Leading GPS manufacturer Garmin is introducing a new Nuvi series that can help you navigate when in the car, on trail, on a bike, or on the moon.

The last bit's not true. But the new Nuvi 500 is waterproof and getting considerable attention for the press. CNET says it's for "those movers and shakers who cruise on four wheels, two wheels, by sea, and even hit the pavement with their own two feet." According to Ubergizmo, "The nuvi 500 caters to a wide range of activity categories and is equal to all the tasks."

Both the Nuvi 500 and 550 have a 3.5-inch waterproof touchscreen and casing and rugged exterior. The 500 is preloaded with road and topographic maps of the U.S., while the 550 has comprehensive street maps for the U.S. and Canada.

When it comes to its car-centric capabilities, GPSReview says, "you can think of the Nuvi 500 as a waterproof version of the Nuvi 205," in terms of features and functions.

Potential buyers should especially keep that in mind if they don't need a multi-faceted nav, as the Nuvi 205 sells for a little more than $200. The Nuvi 500 series is not yet available in the United States. When it gets here, expect to shell out close to $500.

GPS Magazine notes the 500 series has not text-to-speech capability and is bulkier than most 3.5-inch screen units, but writes, "If you're worried the nuvi 500 might trade functionality in exchange for the new off road and boating features, don't be: the nuvi 500 benefits from the same ease-of-use and best-of-breed routing engine as Garmin's other nuvi models."

According to Engadget says, "The only real knocks on this were the added bulk/weight and the omission of text-to-speech, but true adventurers aren't apt to care about that when consolidating four GPS devices into one."

The Garmin Nuvi 500 series hits the United Kingdom first, with an expected arrival stateside in late 2008.

Needing directions right now? Check out the best features and functions for GPS in U.S. News' Navigation System Buying Guide.