Actual Screen Width

Great information resource you have here.

Looking to purchase a Humminbird unit soon. Trying to decide which model. I saw this BBC Boards: [HB] Humminbird: Frequently Asked Questions and Tips and it makes it seem as though the wider screens are not quite as wide as one might think. It appears that approx 1.4" of width is lost on the 898 & 998 models due to readouts running down the left side of the screen. Is it possible to get rid of the readout column in order to utilize the full screen width for imaging? If not, it would seem that the 798 model is almost as wide for alot less money.
Would appreciate any input.
Thanks!

It is not possible to remove the readouts on the units..although this has been on the HB wish list for some time now....