Answering several points in one go:

> But it is an electronic piece of equipment that can stop working at anytime without warning. I hope you don't rely on it alone.

I have paper maps and a compass that I bought before the GPS, so I always take them in my rucksack.

> Can you roll a really big cigarette on top of a computer in a force 9 gale?

I don't smoke, but can you unfold your map in a force 9 gale anyway? My computer being hand-held does not blow around like a map.

> What about the simple pleasure of sitting on top of a Cumbrian Fell with your map spread out in front of you whilst you identify the distant peaks, you can't do that with a computer.

Yes, I can identify the distant peaks, though I don't need to spread it out, I just zoom and scroll, which works in a force 9 gale too. ;o)

> Given a choice betwen a paper map and compass and the latest state of the art all singing, all dancing gadget. I'd take the map & compass every time.

I use the computer map by choice and have a paper map and a compass in my rucksack for emergency use. I've never had to rely on it yet.

> Do GPS thingies make a noise too or are they blessedly silent?

Blessedly silent.

> I love maps and planning the journey on the map and retracing my wanderings afterwards are an essential part of the joy of walking.

Me too and the electronic mapping is just as good (if not better than a paper map). The GPS gives distance, speed and elevation profiles for the walk - information that adds to my enjoyment and is not easily available by conventional means. I can plot a route beforehand on my desktop PC and download it to the Pocket PC. I can even do a 3D "fly-through" of the route to get an idea of the appearance of the terrain and the steepness of the track. The route up to Helvelyn across striding edge is quite impressive, through not quite as hairy as doing it for real.