I have the 332c and they are great, easy to use and after one year no problems. I would recommend the hot map chip. My .02

Humminbird 787C2i. 640 X 320 resolution and you can get it with Navtroincs preloaded for around $750

check this place once you decide... saves money..

www.hodgesmarine.com

That was supposed to be Navionics

how many have used the humminbird? anyone used both?

Yes, I have used both. I used Lowrance for years, then Humminbird came out with the side finding units. I bought a 987csi and love it. Humminbird has come a long way, and IMO are ahead in the technology department right now. The side imaging is obviously very cool. However, their 2d (traditional) sonar is every bit as good as Lowrance if not better.

That being said, I have nothing against lowrance as I've used them for years, and personally haven't had problems with them. They are a fine unit. I do not like the rolling discontinuation of units that they do though, that irritates me. It's hard to get stuff fixed with them, if your unit is 3 or 4 years old alot of times they want you to upgrade instead of fixing it.

A unit that I inherited with my new boat is a Garmin 240, I can't say enough good things about this unit. It's just a basic black/white depthfinder, but it's one of the best I've had. The target seperation and sensitivity are incredible.

My next unit when I get around to replacing the garmin upfront will be a Humminbird. I will install the interlink system to share data, routes, waypoints with my console unit (987).

My .02

i have heard that the side view on the bird's are as cool as it gets. have yet to see it in real life and working but it almost makes me want to break down and get one. got the lowrance 522ci last month and i like it ok. simple minded and have not spent alot of time seeing what all this thing will do. plug and play is my favorite thing but i need to take the time to figure it all out.

but on the side view units... are they really as great as what media tells us???

Yes! But it's a tool just like your traditional sonar. You must learn the in's and out's of how and why it works to get the most advantage out of it. So if you are not a tinkerer and someone who really try's to get the most out of your unit, then it's probably not a good use of money. It's expensive and I see alot of guys griping on the forums because of various things, most of which are user error or laziness. I think alot of the gripes stem from the fact that they spent almost 2,000 dollars and the expectations that go along with such a high cost.

But it is a very innovative technology that saves alot of time by covering huge expanses of water. Whereas with a 2d you would be zigzagging and circling for hours to get the same amount of coverage you get with side imaging in 1/4 that time.

what is the difference between the 520, 522, 527, etc.? they look about the same to me.