Tom and others GPS Question...

[Rogan]

Looking to purchase another hand held unit but wanted to get some input as to which one to go for. I'd like to include maps and have enough storage space to hold a considerable amount of info. I've got a basic 12 Garmin and its served me well but want to step up a notch or four. I have no reason not to buy another Garmin but thought I'd ask others opinion.

[Chalk]

I like the Garmin GPSMap 76 and 76S. But I'm holding out for the new Lowrance Ifinder H20, it has more memory and a transferable memory card. Suppose to be out in late spring.

[Tom Keels]

For my money, I just don't think you can go wrong with garmin. There is a reason they are the leader in the industry. I think the Map76 would be a great choice combined with the bluecharts. I have the Map76s it has more memory, an electronic compass and altimeter/barometer. It also can hold 1000 waypoints. I know that sounds like a bunch, but you'd be surprised how fast you can fill up 500.

[fishsticks]

I have the Garmin 76. I've had it over a year and still have not maxed out its capabilities. Been very satisfied with it. I paid 219.00 at West Marine. The 76s as Tom stated has all the bells and Whistles and it will definately meet what your probably looking for. It's about 100.00 more than the 76, give or take a little. I'm not sure on the exact price.

[Chalk]

The ifinder can hold 1000 waypoints, 1000 event markers and 100 routes and is expandable up to 128 mb. The best I can tell that is for graphical memory, I have not correlated it to increasing the number of routes or waypoints yet.

But since Garmin is the leader , you should look at them too.

I noticed Garmin will looking at some homebuilt planes and noticed them advertising a little in some fishing magazines. So, that lead me to see if it was traded on the stock market, it was (GRMN), I first found it at 12 or so a share, since it has grown to a high of around $58 or so a share and is currently at 46 a share.

So, what does all this mean, I didn't buy any stock and I get sick thinking about

[RC]

I like the Garmin 176C. It has all the features of the bigger units in a smaller package. Was planning on replacing my old handheld with this unit and just found out that there was a 276C coming out this spring. My old garmin has been tough and dependable but is now an antique. Does anyone out there have any experience with this unit?

[Rogan]

Thanks for the info fellows. I'll check further into the 76 and see what I can find on the others mentioned. The handheld units suit my needs very well and at this point I see no reason to change.

[Rogan]

Found a price of $245.00 on the Map76 and $299.00 on the Map76S. Looks like the best price around. Still thinking.. How much should I expect to pay for the proper map software for the Big Bend area?:smt119

[tin can]

This is the software you need for the Map76.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... ctId=65047

[Tom Keels]

You need the Americas Bluechart with 1 unlock code. gpscity.com has it for 109.00. You can print it out and take it to West and they will price match it.

http://www.gpscity.com/gps/brados/41117 ... amev6.html

[Rogan]

Thanks Tin/Tom. Hope to do some shopping this weekend to see what I can find.

Thanks