Targeted at sailors, outdoor enthusiasts and "road warriors" (it says here), the Meridian has a 16MB map database that gives a large, 16-colour, 120 x 160 pixel backlit display.

The 8oz, waterproof, pocketsize unit gives maps and charts containing details such as highways, major roads, parks, waterways, airports, cities and marine navigation aids, such as fixed and floating buoys, obstructions, wrecks, lighthouses and marinas.

Thales says the Meridian Color's 12 parallel channel receiver's quadrifilar helix antenna helps the unit give positions to three metres or better.

There are seven configurable navigation screens, including a moving map. It will store up to 500 waypoints, 2000 track points and 20 reversible routes with 30 legs.

The unit will retail at £429.95, inc VAT.

Mark Dowland Marine Tel: 01929 551138. Fax: 01929 551104 Email: mdm@unipart.co.uk Web: www.burdengroup.com Mantsbrite Marine Electronics Tel: 01621 853003. Fax: 01621 850877 Email: sales@mantsbrite.com Web: www.manstsbrite.com