Do NOT buy this; here's why

I'm writing this as of Dec. 5, 2006. If you are considering a portable GPS navigation system, do NOT consider the Garmin i5 or any other GPS that does not use the new SiRF Star III GPS signal receiver. (The only exception is Sony's NAV-U GPS systems, which use a proprietary receiver that's actually even better than the SiRF chips).

Any GPS you consider buying (except the Sony models) must have the new SiRF receiver. All the new Garmin models (e.g. all the Nuvi's) do, as do new Magellan and TomTom models. The better receiver makes a world of a difference in signal acquisition and retention. Don't settle for less, period, or you'll be quite frustrated at times. Seriously, it's like committing a sin if you buy a GPS without the new SiRF III receiver (or buy a Sony). The i5 uses technology that was many years old.

One more tip: stick with a dedicated GPS navigation from a reputed brand like Garmin, TomTom, Sony, or Magellan. Avoid PDA-GPS combos and avoid off-brands like Averatec, Mio, FineDrive, etc. The quality differences are huge. The namebrands are just much better investments, period.

Good luck.