When it comes to which brand makes the best portable GPS system, the jury is still out. However, one of the most popular portable GPS systems is made by Magellan. Though they are not the most familiar name in GPS technology, Magellan has held their own in the industry for some time. For those who love the outdoors and have a larger then average budget, portable GPS systems don’t get much better then the Triton 2000.

The Triton 2000 includes seemingly endless functions. Some of the most important being a wide variety of built in maps, an easy-to-read compass function, voice recorder and handy flashlight. Due to the fact that the Triton 2000 was designed for the outdoorsmen, it is designed to be quite a bit more durable then other GPS systems, and is completely waterproof as opposed to water resistant.

For those who like to take their adventures and discoveries one step further, the Triton also offers the ability to upload topographical maps, marine cartography and even National Geographic TOPO!

However, it is also important to mention that the Triton 2000 is by no means inexpensive. Most retailers will mark this handy tool at around $499.99, making it one of the most expensive portable GPS available. When compared to other GPS suppliers such as Garmin or TomTom, the Magellan Triton 2000 may seem steep for the functions offered.

But it is important to remember, when purchasing a portable GPS to take while camping, hiking or rock-climbing it is vital to purchase a product that is as rough as the terrain! There is little point in buying a less expensive system, just to purchase a second when it breaks or becomes damaged by water!

GPS navigation systems for cars these days do more than just telling the fastest route from point A to point B. They can show you which route will take the less time, routes with less stops, toll booths which is another benefit because it will save the driver gas, which does cost a pretty penny these days.

Usually when one person buys a GPS system, there is no reason to buy a new one as it is something that doesn’t need to be upgraded regularly.

Plus, the information provided doesn’t cost the owner one cent, ie free. Although some models charge a small monthly fee to get optional information such as the weather.

GPS manufacturers like Tom Tom, Garmer and Nuvin want a piece of the pie in terms of market share, so they will often load their models with such features as the ability to sync it with your cell phone via Bluetooth or a voice that will tell you the name of the street.

Others will tell you if you exceed the speed limit, will connect your mp3 player to it or even view pictures.

For the driver who takes the same roads or simply drives locally, there’s no need to buy a gps system. If you regularly take streets with big traffic, a gps can warn you ahead so you can take measures to avoid it.

If you want to buy one, be sure to check for sizes as many models can weigh close to a kilogram. Be sure to pick one with a big screen so you can enter data more easily.

Nowadays, gps systems come with a rechargeable battery, useful if you want to take with you for a walk. You can either charge with an electric plug or with a computer usb.

If you rent or travel often, buying one could be useful as most of them can fit in your pocket and can be easily installed on the dashboard. Your cellphone can act a navigation system too but you will have to pay a monthly fee, be sure to check your cell phone provider.

Next up is the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS. At an even more bargain price of around $200, the Hcx is sure to deliver bang for your buck. It comes with a WAAS-enabled receiver, so you’re not sacrificing high-sensitivity for the price point. Like the 60SCx, there is a built in compass and altimeter. Unique among handheld GPS systems is the Vista HCx’s button layout. There are five buttons on each side of the unit, which frees up the valuable frontal real-estate for the display, making it very easy to view your maps at all times. You also get a waterproof housing, and geocaching mode. The HCx can go for up to 25 hours on a couple of AA batteries.

The Magellan RoadMate 1412 has a 4.3-inch anti-reflective touch-screen display. It has maps of the whole of USA, Canada and Puerto Rico. There are also 6 million points of interest in its built-in database. Then there is of course the text-to-speech feature that read out road names with the directions given.

Navigation wise, the Magellan RoadMate 1412 has plenty of options to choose from. You can choose the routes with the shortest time, with or without freeways, tolls, and a couple other options. If you are visiting several destinations on a single trip, you can enter as many as 20 destinations and also choose the order of the destinations that you wish to visit.

The user interface on the Magellan RoadMate 1412 is also very intuitive, comparable to those found on Garmin devices. It even has a Auto NightView where the device will automatically adjust the contrast and colors of the display screen for optimal viewing at night. The batteries of this GPS model can last up to 3 hours on a single charge. Best of all, the Magellan RoadMate 1412 currently retails at just $109, making it a great bargain.

Marathon runners and athletes alike will derive benefits from the Garmin 405. Nearly all training requires an effort to compile the records that make for a good training regimen. The 405, when equipped with the optional heart-rate monitor, keeps a record of time spent training. It keeps a tally of distance travelled and pace. With the entry of a few basic data points it keeps track of the calories expended during training. It also tracks and displays the heart rate on its 124×95 pixel screen

The Garmin 405 is a great looking watch and comes in black or light green. It weighs 2.1 ounces and the GPS function can be turned off to save the batteries when not training. With the heart-rate monitor it is a little over $300. Garmin invented the touch bezel which means that instructions can be given to the watch by tapping the appropriate spot on the bezel. The water resistant case is also shock proof.

The best feature of the 405 is the ANT+Sport wireless technology. This allows the watch to communicate with other watches so equipped. A favorite training route or routine can be shared with a buddy who has a similar watch. It can even communicate with non-Garmin devices. The watch can also communicate with a personal computer. Garmin’s Training Center software enables the downloaded data from the watch to be compiled to highlight various aspects of the training regimen. Whether keeping track of the training effect on the heart or breaking down improvements on different sections of the routine this watch and software are the ultimate training tool. Routines and data entered on the computer can be uploaded to the watch.

The Garmin 405 includes an additional motivational function called Virtual Partner that tracks a make-believe running partner on the screen next to the user’s display. The 405 can even communicate with Garmin’s bicycle-mounted GPS computers. Cross-training has never been simpler or more fun.

Specifications: The Garmin Nuvi 255W offers text-to-speech along with audible navigation instructions and street names. With its “Where am I?” option, the GPS makes things easy with its large controls and icons. The GPS comes preloaded with City Navigator NT map data. It also comes bundled with a 12-volt power cable, a suction cup windshield mount (plus cradle), adhesive disk and a quick start manual.

Features & Performance: The Garmin Nuvi 255W offers large “Where to?” and “View map” options with smaller icons along the bottom edge for volume, tools, and a stop or detour route if you’ve already chosen the destination. With the ability to store favorites and various other custom points of interest the GPS is easy to use and understand. The GPS even has a speed limit icon to serve as a reminder for drivers whoa re approaching or about to exceed the speed limit. The “Where am I?” function was particularly useful as it shows your current coordinates/elevation and the nearest intersection making it easy to get assistance.

Start-up time was noticeably quicker than its predecessor, with a much faster satellite-lock time. The GPS works quickly with routing and re-routing while on the move (it was much faster than many of its competitors). All in all, the Garmin Nuvi 255W is a fast, simple and easy-to-use GPS, making it ideal for the less technically inclined. With an intuitive interface and a big, bright 4.3 inch touch-screen the GPS is a great performer for those who don’t need an extensive feature set.