When it comes to most portable GPS navigation devices, you find one of two families. On the one hand, you’ve got the GPS units that are designed for use in the woods and off the beaten path, operating mostly on longitude and latitude. On the other hand, you have personal GPS navigation devices that are more about driving directions.

Seemingly spanning the great divide between these two families is the new Garmin nuvi 500 series. These rugged and waterproof units feel perfectly at home both on the road and in the forest. The idea is that it can transition between driving, cycling, boating, and walking modes. When you’re on the road, you’ve got turn-by-turn directions. When you’re off the road (hiking and geocaching), you can see chart-specific information and topography.

An optional receiver can also be purchased for real time traffic information via Traffic Message Channel (TMC), as well as the variety of info available through MSN Direct.