General Purpose GPS?

[Funkstar]

I know you can get GPS navigation systems (like TomTom) just about anywhere these days, but what about offroad and on road GPS systems?

I was speaking to my brother this evening about my Dads birthday and christmas prsents. It's always a pain, no sooner have you thought of something for his birthday, you have to get something for christmas (birthday on 10th November).

I just had a though about joining the two together and getting him a GPS unit. The only problem is he would really benefit from it if it could also be used while hill walking/hiking. I've seen the basic Garmin ones that outdoor stores sell, and the navigation systems everywhere else sels, but what about hybrids?

sure i could google, but any personal recomendations?

[tickedon]

What about a PDA with built in GPS? Something like the Fujitsu Pocket Loox 500? Should cost about £200-300 depending where you buy it. I'm not sure if the software on it would work for walking, but, I can't see why not.

[TheAnimus]

smart phone with GPS.

Anything that runs windows mobile has a host of stuff. (you could get external bluetooth GPS)

[Funkstar]

hmmm. interesting thoughts. i guess i need to go and see what is actually available. Sugested this to my mum this afternoon, i don't think she was too taken with the idea to be honest.

[tonytol]

Main problem(s) with hybrids are relatively poor battery life, lack of robustness, and lack of water proofing - they tend to be a bit car-centric too. Country Walking had a review of budget walkers GPS units and recommended the Lowrance iFinder Go2, it's around £100.

[Funkstar]

thanks for that