Buck07,
I've got a lowrance LMS 480, its B&W but it will do alot of things that I haven't figured out how to do. It's a nice unit but color would be nicer. You might keep in mind that the Eagle brands are basically the same as Lowrance except they don't have the flasher function that Lowrance has. Other wise they're pretty much the same but cheaper. Good luck keeping it below $500. Like already said getting one on clearance would probably be your best bet or Cabelas Bargin cave, which are ones that were returned for one reason or another. I've heard that Hummingbird has made great strides in quality especially with the side looking models. But pricey I think.
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