Someone at attackpoint posted about the release of the new Garmin Forerunners, the 205 and 305.  Several of us here in Cincinnati got 101s or 201s recently, and I know several people who use them or similar products.  Anyway, the new ones look like they have improved button positions, and much improved reception under foliage.

Live From CES: New Garmin Forerunners

Here's the discussion on attackpoint.  It includes a few posts from "Wyatt," who has experience with the SiRFstar III GPS chips.  

Attackpoint Discussion

A few of my recent orienteering events with GPS tracks are here:

cedarcreek's GPS Tracks

(I scan at 150dpi when I worry about a club getting mad at me over map copyright, so they're intentionally a little fuzzy.  I have much better looking results than I feel comfortable posting.)

I still don't know how to handle these in a big competition.  My first thought is that they're not appropriate, but honestly, I have trouble imagining how it could be used to improve your time.  There's some "reduction to absurdity" discussion about how Heart Rate Monitors and even watches with split time functions aren't mentioned by the rules, and are therefore technically illegal (in regular O).  There is an old saying that the only way to use a GPS to beat the winner of a large orienteering event is to wait for him at a control, hit him over the head with it, and steal his map.  

I've seen where some O'Clubs don't let people use GPS for local events, but we don't do that here in Cincinnati.  We're glad that someone new came to our event.  We've even given people help using their new GPS.  

I'd love it if someone would propose a method for carrying a GPS on a big course legally.  I'd propose a table near the start, say at -30 minutes, to turn it on, cover the screen with tape, place it in a map bag (a poly bag),  have an official sign the area where the heat sealer hits, and then heat seal it on that signature.  If it comes back opened, then it's a DNF.  I'd also propose a requirement for non-wrist mounting---Perhaps a camelback or a fanny pack.  Another option might be to tape all of the screen except a specific area (previously approved) that would allow the user to know the GPS is on but not get usable information from it.  This would allow the heat sealing to be done at a convenient time and location, and for the user to use the buttons through the bag to turn it on before they start.

Another option for handling GPS devices at big meets might be to approve certain devices which have limited functionality (like no ability to display a topo or street map).  I don't like this at all.  It seems wrong to have to test and approve devices.  Women's Lacrosse has used this type of test-and-approve process for the cross heads (the plastic part that holds the net/mesh pocket), and it's just completely unworkable due to the delay when new products are released.

My preference would be for the devices to be legal, but then I can see people coming up with ways to use them to their advantage, and that can't be allowed except in small or local events.  Even worse would be for the devices to be approved, and then for clever designers to make devices with user interfaces designed specifically for gaining advantage.  Then, to be competitive, you'd have to have this expensive device.  That would change a lot of what I love about orienteering---mostly, the simplicity of it---map and compass and a pair of grippy shoes.