Harlan Lachman wrote:
In article .com,
"Chris" wrote:
....
Like everything else, it depends on how you plan to use it.

Will this back up a hard wired system?
No.

Is it a stand alone?
Yes.

Will you use it just in boat or in cars too?
Both.

How many different bodies of water will it be used on?
Mostly Southern Californaia, occasionally elsewhere (worldwide).
I'll take it with me when I travel.

Is connectivity to a computer (for waypoint or route back-up or synching
with another device important)?
Yes.

Thanks,

Chris

In article .com,
"Chris" wrote:

Harlan Lachman wrote:
In article .com,
"Chris" wrote:
...
Like everything else, it depends on how you plan to use it.

Will this back up a hard wired system?
No.

Is it a stand alone?
Yes.

Will you use it just in boat or in cars too?
Both.

How many different bodies of water will it be used on?
Mostly Southern Californaia, occasionally elsewhere (worldwide).
I'll take it with me when I travel.

Is connectivity to a computer (for waypoint or route back-up or synching
with another device important)?
Yes.

Thanks,

Chris

Chris, you might want to check out the top rated units noted at:

http://www.thegpsstore.com/GPS-Handheld-Mapping.asp

I have had success with Garmin and Magellan handhelds.

Regardless of what you buy, I think any boater should insist on WAAS and
I would shop for my unit on the internet. Commodity pricing lends itself
to great deals. I use Froogle, PriceGrabber and others even just Google.

I do a lot of chart plotting on my unit, have poor eyesight and had
chips that worked with my fixed mount Garmin 182 C, so I opted for the
being replaced Garmin 176C. I loved the larger color screen.

But I am not sure how this unit works with autos and I already had the
chips.. The 276C is a replacement.

Decide the size of the screen you need versus portability, whether you
need color, and how you want to upload detailed chart information for
the body of water you cruise on.

I know this is all so personal so given your needs, I WOULD check out
the Garmin Quest GPS, , Garmin GPSMAP 76C and Magellan eXplorist 600,
Garmin Etrex Vista Color Handheld. One of these should have the size and
features you need.

If this generic and personal information doesn't help, letting me know
would be helpful.

harlan

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To respond, obviously drop the "nospan"?