I'm running an old lms-522c graph, I am looking to upgrade, but I don't want to break the bank( prefer to stay less than 600 bucks).. Would prefer to stay with Lowrance, but am open to suggestions.. don't really care about fancy mapping, i.e. navionics, etc. Just really looking for at least a 7" display on a solid downvision/chirp unit, with basic map functions..

I know you have some insight and suggestions, so let's hear em'!!

at that price-point for a 7" check out the garmin 73sv. comes with down / side image and has pre-loaded base maps that are pretty decent.
for a little more you can get a 93sv which is a 9" screen. look around you can find some deals on these. if chirp is important to you then make certain the model # says 93(or73)sv Chirp - when they added the chirp feature they didn't change the model #, they just added the word chirp to the end.

quick search you can find the 73sv chirp for 600 or close to it all day. if you don't want/need side scan, the 73dv Chirp unit is the same but just has down scan. You can find those online under $500.

+1 on the Garmin. Have a 93sv and a 73dv, great imaging and you don't have to buy a map card.

west marine has the garmin on sale 73 dv for 329.00 last week was 249.00

Pm sent. Friend is going to sale his 1197 and his 959 humminbird

Lowrance Hook 9" $449.95 at West Marine