"Nice overview of the available options. Have you any experience or thoughts on the DeLorme Earthmate GPS. It's restriction is that it's tied into their software on a laptop or PDA as it has no unit display. "

I've had my Earthmate GPS for about 5 years now, and it's not a bad unit (in regards to being a GPS). I've got an adapter that uses the COM port on my PC for the interface, with a keyboard connector to power the GPS via my laptop. It otherwise will require 4 AAA batteries to power it without the adapter. Now the downside. No display, I have to use it with my laptop, and uses Garmin proprietary interface versus standard NMEA. The thing I do like about it, is it's ability to interface with Street Atlas, Topo USA and the other Delorme software series.

Now my opinion, if someone didn't give me the Earthmate as a gift, I would never have bought it. I have to have my laptop, cables, and securing this all in the car. I guess it depends on your application. I find in my cross country travels using my Garmin Street Pilot color is perfect for me with the standard base map. My eTrex (yeller one) is my perfect map/compass companion when hiking because all I want is to verify an azimuth, and my Garmin 45XL for general GPS'ing. If I didn't have a GPS today and had to have just one for my use, I'd probably get the Garmin Vista, for the ability to download detailed maps, size, and the ability to upload and download with any mapping software that supports NMEA.

Edit: Forgot to add, if I need detailed routing, I generally use my eTrex yellow, a homemade data connector (made from an old credit card and DB9 cable) and my laptop running Street Atlas 9.

Just my ramblings.

--Chris