[gear_merc]

Hope this is the right forum. :D
Noob here.

My friend is interested in a portable GPS system.

Level: Easy to use. (Buyer is not tech savy.)
Price: 300-500 +/-
Area: Mainly NY to WV, urban areas, also possibly FL. (I understand maps/areas can be uploaded, but buyer wants system to be easy to use. Like I said not tech savy.)
Memory: In respect to area topic. (Can hold maps of cities.)
Usage: Not intended for military campaigns or survival situations (Can be, but not primary purpose.) Buyer wants to find stores, homes, roads, etc. Also would like to plot way points/ routes.
Power: Battery operated. (Also options of rechargable batteries and direct power cord acceptable. Please give battery charge info., i.e. 2hrs b4 replacing/recharging batteries.)
Size/Weight: Buyer is not physically strong and is 55+. However, buyer is not going to "hump" it for 5 miles (Max. would be an easy trail hike of 2 miles). Buyer would like it to be handy and would possibly transport it by car for long distances.
Other: Reliable, name brand, "bang for buck".

Any help, experience, links, further requirements, or questions will be helpful.

I will edit/add if necessary.

Thanks in advance, and sorry for noob questions on the subject.

[Lucky]

I hear the new ones are two-way - that's kind of creepy.

[Babarsac]

I've used a Garmin GPSMAP 60 driving cross country, navigating city streets, and hiking around an artillery range. It was a nice system and I wish my company would let me keep it :D

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145

[mpmillen]

I have a Garmin Gecko 201 that is great for back country usage, but it is quite primitive for general automobile travel.

I recommend the Garmin Nuvi line (like the Nuvi 350) for a nice portable, graphic interface model that is reasonably priced and easy to use. The Nuvi line also has many added features like gas stations, Starbucks, etc., etc.!

The Gecko 201 is about $100.00 and the Nuvi series runs from about $300 up to $900, depending on whether you want maps of Europe and other things.

Good luck,

Mark