Garmin Montana Multi-purpose GPS

The Garmin Montana GPS is an "advanced Garmin handheld featuring a ruggedized design with multiple mounting and battery options, dual-orientation screen layout options and support for a wide range of Garmin cartography," states Garmin. Highlights include the option of using the unit's built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, or three AA batteries; a built-in 5-megapixel camera, additional memory and map-loading with a microSD card, 3.5mm audio jack, and a waterproof rating.

The idea behind the Montana is to be a device that can get you to your destination like a regular dedicated car GPS using Garmin's tried and true City Navigator spoken turn-by-turn directions, then unclipping the device and taking it with you on the next leg of your trip, whether by boat, ATV, mountain biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, and more. If you need local topographic maps or lake or ocean charts, these may be purchased form Garmin and downloaded or plugged in as a microSD card.
Overall, this is an impressive new entry into an adventurous outdoor market segment that's been hankering for just this device. Backcountry and boating trips are usually bracketed by road trips, and the Montana, with its powered mount options, is the way to go.

Specifications
Unit dimensions, WxHxD: 2.9" x 5.7" x 1.4" (7.48 x 14.42 x 3.64 cm)
Display size, WxH: 2"W x 3.5"H (5.06 x 8.93 cm); 4" diag (10.2 cm)
Display resolution, WxH: 272 x 480 pixels
Display type: transflective 65k color TFT, dual-orientation touchscreen; sunlight readable
Weight:    10.2 oz (289 g) with included lithium-ion battery pack; 11.7 oz (333 g) with 3 AA batteries
Battery: rechargeable lithium-ion (included) or 3 AA batteries (not included); NiMH or Lithium recommended
Battery life: up to 16 hours (lithium-ion); up to 22 hours (AA batteries)
Waterproof: yes (IPX7)
Floats: no
High-sensitivity receiver: yes
Interface: high-speed USB and NMEA 0183 compatible
 
Maps & Memory
Basemap: yes
Ability to add maps: yes
Built-in memory: 3.5 GB
Accepts data cards: microSD™ card (not included)
Waypoints/favorites/locations: 2000inter
Routes: 200
Track log: 10,000 points, 200 saved tracks

Features
Automatic routing (turn by turn routing on roads): yes (with optional mapping for detailed roads)
Electronic compass: yes (tilt-compensated, 3-axis)
Touchscreen: yes
Barometric altimeter: yes
Camera:     yes (5 megapixel with autofocus; automatic geo-tagging)
Geocaching-friendly: yes (paperless)
Custom maps compatible: yes
Photo navigation (navigate to geotagged photos): yes
Hunt/fish calendar: yes
Sun and moon information: yes
Tide tables: yes
Area calculation: yes
Custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest): yes
Unit-to-unit transfer (shares data wirelessly with similar units): yes
Picture viewer:    yes
Garmin Connect™ compatible (online community where you analyze, categorize and share data): yes

TomTom Rider 2nd Edition

The TomTom Rider 2nd Edition comes with a Cardo brand "Scala-Rider" Bluetooth-enabled wireless, helmet-mounted headset that allows you to hear the Rider 2nd Edition's text-to-speech directions. The headset also enables hands-free calling when the Rider is paired with a compatible cell phone.

The TomTom Rider blocks outgoing calls when the bike is moving for "safety reasons" but allows incoming calls, automatically routed to your earpiece. The Rider also features a simplified, "ride mode" four-icon menu system that helps you focus on the road while you're moving. The Rider has a 3.5-inch (diagonal) screen, is sturdily built, waterproof, and may be mounted in a car with an accessory mounting kit.

Garmin Zumo 550

Garmin Zumo 550
The Zumo 550  is at the top of Garmin's four-model Zumo motorcycling line. All four of the Zumo models have the same, color, 3.5-inch diagonal touchscreen, and the same durable, waterproof, made-for-biking metal body. The main feature setting the 550 apart from the other models is its text-to-speech directions capability. You may hear the directions via the unit's speaker, or via your helmet-mounted, Bluetooth-enabled mike/speaker (not included). The Zumo 550 will also sync with a compatible, Bluetooth-enabled cell phone to permit hands-free calling and touchscreen phone control and dialing. The 550 comes with special bike mounting hardware.

"With optional XM® subscriptions and an XM antenna, you can check the weather, move ahead of traffic and listen to the radio when you travel with zūmo in the U.S. As an alternative, zūmo can receive optional TMC traffic alerts (in select cities) when used with a compatible traffic receiver. Simply press a button on the screen, and zūmo recalculates your route to avoid traffic tie-ups," states Garmin.