The GPS RX is a tiny 12 channel GPS receiver and active antenna in one water-resistant unit. It's black with a deep blue dome, has a 1.8 metre USB cable, and measures just 50mm in diameter.

The GPS Receiver, which includes Microsoft AutoRoute, costs £99.88, including VAT and international delivery. You can buy it now by calling Cherry Heaven, or read more and buy it on line at The USB Store.

A Global Positioning System receiver picks up transmissions from an array of satellites and calculates its position: on the road, in the town, in the UK, somewhere in Europe, anywhere in the World. So, no chance of being lost again whilst travelling.

It plugs into your computer, takes about 45 seconds to work out its starting position, shows you exactly where you are on a map, and then re-calculates your current position every second as you drive.

Using the Microsoft AutoRoute 2002 European map included, it will locate specific addresses and general locations and work out the best route. You can zoom in, add intermediate stops, change the route, and personalize the map.

If you've already seen adverts for the GPS units that slot into a notebook PC, remember that they're unlikely to work on a car seat as the metallic car body will screen the reception. It's not like a radio, picking up one signal: it needs to get a fix on three, at least. This receiver is on a cable so that it can be mounted on the dashboard or roof, using the magnets built into its base.