Dynamic Leader - boats.com

The MAP 330 is Magellan's most powerful and feature-filled handheld GPS unit.

Handheld GPS units keep getting better and better, not to mention more affordable. For proof, just check out the MAP 330 from Magellan. It has 16 megabytes of built-in memory, is PC-compatible, and has 12 parallel channels and a quadrifilar antenna that enable it to accurately fix positions. It has a suggested retail price of $279.99.

For protection from harsh marine conditions, the MAP 330 has a waterproof housing and a wraparound rubber grip. While the manufacturer doesn't recommend dropping the unit in the water, it does float. Backlit display and large keys make the MAP 330 easy to operate, even at night.

Four graphic navigation screens, each of which can be customized, point viewers toward their selected destinations while displaying speed, remaining time to destination, heading, bearing and more. The MAP 330 can also handle up to 500 user-entered destinations (waypoints) and 20 reversible routes with as many as 30 legs each. Even if the unit looses power, waypoints are saved in the unit's memory.

Other standout features of the MAP 330 include anchor, arrival and cross-track alarms, as well as an odometer than can be reset. A waypoint "messaging" feature enables users to create notes with waypoint they save, and a backtracking feature lets them create easily retraceable routes. There's even a sunrise/sunset calculator for those who need it.