Need help on GPS purchase

[T Rev]

I need some help, the more I look, the more confusion. This will be my first GPS purchase and I am trying to avoid the mistake of saving a few bucks and finding out my unit does not do everthing I wanted it too. I also want to avoid spending more, for stuff I will never use. The biggest problem...it is my first GPS so I am not exactly sure what I expect it to be able to do.
I have narrowed it down to a few models. I do want mapping capability,also would like an internal compass that can determine direction without having to be moving. Want enough memory to store some map points, but don't mind down loading new info from PC before heading to different lakes. Not sure that I want mess with different data cards, I want the display to be clear and easy to read and be easy to operate. I may use it in my vehicle, but only on rare occasion while hiking or hunting. The models I have been considering are: Garmin: 176 map , 162, and map76s. also Magellan Meridian Marine or Platinum, & Map 330M.
Also which accessories does a person need...seems you can spend as much on additional items as you can on the main unit.
Sorry for such a long post. I need your help, any suggestions would be appreciated.

[jc]

i just purchase a garmin 162 i am very happy with this unit very user
friendly purchased it from online marine for $396.0 that included hot spots cd and waterway lights cd plus also it has a 50.00 rebate i have
been doing alot of shopping around for the best price and nobody could come close to this price hope this helps

[RoyC]

I bought the Garmin GPSMap 76 this spring. I have only used it in the car so far, and am impressed with its reception from the built-in antenna compared to my old one. I also bought the Fishing HotSpots version 4.0 mapping software. It has some great lake details, especially LOTW, which is new to this version. The software is easy to use, and even includes some pretty decent road maps. For us, 8MB seems like plenty of memory. I chose this model because the screen is larger than most handhelds, but I still wish it was bigger. I sometimes think that I should have bought a larger mounted unit, but then I wouldn't be able to use it very conveniently anywhere else.

[flyingfish]

T Rev,
I just went through what you're going through. Shopped and compared for a long time, originally thought I would get a hand held Garmin Map 76 to be most versatile. I finally bit the bullet and decided to buy the Garmin 162, because I saw too many posts that said bigger screen size is an advantage, especially when bumping around or rocking in the boat in choppy waves. If I want to, I can still take it out and use it in a vehicle. It still would be a little big for hiking or hunting, but I got mine for mainly fishing. Always a compromise! Good luck with your purchase.

P.S. I'm sure you've already checked www.garmin.com but if not, you can compare their models on their site.

[Suzuki]

I've had my map76 for 1 year and and very happy with it. I put a dash mount and external power in my boat and it sets right in front of me on the dash. I also have used it traveling in my truck and it worked great for that. I really like the versatility of the handheld but have not used it as much as I thought I would. The map software cd is definitely cool.

[Jim Ordway]

I have the GPSmap 76 as well as a 168 sounder. The 76 is just too small to read while bouncing around the water. Go with the 162 or something with a larger screen. Extra memory never hurts as well, but it comes at a price. IMPORTANT: you mentioned wanting a built in compass on the GPS. You need a real compass on your boat. GPS are reliable, but....if it goes down, you still need to know where you are going and you will need a real compass to direct you there, especially in lousy weather.
Take care,

[RoyC]

As for the built-in magnetic compass, I am not sure that I would pay much extra for it. As the previous post said, you should have a back-up mechanical compass anyway. I have tried two electronic magnetic compasses--one was a stand-alone unit (I forget the company, a little black unit with digital display) and a Motorola 6320 handheld radio with a built-in magnetic compass. You have to calibrate them by spinning the boat around a couple of times on the water. Having done that with both, I haven't found the readings to be too reliable. I generally use my old mechanical compass when at rest, but immediately use the GPS when I start moving.

[Mike Michalak]

The digital compass is made by Airguide. Info's available at www.jwa.com.

[Troller1]

I'm in the same boat. I think I want the Garmin 162. Is it best to go with the internal or external antenna. It will be used only in the boat. Thanks