I'm a contrarian when it comes to cell phones and other portable devices. On the one hand, I'm always trying to lighten the load I carry around so I can pretend to have a carefree lifestyle that doesn't require alot of stuff. On the other hand, I roll my eyes everytime I hear about another multi-function device that only really does one thing well. My newest dilemma in this regard has to do with GPS devices. I'd love to have this function on my Treo phone, but only if it's a true substitute for a stand-alone GPS. I'm a big fan of the Garmin Nuvi, which is so small you can easily fit it into a pocket or a small purse when it's not mounted on your car windshield, but it is one more thing to carry around, however small it may be. When I'm really traveling light, I only carry my wallet and my Treo, that's it. With my luck, though, those will be the times when I get lost and wish I had a GPS.

I'm eagerly awaiting the release of the Garmin 20 GPS service, due out in July for Nokia, Windows Mobile, and Treo smartphones. The package comes with a phone mount with Bluetooth wireless speaker and microphone, and built-in phone charger. Best of all, it has the same quality navigational features as other Garmin portable automotive GPS devices, which I'll have to see to believe. SMS intregration allows you to text message your location and navigate to received locations (something I'd probably use alot). Other useful features are real-time traffic, gas prices, and weather information. It mounts to your windshield by suction cup, which I love because it's so easy and not permanent. And, like the Nuvi, there's really no setup. You insert the data card and the software loads automatically. Lovely.

Holding my breath for a future announcement about the price.