I have run both and both are fine units. The ipilot link does not require a map card to operate. It DOES require a LAKEMASTER map card to use the Follow the contour feature. The new ChartSelect cards are also compatible with the Follow the contour feature. Lakemaster does not cover all of the lakes in GA so be sure to check their site to see which lakes are on the card. You will also need a humminbird unit that has ethernet capability and the latest software update to the bird. The ipilot link comes with a 20' ethernet cable that will plug in to the back of the bird or ethernet hub. Pretty simple setup and works great for me.