Latest portable GPS navigation ratings

For you last-minute shoppers, as well as those looking to treat themselves with a helpful electronic gadget, we've just posted ratings on 13 new portable GPS navigation devices. This latest update includes units from Alpine, Cobra, Garmin, Harman-Kardon, LG, Magellan, Mio, Navigon, Pharos, and TomTom. The ratings are available to online subscribers, and they include scores for factors to help you make a better buying decision. We also posted a free First Look at the Garmin nuvi 200. (Full ratings of the nuvi 200 are in the charts and its product page.)

In addition, if you click on the brand name in the ratings chart, there is a detailed product page for each unit, with more testing data, specifications, and insights from our detailed evaluation. There is also a relatively new tool that may prove helpful: a GPS product selector. This selector allows you to filter the ratings list by myriad parameters to help find the one that's best for you. This interactive tool includes both tested and non-tested models.

One thing is clear from reviewing these products—it's  very hard to judge which does what simply by looking at the packaging or even the manufacturer's online information. Some enticing features, like real-time traffic information, can be confusing. Other considerations, such as ease of use and battery life, are just not possible to discern before buying. This is where we come in, as we do the testing for you. For these and many other reasons, we think you'll find the ratings valuable in making your purchase decision.

If you're not taking the plunge this month, look for continued coverage in the near future. We will further expand the ratings when we complete testing on units from Hewlett-Packard (HP), Jensen, Lowrance, Magellan, and ViaMichelin.

—Jeff Bartlett

Also read: "Road map to the best last-minute GPS deals."

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS with other shoppers and owners in the forums.