The average GPS unit provides its user with the coordinates of their current location to within 15 metres. After feeding it the coordinates of a desired destination, the GPS unit can then also direct the user along a route using a screen display or voice prompting. GPS functions through a satellite network that is in continuous operation. A signal is needed from at least three satellites to calculate longitude and latitude, and from at least four satellites to establish an altitude. The unit can also provide other information such as speed, bearing, distance to destination, sunrise and sunset time and so on. In all it is gadgetry that has already proven to be handy for sailors, mountaineers, treasure-hunters and so on.

However, many have been waiting for the evolution of GPS to make the units more consumer-friendly and applicable to everyday lifestyle use. And with the Nuvi 350, this is certainly the case. Garmin have made this GPS unit small – about the size of a cigarette box. It can be carried or fitted into one’s car (on a suction-cup mount) with ease. It has a touch screen with map displays and automatic routing. It also has voice instruction for assistance in traffic and on difficult roads, and with the “Text to Speech” functionality maps can be uploaded so that actual street names will be pronounced. In other words, no more infuriating, “Turn left after 100 metres.” Plus, if you make an error or miss a turn, the Nuvi automatically recalculates a route to get you back on track.

Beyond the basics of navigation, Garmin also created a Travelkit to assist with any trip. There are practical tools for the traveller built into the unit, such as a currency converter, measurement converter, world travel clock with time zones and calculator. Most notably, there are also digital entertainment features: a JPEG image viewer and MP3 player to liven up the journey. The Nuvi also comes with built-in memory for storage of any additional maps, music and audio books.

Garmin makes software add-ons easily available for the ultimate travel support. They are the Travel Guide and Language Guide. The Travel Guide mentions points of interest, quotes reviews of restaurants, hotels or tourist attractions and offers basically anything else that a popular guidebook of an area would. The Language Guide was developed as a multilingual dictionary and foreign phrase database. It incorporates nine languages and dialects with translations for over 17,000 words for each language. Handy when it comes to dealing with French, German or Spanish on the road.

In all, the Garmin Nuvi makes an impeccable travelling companion. It can navigate you to your destination with its touch screen or voice function. It brings along entertainment with space for music and around 4 to 8 hours of battery life. It offers in-depth guidance and language translation at the touch of a finger. And unlike other travel buddies, it won’t eat your padkos when you are not looking.