Garmin are one of the best know producers of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Satellite Navigation Systems (Sat Navs) in the world. Their products cover a wide range of uses; from handheld GPS units for orienteering and running such as the Garmin eTrex H and Forerunner 205 to automotive units like the Garmin nuvi range (for cars) and Garmin Zumo motorcycle sat navs. They also produce marine units like the Garmin GPS 72 hand held units to the Garmin GP SMAP 550S combined GPS / Plotter/ Fishfinder.

Sports and Fitness Units

The Garmin Forerunner 205 is the market entry fitness model of a range of wrist worn GPS and fitness monitors which extends to the Forerunner 405. All the units monitor, track and store data which can later be down loaded and analysed on the Garmin Fitness Center software, which will display in graphical format, data such as distance, time and, in some cases, heart rate.

Garmin nuvi Range

Specifically designed for use in covered vehicles (cars, vans and the like), the Garmin nuvi range is renowned for its ease of use and clarity of display. Features include touch sensitive screens, spoken directions, Bluetooth connectivity and Traffic reports (model dependant). Garmin have also announced the new nuvi 1200 and nuvi 1300 families, which are designed for both car and pedestrian use. Both will include a new system called CityXplorer which will help you to find your way around specific cities by public transport, although the cities to be covered by this system have yet to be announced.

Garmin Zumo

The requirements for a motorbike sat nav are quite different from those of other vehicles. Weather proofing is an obvious requirement, but so is a secure mount, and the ability to use Bluetooth to provide directions and telephone hands-free facilities to helmet mounted earphones and microphones are another. Just importantly, the screen must be able to easily handle touch screen instructions for riders wearing thick gloves. Obviously the Zumo range handle these requirements with ease.

Garmin Marine Range

Garmin's range of marine instruments are even more extensive. Hand held GPS and navigation systems like the Garmin GP SMAP range are designed for small boat use, while the larger Garmin fishfinders require transducers to be placed over the side or permanently installed. And then you get into the really fancy kit; the combined GPS, Fishfinder Plotter, which will give you all the advantages of a marine sat nav system, showing you a chart of your location, the depth under your keel and even if there are fish there. The Garmin GP SMAP 555 is just such a unit, waterproof, naturally, as well as having integral tide tables and bright, sharp screen, to make it easier to see in sunlight.