In reply to Pete Wimbush:
Hi Pete
I use/have used a range of GPS units over many years for both work and play and I think it's probably safe to say the perfect device doesn't exist! (And probably never will).
The Garmin GPSMap 64 is, however, a solid & reliable choice - as long as you can put up with Garmin's clunky interface and the fact that OS map resolution looks pants compared to your average smartphone rendering. I personally feel the screen size is adequate for regular navigating - it's always going to be a compromise in order to keep weight down and battery life reasonable. It has good satellite reception and finds a lock speedily even in wooded areas and the processor is also adequately fast - quick enough not to be annoying as it is on smaller units such as eTrex for example. (Also now has the facility to charge rechargeable batteries in the unit via micro USB, rather than having to use a separate battery charger - great for reducing clutter and when travelling)
eTrex are great as get-out-of-jail units for doing infrequent position checks as they are so small and light and with long battery life that you can put them in a pocket and forget about them till you need them. But you also need the patience of Job to use them for intensive navigation as the map rendering is painfully slow - plus the 'joystick' is an utter pain to use.
The other potential show-stopping disadvantage to Garmin units (but this is more or less true of other manufacturers too) is the ridiculously eye-popping amount they demand for OS mapping. Luckily, eBay (other internet auction sites are available) is your friend here if you are prepared to 'do a bit of research', otherwise they are prohibitively expensive for most folks.
As many others have noted, the 'best' GPS in fine weather is probably a smartphone with OS mapping. The obvious disadvantages to this (relatively poor battery life and generally not waterproof, plus the batteries draining quickly when it's properly cold) can be obviated to an extent by waterproof cases and carrying a small charging pack. (And if you are lucky enough to own an old iPhone3g/3gs/4 or 4s you can get a Magellan Toughcase for just a few quid on eBay these days which converts your phone into a bomb-proof, waterproof, ruggedised GPS with double the battery life and a higher precision antenna. This is defintely the best GPS I've ever used).
Even then, the touch screen will not work properly if it is really siling down - another victory chalked up for dedicated GPS units with buttons.
The new Satmap 20 - which I have no experience of sadly - looks rather nice and sounds like it might tick many of the boxes with relatively good resolution screen and both touchscreen capability and buttons for when it's soaking. But it is relatively heavy, chunky and expensive - and many reviewers seem to have been less than impressed with its robustness. But it would be good to hear some real word opinions from normal users rather than tech- or outdoors reviewer types.
Cheers,
Col