The official holiday shopping season kicks into gear this week, with online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores promising deep discounts to move merchandise on Black Friday. Given the troubled economy and growing concern for consumer spending, it is safe to say that good deals will be abundant. However, be sure to compare prices and research the products to ensure you are getting a good deal on good items.

In scanning the deals for portable GPS navigation systems, we’re seeing attractive prices on many good models. This isn’t surprising. The general trend in this fast-moving electronics category has been for new models to offer more features and often come in at a lower price than the ones they replace.

Many of the units we’re seeing in sales flyers are basic navigators—devices that provide guidance with few extras. As always, consider the features that you will use regularly and avoid the temptation to overspend for a high-end model that you simply don’t need.

In particular, there are a wide range of Garmin and (to a lesser degree) TomTom models offered at "giftable" prices. Recent products from both brands tend to score above average in our GPS Ratings.

Whether buying for a gift or personal indulgence, consult our GPS buying advice to learn about key features and check the Ratings—updated in just the last few days. (We are testing more units and will again update the Ratings in December.) There is a convenient product selector to help sort and filter the GPS Ratings based on the features that matter most to you. (These charts and tools are available to online subscribers.)

Each Rated GPS navigator has its own model page, complete with specs, detailed Ratings breakdown, and insights from our staff experts. In addition, detailed reviews can be found in our latest First Looks.

First Looks:

Navigon 7200T
Premium automotive GPS impresses with features

Garmin eTrex
Affordable, mapping handheld GPS well suited for casual hiking and geocaching

Garmin Nuvi 880
This pricey, premium navigation device features voice recognition that works well.

Garmin Nuvi 205
Evolutionary changes mark improvements to the entry-level navigation device line

HP iPAQ 310 Travel Companion
An entertaining navigator, though there are better choices for the money

TomTom One 130
Popular, entry-level navigation device evolves with welcomed updates

TomTom 730
Easy-to-use navigator impresses with useful and entertaining features

Black Friday GPS navigator deals
We've collected standout offers on units that have tested well or are similar to top tested models and warrant a closer look. For this round-up, we focused on retailers that have traditionally had aggressive holiday pricing and a national presence. Better prices may be available from other sellers, and this list can provide a benchmark to judge by.

As prices and conditions may change, we encourage you to confirm pricing, availability, and store hours to ensure you can get these deals. In addition, some items may be available through the store Web sites for the discounted price, sparing you from the early-morning shopping frenzy.

Garmin Nuvi 200
$129.83 Amazon.com
$139.99 BJs.com

Garmin Nuvi 200W
$159.99 West Marine
$174.00 BuyDig.com

Garmin Nuvi 205
$124.99 Sears, Friday & Saturday
$146.97 BuyDig.com

Garmin Nuvi 205W
$174.00 BuyDig.com

Garmin Nuvi 250
$129.99 BJ's, Weds-Monday, online only
$139.99 BuyDig.com

Garmin Nuvi 250W
$149.99 Staples, Friday & Saturday
$169.99 Radio Shack, Friday

Garmin Nuvi 255
$189.00 BuyDig.com

Garmin Nuvi 255W
$215.47 BuyDig.com
$229.99 Radio Shack, Friday & Saturday

Garmin Nuvi 260
$149.99 Circuit City, Friday
$162.97 BuyDig.com
$189.99 Best Buy, Friday

Garmin Nuvi 260W
$228.00 BuyDig.com

Garmin Nuvi 265WT
$249.99 Circuit City
$264.93 Amazon.com

Garmin Nuvi 270
$172.00 BuyDig.com

Garmin Nuvi 350
$175.00 BuyDig.com

Garmin Nuvi 360
$174.99 BuyDig.com

Garmin Nuvi 650
$219.97 BuyDig.com

Garmin Nuvi 660
$274.00 BuyDig.com

Garmin Nuvi 680
$252.00 BuyDig.com

Garmin Nuvi 750
$199.99 Costco.com, through December 15
$227.97 BuyDig.com

Garmin Nuvi 760
$249.85 Amazon.com
$249.99 BJs.com, Weds-Monday
$251.97 BuyDig.com

Garmin Nuvi 880
$609.00 BuyDig.com

Magellan Roadmate 1200
$89.99 Meijer, Friday 5 a.m.-12noon
$99.99 Sears, Friday & Saturday
$99.99 BJ's, Weds-Monday
$99.99 Target, Friday & Saturday

Magellan Roadmate 1212
$99.99 Costco, Friday-Sunday

Magellan Roadmate 1412
$147.00 Walmart, Friday & Saturday
$149.99 Sears, Friday 5 a.m.-noon
$149.99 Meijer, Friday 5 a.m.-noon

Magellan Maestro Elite 4350
$199.99 Meijer, Friday 5 a.m.-noon

Magellan Triton 400 GPS Adventure Pack
$199.00 Walmart, Friday 5-11 a.m.

Navigon 2100 Max
$199.99 Staples, Friday & Saturday

Navigon 2200T
$169.99 Amazon.com

Sony NV-U44
$179.99 Sears, Friday & Saturday

TomTom One 125
$97.99 BJs.com
$99.99 Radio Shack, Friday
$99.99 Staples, Friday 6-10 a.m.
$99.99 Sears, Friday & Saturday
$99.99 BJ's Weds-Monday w/ coupon
$99.99 K-Mart, Friday & Saturday
$99.99 Circuit City, Friday

TomTom One 130S
$199.99 Radio Shack, Friday & Saturday

—Jeff Bartlett and Desiree Calamari

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