The next version of Apple's wildly popular iPhone, which may be released as early as next month, will use third generation wireless (3G) high speed data transmission (in addition to WiFi capability when a WiFi signal is available, just like the current iPhone), will likely have a more rounded shape, and a black case is rumored. The original iPhone didn't have GPS capability, nor did it provide an easy way for other companies to link an add-on GPS device.

That seems likely to change with the new iPhone. GPS has long been rumored for the next iPhone, but more tangible evidence surfaced recently in the software development kit (SDK) that is provided to programmers by Apple. The SDK for the new iPhone includes multiple references to GPS, and names standard GPS data exchange protocols. It also appears that GPS in the iPhone may be used to attach GPS data (geotag) to photos taken by the device. I'm a fan of the iPhone and iPod Touch, so I hope Apple adds GPS to these already outstanding devices.

The new-for-2008 Garmin Nuvi 5000 features the biggest screen in the portable car GPS market, at 5.2 inches (diagonal) compared with the more typical 4.3-inch and 3.5-inch sizes. This provides a wider view of the map and navigation cues. The big screen is also designed to be more easily visible when mounted on a windshield that is far from the driver, such as those found in some recreational vehicles and trucks. The Nuvi 5000 is in fact marketed to RV and truck drivers, and some of its navigation features are a little different from typical units, and will help big rig drivers find optimal routes. But the Nuvi 5000 has some downsides, as I detail in my road test and review.

Photo of the Garmin Nuvi 5000 © Garmin

It's just as important to know where you're going while you're on a motorcycle as when you are in a car. In fact, motorcyclists may have even more use for a GPS than the typical car-driving GPS user, because bikers are more likely to explore unfamiliar back roads and to look for good touring terrain. The big two GPS makers, Garmin and TomTom, are the only companies that make GPS specifically for motorcyclists, but fortunately they offer a range of models, with some truly useful features for bikers.

Photo © TomTom

Garmin and TomTom dominated the top-ten in-car portable GPS units rated in the June, 2008 issue of Consumer Reports magazine. Garmin scored five of the top 10 slots, TomTom placed two models, and Magellan, Harman Kardon and Mio rounded out the top 10 with one each. Receiving "best buy" ratings were the Garmin Nuvi 350 and Nuvi 260, and the TomTom ONE 3rd Edition.

The review did not include a number of new-for-2008 models. For example, the TomTom ONE line CR tested is being superseded by the new ONE 130 and ONE 130S.

The overall top-scoring unit was the Garmin Nuvi 760, which I've reviewed here; the Garmin Nuvi 660 was second overall, and the TomTom GO 920 was third.

CR staffers road tested the GPS units and focused on the navigation capabilities of the devices to create the ratings, with additional features noted but not counting significantly in the scoring.

GPS for runners gets more sleek and compact than ever with the Garmin Forerunner 405 sports watch. Runners have been enjoying the precision of GPS workout and race tracking with the Forerunner 305, one model below the 405. But the 305 is bulky. The new 405 is not only slimmer, but features an innovative new touch-bezel control system. The 405 also includes a heart rate monitor and wireless transfer of workout data to your PC and to Garmin Connect online.

Photo of the Garmin Forerunner 405 © Garmin

DeLorme, Garmin, and Microsoft each offer inexpensive ($70 - $200) hardware and software packages for turning your laptop computer into a portable GPS device with street maps, route planning, and audible, turn-by-turn directions. In this look at the latest offerings from these manufacturers, we explore some of the new features, such as wireless Bluetooth connectivity, auto-zoom, and special street views.

Image © Microsoft

TomTom, the Amsterdam-based GPS maker, announced today it is unveiling two new in-car GPS models featuring a slim, redesigned case and a new, compact folding windshield mount (shown at right). The new models, the TomTom ONE and TomTom XL, replace the top-selling ONE 3rd Edition and ONE XL lines.

The new windshield mount, called the EasyPort, may be left on the device and folded flat after use. The complete new slimmed-down unit, including the folded mount, is then small enough to fit into a shirt pocket or bag when the driver leaves the vehicle.

The new TomTom ONE and TomTom XL, to be available beginning in May, are also equipped with an improved audio system including larger, louder speakers more easily heard over traffic and other noise.

The new ONE has a 3.5-inch touch screen LCD, while the XL has a 4.3-inch widescreen.

Retail Pricing:

• TomTom ONE 130: $199
• TomTom ONE 130S (includes text-to-speech): $249
• TomTom XL 330: $249
• TomTom XL 330S (includes text-to-speech): $299

This is a major update for TomTom, since the ONE and XL lines are best-sellers for this leading company. Watch for detailed road tests here.

Photo © TomTom

The Garmin Edge 705 Cycle Computer isn't just a new product – it's a new type of product. Before the Edge 705 and and the lower-cost Edge 605, cyclists didn't have the option of a color moving map display, let alone turn-by-turn directions, every road in North America (or other continents) at their fingertips, and a database of six million points of interest.

But let's start at the beginning. Garmin upgrades its cycling-specific GPS line in 2008 with the introduction of new Edge 605 and Edge 705 models. The Edge 705, reviewed here, features a color screen with moving map display, an accurate, high-sensitivity satellite signal receiver, and wireless installation and operation.

Photo © Garmin

Did you know that an average of 15 percent of roads and 20 percent of points of interest (the millions of business and destination addresses in a GPS database) change each year? GPS makers are working hard to integrate the latest map and points of interest information into downloadable updates, but you still need to spend $40-$50 to get the major annual revisions.

Did you know that batteries aren't usually consumer-replaceable in car GPS units? The batteries last for years (you're usually running the GPS on the car's power port) but they have been known to die before their time.

Have you had any experiences with in-car GPS map updates and battery life, good or bad? We're talking about it in the GPS forum and I'd like to hear your opinions.

Garmin, in cooperation with Google, recently introduced the ability to download destinations directly from Google or Google Maps to your Garmin GPS. GPS maker TomTom was first with this feature, and the two companies have slightly different ways of handling this task. Data for the Garmin is sent to a special Garmin Web page before being uploaded to your Garmin GPS (via USB cable). TomTom imports the destination data to its TomTom Home software for upload to your device. It sounds somewhat confusing, but it's relatively easy, and I provide clear, step-by-step instructions for Garmin here, and for TomTom here.

I find this feature most useful for a business trip or vacation that includes multiple destinations. For example, you can connect your GPS to your PC, then look up every destination on your trip in Google Maps, then upload all of your destinations into your GPS, so you're ready to find everything in a snap, with no wasted time finding destination info and punching in destination addresses.

Image © Google