Anybody have any GPS/Plot Charter recommendations?

[kschupp]

Anybody have one of these: GPS Chartplotter | Lowrance Elite-4m ? I'm thinking about getting one, but I can not find any reviews on them anywhere. I'm looking for a standalone GPS/Plot Charter as I screwed up and bought the HB 596ci HDDI (which I like, but it has no GPS in it). Right now I'm using my Garmin NUVI with the lake master chip, but it's not very user friendly on the water. If you have one, how are the stock maps that come with it? What is a good map to buy if the stock maps aren't any good? If you don't have one of these, how about info on a similiar low cost unit? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[rnvinc]

You could put your 596ci HD DI in the classifieds are get a fair price for it...

Then get the 597ci HD DI Combo...
597ci HD DI Combo :: Marine Fishfinder :: Humminbird

Or if money is tight you could get just a little smaller screen and save money with the 587ci HD DI Combo...
587ci HD Combo :: Marine Fishfinder :: Humminbird

It is so handy to be able to mark waypoints right on the unit and the coordinate data go directly into the unit memory for later use....

Rickie

[Corker]

You might want to consider a handheld unit. I've used the previous version (GPSMAP 76) for several years and love it. At just over $225, it's a powerful tool at a very affordable price. A totally portable unit can move around in your boat or bring your waypoints & tracks when you fish in a friend's boat. My finder is a HB 1197, but I still rely on the handheld too.

[jimp]

Not read anything about that specific unit but the Low Elite 4 gps/ff unit has some positive comments on various forums, one I'm considering for a my yak is color version with the 4" screen, they run around $300 at most big box places, which is not bad for a combo unit in color, they have a grayscale unit as well but I think the screen is 3.5" but is gps/ff combo for $199 IIRC. have seen positive comments on both of these.

[Cane Pole]

I hear ya Corker. I still use my handheld Garmin 276C. I can depend on it.

[Corker]

handheld

I'm starting a thread to discuss handhelds so we don't jack kschupp's thread.

[kschupp]

Well, I bit the bullet and went with the Elite 4M Gold package. Supposed to have enhanced lake maps and all. I got it from thedigitaloasis.com for $246 with free shipping. Everywhere else wanted $269. Can't say enough about their customer service. Within an hour of me placing the order, I got a phone call from them confirming my order and shipping address. They said they did this to help prevent CC fraud. Made me feel good about the company. I thought about the handheld units and almost went with one, but I didn't like the fact of having to replace batteries all the time and didn't want to be out on the water, have the batteries go dead and not have replacements. I'll post a review on here once I get the unit and can try it out. Thanks for everybodies opinions on this matter.

[jimp]

look forward to your 1st hand review.