Garmin says sales of portable GPS systems, or portable navigation devices (PNDs), will be flat in 2009. In a phone conference with analysts, Gramin president and COO Cliff Pemble described 2009 as a "difficult year," according to TWICE. Garmin has about half the U.S. market share and dominates even more at the high end, although the market is skewed 85-15 toward lower end PNDs, Garmin says. While flat sales are bad news for PND-makers, it's good news for customers who'll see better pricing from makers who remain in the business, as well as great close-out prices from those who drop out. The unspoken problem: A lot of people bought a first GPS 2-4 years ago, upgraded 1-2 years ago, and don't see the reason to upgrade quite so soon again.

Why it matters: You'll buy better portable GPS units at lower prices this year, if you've still got a job. And flat PND sales and reduced prices adds pressure on automakers to find ways to sell onboard navigation for $1,000 not $1,500.