David Archer wrote:
>Sent: 12 December 2007 8:08 PM
>To: ordnancemaps@...
>Subject: [ordnancemaps] Hand held navigation aids
>
>Unaware of my ignorance in such matters, a friend has sought my advice.
>
>He is a keen walker, both within the UK and abroad, mainly in Europe. He
>has noted the steady decline in prices of hand held navigation aids (shall
>we
>call them). Now he is thinking of getting one, and wants advice.
>
>Ideally, he would like something that is both good and that works
>with/shows
>OS maps.
>
>So, what would anyone recommend?
>
>1. As a good all round instrument, for home and abroad.
>
>2. Are there any that might replace an OS 1:25,000 paper map?
>
>3. What are the pitfalls to look out for when buying?
>
>An idea of price would be useful.
>
>No, I am not thinking of getting one.
>Best wishes,
>David Archer
>
>The Pentre, Kerry, Newtown, Montgomeryshire, SY16 4PD, Wales
>Tel: 01686 670382
>Email :david@...
>Website : http://www.david-archer-maps.co.uk
>Please note : we do not always check the email at weekends.
>
>

There is quite a lot of information about the various handheld GPS devices
on the OpenStreetMap wiki:

http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/index.php/GPS_reviews

Most of the mid to high price range units will display mapping, however
there are not many products on the market to satisfy the walker because on
the whole we find few maps, even OS ones, have truly reliable footpath
mapping. Something like a Garmin 60C** is probably the right sort of tool
for the walker today. More details on them on our Garmin specific page at:

http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/index.php/Garmin

Most of us who use handheld GPS receives regularly for leisure
walking/cycling away from the urban sprawl generally still find a paper map
is needed to get good general orientation within the landscape. However the
real benefit of the GPS is that you never need worry about where you are on
the map. I still carry a compass, but it would only ever come out of its
pouch nowadays if I've forgotten to take along extra batteries for the GPS!

Hope this helps

Cheers

Andy Robinson