WHEN you're in unfamiliar territory, a good navigation system is your best friend.

The Holux GPSmile 62 GPS (global positioning system) device was our handy guide during the SUVival challenge.

It was a looker, with its large 5-inch touch screen. ultra-slim 14.5mm frame and edge-to-edge matt surface finishing.

It was easy to use as well.

We lost the instruction sheet, but we could still figure out the user-friendly GPS interface.

It also came pre-loaded with maps of Singapore and Malaysia.

And it had an impressive database too. It could place the tiny Sungei Lembing museum near Kuantan, and could direct us there from Segamat in Johor, more than 150km away.

In Singapore, it readily located any and all addresses we threw at it.

Even better, the GPS system would even warn us if a speed camera was nearby (yes, it knows where these are too).

Map updates are provided every month on the Holux website.

EastGear, the distributor for Holux GPS devices, offers two years of free updates for users.

Each update usually costs $50 to $100.

The Holux GPS usually retails at $499, but is available at the promotional price of $399 till the end of May.

You can get it at all authorised dealers, including those at Funan the IT Mall, Sim Lim Square and at all Caltex petrol stations.

This article was first published in The New Paper.