I just received my new Garmin 2620 gps unit today. Still don't know how I convinced the wife it was an absolute necessity.
This model has the hard drive with the US including Alaska & most Canadian provinces preloaded with mapsource detailed maps. No downloading to fuss with until time to update the software.
Originally planned to go with Delorme or similar loaded on the laptop but, the Garmin is just too easy, fits the truck & or car, low energy requirement, adjusts to bright sunlight, easy to hid in the car, and talks back to you. We named the female voice Madeline.
One of my friends had one when we took a trip and that was all it took to convince me. It takes you thru cities with ease; evens tells you which lane to get in as you approach a road change.