Here we are, just two months removed from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and six new portable navigation devices (PNDs) from major companies have been introduced in rapid-fire succession. Granted, these introductions coincided with the European equivalent of CES, known as CeBIT, but at this rate, our interactive GPS ratings chart could grow significantly by the end of the year if we keep up. (It currently features complete ratings on 74 models, available to online subscribers.)

The exciting pace is likely to continue, given that PND sales were up over 300 percent in 2007 compared to the previous year, and they show no signs of slowing down. We are busy testing new models from Sony and Garmin, introduced at CES, and adding to our long shopping list of units we will be purchasing this spring. We haven't seen the retail availability of the new Becker, Dash, Magellan, and Uniden units from CES, but we are watching closely. Plus, we are planning for the new TomTom, Garmin, and Navigon models just announced.

TomTom kicked off this recent announcement wave with the GO 730 and GO 930 boasting two notable new features: IQ Routes traffic-informed routing and Advanced Lane Guidance with realistic views for major intersections. Both new features will be in the GO 730 and GO 930 models, on sale late April.

Navigon 2100 max/2120 max
Navigon introduced the 2100 max and 2120 max PNDs, each with wide, 4.3-inch screens; spoken street names; automatic speed warnings; and Reality View 3D representations of major highway intersections. A new feature called DirectHelp pinpoints a user's location and provides directions and phone numbers for nearby services such as hospitals, pharmacies, and roadside assistance. These twin devices differ in the packaged maps. The Navigon 2100 max ($299 MSRP) ships with maps of the continental U.S., while Canadian-market Navigon 2120 features maps of the U.S. and Canada.

Navigon also announced its new FreshMaps service for all the company's PNDs. For $79.99, consumers can download and install up to 12 quarterly map updates over three years, including points of interest.

Garmin 2x5 - nuvi 205 / 255
Garmin announced the next evolution for the popular nuvi 200 series, dubbed 2x5. These new devices promise swifter satellite acquisition times and expanded ability to step up to premium features. A new HotFix aids the start-up time for connecting with satellites by storing past location information to hasten establishing the current location.

The 2x5 units will be available in 3.5-inch and 4.3-inch screen formats, with sequential models providing progressive steps in added features. The maps now use shading to indicate elevation, giving the units a different look. An interesting feature is the ability to choose user-supplied pictures from the Garmin Connect Photos site to download to the device and use for seeking landmarks.

Helpful in an emergency, the nuvis include the "Where am I?" feature that displays the exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and gas stations.

When used with an optional receiver, each nuvi 2x5 can display updated information from Traffic Message Channel or MSN Direct (for $49.95 a year, or a one-time charge of $129.95.)

The nuvi 205 and 205W will be available in versions that offer maps the contiguous United States, Canada, or regional sections of Europe. The nuvi 255 and 255W will be available in versions that include comprehensive coverage of North America, Europe, Australia, or New Zealand. In addition, the nuvi 255 and 255W models for North America speak proper street names when giving audio directions.

Clearly, the market is moving quickly, but we aim to stay on top of the most significant developments and products.

—Jeff Bartlett and Mike DiLauro

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.