPS-based treasure hunt activity). 

Budget-minded hikers' short list should include the bare-bones Garmin eTrex H ($99.99 USD), which has a 2.2-inch grayscale screen and a 17-hour battery life (using two AA's). The unit doesn't use maps; instead it tells you which direction you need to go to get back to where you started. If you're looking for a bigger screen for double duty as a vehicle GPS, the Magellan eXplorist XL ($399.99 USD) fits the bill with a 3.5-inch color LCD and plenty of detailed preloaded maps, and it runs on 4 AA batteries for up to 19 hours. The high-end Garmin Colorado 400t ($599.99 USD) has a 3-inch color screen and tacks on even more features like 3D elevation maps, a compass, a barometric altimeter, and wireless data sharing, plus it gives users access to a new GPS-based game called Wherigo. Two AA's give it 15 hours of battery life.

For runners, there's the Garmin Forerunner 405 ($299 USD), which has a wrist-watch form factor. Aside from tracking speed, distance, heart rate, and location, it wirelessly syncs with your PC so you can keep track of your workouts, share them on Garmin Connect (connect.garmin.com), and send new routes to the device.

Garmin Colorado 400t

TWO WHEELS

The TomTom Rider 2nd Edition ($649.95 USD) is designed specifically for motorcycle use, with a 3.5-inch touchscreen set in a waterproof casing. Bluetooth is critical when you're cruising on your chopper, as is the on-bike drive mode, which pares the interface down to four icons and basic features. Bicycle-friendly models like the Garmin Edge 305 ($379.15 USD) are easily mountable on handlebars; this one also has a barometric altimeter so you can track your elevation, as well as tons of fitness-oriented features. It's also water-resistant and weighs just 3 ounces.

Garmin Edge 305

SMARTPHONES

We've used the GPS apps on the AT&T Tilt ($399.99 USD with contract) and the Nokia N95 ($750 USD unlocked), and both are accurate and nearly as quick on signal acquisition as dedicated devices. The touchscreen-equipped Tilt works with lots of different navigation software including TeleNav GPS Navigator ($9.99 a month), Google Maps, and Windows Live Search, and is compatible with real-time traffic services. The N95 comes with free maps and more can be added via WiFi, though turn-by-turn directions will cost you $11.81 a month. Verizon customers can use the LG Voyager ($349.99 USD with contract) as a GPS via VZ Navigator ($9.99 USD a month), which we found accurate and easy to use.

Nokia N95

A WORD ABOUT SAFETY

Whichever model or type of GPS you use, be aware that maps can become outdated and road or trail conditions can change drastically very quickly. If you think you'll be heading somewhere potentially dangerous, consider a model with emergency features like TomTom's "Help Me" button, which can call for help or show you where to get it should the need arise. And it should go without saying that you must be extremely careful operating any GPS while driving, cycling, or riding a motorcycle -- they tell you where to go, but they don't drive for you!