screen size and rewind on SI units

Ok, have read all the posts on the SI's and am about to fork out the big coin for an 898. Before doing so I just have to ask for two oppinions.

1- I'm spending the extra $500 for the bigger screen size. This is really stretching by budget, but like others have said you don't want to be disappointed after making a big purchase. That said... I really would like to have the $500 back. So...is it worth it (898 vs 798)? Most of me says yes but I wonder if I will really need it as I will be doing all my viewing of it at the counsole no further than 2ft from my eyeballs.

2-I'm pretty much sold on the HB over Lowerance for many reasons, but really like the Lowerance feature to rewind and go back to review previous spots and place gps points. I know you can place gps points with the HB but my understanding is you can't rewind. This is not enought to change my decesion of HB over Lowerance but, do you think Humminbird will update software with this feature?

Thanks for you input.

If you've indeed read all the SI posts, then you know to buy the largest screen you can presently afford. When using it, you really won't be thinking about the cost differential but how easy it is on the eyes. And you'll think the opposite if you buy a small screen. Details are much more visible with the larger screens, no matter the proximity to your eyes.

Once I started using the unit to mark waypoints, the absence of a rewind feature was really never missed. I have plenty of time to make a decision and mark a point if I want to. I can also record the whole trip and look at it later. I don't know if anyone can predict what Humminbird will do in the next software release but it's a competitive market. (which is good for us!)

Good luck on your purchase and install!! :D

I purchased the 797 a few years back and loved it. Then I got in a boat and used the 997 and i was dissapointed that i didn't spend the extra money. But as luck has it I came across a killer deal on a 1197 and its awsome.

As Luvin said... you can record everywhere you go and pull up on your computer and see everything and make as many waypoints as you need.

Go for the larger screen - the extra $500 will be worth it because you will
have what you really wanted in the first place. Multiple views use up screen
real estate fast - larger is better for that reason too. I have never had the need to rewind. If you're watching the screen, you have plenty of time, and if not, there won't be any need in the first place. After you get your new Bird,
get a fast SanDisk Extreme III for recording. If you record all the time, break the recordings up in several smaller ones instead of one very long one. Download and install the free HumViewer to review your recordings. You will see detail that you can't see while on the water. Congratulations on your smart decision to go Humminbird.

bob baldwin
bryan, texas
997c SI
1197c SI
AS GRHA GPS

I'm about to pull the trigger on an si but hard to choose between the 998 or 1197. Any advise? Thanks.

Bigger is better ;)

I know the 1197 has 2" larger screen, but does it have the external ports like the 998 does?

Yes

The 1197 has the Ethernet and video out ports like the 898/998 units do.

So Greg, aside from the larger screen, are there any other advantages of the 1197 over the 998? And does the 998 have anything over the 1197? Thanks Greg.

Nothing that I know of right now Majflyboy, just the bigger screen.

If you can afford it ...you will not be disappointed with the 1197....

The screen is like watching TV on the boat....

and the split screens are just awesome when they are big enough you can actually see them....

Screen size is the biggest difference. It's a BIG jump from the 998 to the 1197SI screen size wise. Same big jump from a 798 to 898 as well. Night and day difference between those units screen size wise.

Mike

well i stretched myself a bit and went for 898... my wife thanks you guys for the encouragement :). I wish I had budget for the 998 now, but you got to stop somewhere.

Now time to install...Hoping to get good results with higer speed down sonar signals (not necessarily SI or DI) and good views with SI on both sides at 2-6mph, have a lund IPS hull and kicker.

Thanks for your input, good fishing, Jason