Will the se GPS unit work in Canada, the U.K., and Europe?
I need a GPS system for the Coast to Coast Walk in England. I know nothing about them, but get the impression they operate only within specific areas. Can I purchase one here in Canada to use in the U.K. and Europe? Hilary Edmonton, Alberta
GPS is everywhere. Its in the air you breathe, the water you drink, the sun you enjoy. Someday well all have a microchip implanted at birth (or during painful dental procedures when were partially sedated) and our movements will be tracked constantly by government agents interested in fighting terrorism or finding the hot new tapas joint everyone is going to.
Magellan Triton 2000 GPS
Triton 2000 GPS
So GPS is even in Europe. And any standard GPS unit will work just fine. What you get will depend on your preferencewhether you want a GPS unit for use in the car, or one thats more for walking around. For a car, you could purchase a TomTom One XL ($299; tomtom.com), a wide-screen GPS navigation system that is easily installed in any auto. So if youre renting a car you just plug it in and go. Add to it the TomTom Euromap for navigation in 18 European countries ($199). Garmins nüvi 650 ($590; garmin.com) offers similar features. Garmin City Navigator for Europe is another $300. Or, you could simply buy a unit in Europe that comes pre-loaded with European software, which would be cheaper in the short run, although youd then need to buy U.S./Canadian software.
If you prefer more of a hand-held GPS unit, Garmins eTrex Vista HCx ($250) has a color screen, runs off two AA batteries, and can take any MapSource SD card, including for European destinations. Magellans very spiffy Triton 2000 ($500; magellangps.com) adds a two-megapixel camera and a color touch-screen surface. Like the Garmin, you can use an SD card in it and load European maps.
The 2008 Winter Outside Buyers Guide is now online. From snow sports to trail-running to camping, get reviews of more than 300 new gear must-haves.