Evaluating Three Top-End Units

MORE OBSERVATIONS

Special Navigation Features: The GPSMAP 76S and Meridian Platinum both have an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter. Vertical elevation profiles can be displayed. Hunters and backpackers may find this feature useful.

Waterproofing: The GPSMAP 76S and the Meridian Platinum are waterproof to IPX 7. Both of these units float in water. The iFINDER is water resistant to IPX 2 standards and does not float.

Celestial Information: The GPSMAP 76S can display tide-station information, best hunting and fishing times, sun and moon rise and set, and temperature. The Meridian Platinum displays best hunting and fishing times, sun and moon rise and set, and a weather screen showing pressure and temperature. The iFINDER displays sun and moon rise and set.

Text Size: GPSMAP 76S offers a choice of text size in data boxes. The Meridian Platinum comes with reasonably large numbers on some screens. Both are easy to read. The iFINDER has the smallest print, which could cause a problem for some users.

PRICING

GPSMAP 76S: Suggested retail price of the unit is $482. The price of different CDs varies. The MetroGuide CD and the Roads and Recreation CD have a suggested retail price of $116. The Hot Spots Map CD and the Blue Waters Chart CD are locked CDs. When you purchase them, you can choose one region to download. Additional regions require an extra charge.

iFINDER: Suggested retail price is $199. Suggested retail price for the MapCreate 6 program is $199. The suggested retail price of the iFINDER Plus, which includes the unit and MapCreate 6 program is $329. TNo topo programs or offshore charts are available.

Meridian Platinum: Suggested retail price is $400. The MapSend CDs have a suggested retail price of $150.

LEARNING AIDS

Lowrance has an emulator on their website that can be downloaded to a computer. The iFINDER appears on the computer screen. The iFINDER can run through all its features by clicking on the function keys. This is a good way for shoppers to explore features. The iFINDER has an Easy Mode and Advanced Mode. By selecting the Easy Mode only basic operating functions are available in the menu, simplifying the learning process. It also has a help function. The Meridian Platinum comes with a simple Quick Start manual and a help function to help the user become familiar with the unit. The GPSMAP 76S has a well laid out, illustrated manual. All the units became easy to use with a little practice.

Conclusion: These are three excellent units. As with most purchases, price and features play a determining role. Dollarwise, the best buy may be the iFINDER, if you are willing to sacrifice some features. If topo maps, lake contour maps, additional navigation features such as compass and altimeter are required functions, then the GPSMAP 76S and Meridian Platinum are good choices.

More information on-line: www.garmin.com; www.lowrance.com; www.magellangps.com.

Editor's Note: Bill Diedrich, Minnetonka, Minnesota, is an industry consultant on marine topics and a longtime In-Fisherman contributor. He also serves as our Electronic Doc, a feature of this website. Click here to view his column.