Special built-in GPS mapping includes U.S. lakes, rivers, the Great Lakes and coastal waters with navigational aids. An Overlay Data feature allows GPS data to be displayed over the sonar screen, and vice versa.

For those who do not require depth-recorder capability and simply want the most detailed GPS unit available, the GlobalMap 7600 HD is worth a look. It features a high-brightness 10.4-inch color display, and a built-in, shock resistant, 20GB hard drive loaded with the same array of maps as the LCX-26C. Designed for boat or car, if offers dual MMC/SD card slots for custom map installation, 12-channel reception, automatic WASS reception, and an impressive 600V-by-800H pixel screen resolution. It is compatible with the optional plug and play Lowrance Lakemaster Pro Maps electronic charts.

If you would rather have a compact hand-held GPS Lowrance offers the !Finder series. Several models exist in this line and one of the most versatile is the Hunt model. This hand-sized unit weighs in at 8.7 ounces and operates for up to 12 hours on a pair of AA batteries. A cigarette plug power adaptor for car or boat is provided.

Designed primarily for hunters the pocket-sized receiver is completely waterproof and includes a built-in compass, barometric altimeter, an antenna port for connecting to an optional external GPS+WASS antenna, and is finished in Realtree Hardwoods HD camo.

The unit comes with detailed continental U.S. and Hawaii background maps installed, including interstate highway exit services. A single MMC/SD card slot offers mapping and recording capabilities. An optional Mapping Accessories Pack has U.S. topo mapping software, MapCreate, an MMC/SD card and card reader, with a USB connector. Although designed for hunters, it is compatible with the optional Lowrance array of land and water maps and provides easy point and map cursor navigation -- making it an excellent choice for hand-held marine use.

The !Finder GO2 is a lesser-priced version that does not accept MMC/SD cards, but does come with a built-in 64MB worth of land based and coastal maps featuring enhanced shoreline detail and navigation.

MAGELLAN
www.magellangps.com
As a serious player in the GPS game, Magellan's Meridian Marine hand-held unit is designed for the boater who wants a compact, pocket-sized unit. The 16MB storage comes equipped with an extensive built-in mapping base of U.S. waterways, rivers, lakes, fixed navigation aids, buoys, lighthouses and more. Additionally, it includes a map base listing interstate highways, cities, airports and other inland features. That database can be expanded via a Magellan SD card by downloading their street level maps. The WASS receiver system is accurate to within 10 feet.

Seven customizable graphic navigation formats can display map, compass, speedometer, and text readouts of bearing, heading, speed, direction, distance, and estimated time of arrival. Once data is acquired, it can be saved to a home PC for later use with Magellan's MapSend software.

Rubber-armored, impact resistant, the unit is sturdy and not only waterproof, but also floats.

While all of the mentioned GPS units were designed for outdoor use, they are perfectly at home in a vehicle. In the case of battery-powered, hand-held units, nothing more is required. With mounted units a power adaptor plug and a separate vehicle antenna are needed.

Where will GPS technology go from here? It is hard to tell. But, right now it is more than capable of allowing the user to never again have to mutter, "Where the heck am I?"