Lowrance GPS
 

I've had a Garmin etrex GPS and liked it. Sold it to a buddy when I decided I wanted to upgrade to a new unit that could download maps. I also wanted an electronic compass ( I know, I carry a compass anyway but want be able to get directions off my GPS without having to move).

I thought for sure I'd be buying a better grade of Garmin and their map software. I went to the service counter at a major sporting goods store and explained what I wanted. The boss of the department overheard me and came over and said "You need the Lowrance, it does the best job with maps and costs less". He showed me a little bit and it seemed like it was just what I wanted. It was about $100 less than the Garmin, ran on the same batteries and was a little bit bigger. It also had a bigger display screen.

I don't have any experience with Lowrance personally, but I know they've been around and will be around. They're big hitters in marine depthfinders and aviation navigation, but I haven't heard much about their handheld GPS units. Anyone have any experience with their new models ?

It doesn't look like anybody here has a Lowrance. I went fishing with a buddy this weekend and he just bought one. He also bought the Lake Map software and let me tell you it is incredible.

We took it out on a lake that I've fished all my life and it showed every sunken island and even big underwater rocks as we went around them. I think the colored version is worth the extra $100, I'm going to get one.

I just got one. I crashed two computers trying to download the software and getting the card reader to work. (hint - get a kid to help you with this part).

I've downloaded the map for my area, the 64 card holds about the state of MN. I'm off to get a 256 card or two. The software is encrypted so you can only download onto 5 identified cards. I think this kind of sucks, but I suppose they have to stop pirating of their software.

So far, I like it. I've been practicing with it and it seems to do just what I wanted it to do. Very nice screen. It's bigger than some other units, but I don't know how you could make it smaller when you want a 3" display screen.

It does everything I want, plus 10 times more than I'll ever use.

What kind of card does it use?