what do GPS ready mean?

[PawPaw Gene]

I'm looking at the specs for a humminbird 727 and it says, "GPS ready - just add GPS Receiver or a hand-held GPS to show position, mark hotspots and find your way home." Does that mean that you can use any hand-held as my Lowrance H2o-c. Thanks in advance.
From the bayou,
PawPaw "gene"

[CrappieHound]

GPS ready means that the unit is capable of communicating with a handheld GPS. If you go into the main menu and look for a tab that says GPS or something like that it should take you to a place where you can pick from a list of handheld GPS systems that will work. You'll have to have the cord to plug into the 727. Someone with a 727 will be able to walk you step by step through the process...heck Tom can probably do it w/o one.

The Hound

[painterfish]

heres a thread i was interested in but im still in the dark about your question
http://www.crappie.com/gr8vb3/showth...light=handheld

[PawPaw Gene]

Painterfish, I followed the thread you suggested and YEP, I still confused. To make it simple and only for a few bucks more, it's only money right, I just as soon get a combo unit and be finished with it. The handheld can be my backup and my hunting partner. I'll do a little more research before pulling the trigger on it. Thanks every one, I see that I not alone on planet.
From the bayou,
PawPaw "gene"

[CrappieHound]

Go to J&H and look at units. They have some of the best prices out there. Alot of guys on the boatd have ordered from them and I just ordered a Humm.787c from them.

http://www.jandhproducts.com/

The Hound

[gopreach]

I have a 727 I purchased last year from J and H products. I think it is a great unit for the money. I have had a hand held GPS unit for years. I decided this year to order a GPS receiver for my 727 that will be permanetly affixed to my boat. J an H sells them for a great price but Hodges Marine Electronics was a couple of dollars cheaper because of the difference in shipping cost. I just ordered one this morning and look forward to receiving it. Once it is mounted and plugged in you can go into the GPS format on the 727 and use it as a GPS. Like all GPS units it will take some reading and use but I think it will be worth the time and investment. Going this route removes the chance of you forgeting your hand held at home, dead batteries, dropping the hand held over board or having it fall on the floor and someone stepping on it. The receiver from Hodges cost $93.01 including shipping. Good luck and great fishing!

[speckle]

Paw Paw I Have A 737 And I Purchased A Gps Receiver To Go With It I
Had A Hand Held Gps But Decided On The Attached It Is A Lot Easer Than Having Two Things To Keep Up With I Like Mine It Is Easy To Mark A Spot And Better It Will Return You To That Spot With Ease

[Joby @ Humminbird]

GPS Ready means that the unit is capable of using the GPS feature. All you will have to do is add a antenna or a handheld gps unit to get the gps feature on the 727. You will not see any gps menu's until you add a receiver or a handheld device to it. Then the menu will pop up in the unit. Then it the unit will allow you to create and save waypoint.

[CrappieHound]

Thanks Joby for clearing that up. I knew there had to be a menu but I don't have a handheld, mine is internal. That makes sense though.

Apologizes to PAW PAW for the misinformation.

How much is the antenna if Paw Paw wanted to go that route?

The Hound

[Joby @ Humminbird]

The GPS antenna for the 727 is called a AS GR16. The price is $99.99.