Batman has Robin, Sherlock has Watson. Hell, even Mr. Burns has his ever-attentive Smithers. So it's reasonable that globe-hopping travelphiles should have an equally dedicated, trustworthy, loyal accomplice, right?

One of the best guides we've found (besides that Icelandic supermodel with an infallible sense of direction) is the new HP Travel Companion 310. It's a taco-size GPS unit adorned by an easy to read 4.3-inch, 480 x 800-resolution touchscreen and punctuated by elegantly simple controls. Maps are detailed and effortless to read, coming in either 2-D or 3-D flavors. The 3-D maps are especially useful when you're lost — the realistic representations of buildings and elevated streets can help you easily gain your bearings after straying off course.

After you've reached journey's end (or are flying smoothly en route) the 310 has a few more tricks up its digital sleeve. Play MP3s, watch video or kill time in one of the included games. Feeling chatty? Sync the 310 to your cellphone via Bluetooth and use the GPS device as a hands-free speaker. Hey that's even better than the Icelandic supermodel — she won't even take our calls.  —Bradley Carbone

WIRED 2-D and 3-D map options are clean and easy to read. GPS tracking while on foot or in a vehicle works without a digital hiccup. Multiple voice and language options. Scroll-wheel controller makes zooming in on maps smoother than a Barry White album.

TIRED Spades of extras + deep operating system = steep learning curve. Toggling between features often causes menu to temporarily stall. Only two measly gigs of included memory? Looks like we're not giving up our iPods anytime soon.

$450, hp.com