Who has what? What is current? Where is the best prices on them?

I don't have very much experience with these things, but want one to add onto the boat. I want the one with the bigger screen, color, changeable or downloadable maps.

Any other guidance in looking for one of these things.

The newest chartplotters are the 4xx and the 5xx series. The 4xx series is 4" diagonal, 5xx are 5" diagonal. They run between 400 and 700 depending on what maps come preloaded. Also I think there is a difference between the 4x0 and the 4x5 series (and the same for the 5x0 and 5x5), I think its a higher screen resolution. There is also a new touch-screen one, but they don't have the transducer I think. And they are $1000-$1200.

I was thinking I was wanting a bigger screen. I would like the depth finder and the GPS with the maps, but that is about all you need on a powerboat.

I have a 4212 (12" screen) and love it. This replaced an earlier 2010C (10") unit that I had for 4 years. All the charts were pre-loaded. Software updates are available online from Garmin at no charge. The 5000 series are very similar, but with touchscreens instead of buttons (an extra $800 or so). Sunlight is not a problem.

There is also a 4208 if you want something more mid-size.

Is the 4212 the current unit? I like the idea of touch screen, but not sure about the extra money. I do want sunlight to not be a problem, because I am mounting it semi- vertical on the dash.

Does anyone else use these things?

I didn't realize you could get the transducers with the bigger modesl. If money were no object I'd go with the 5212, that would be about perfect.

New glasses are cheaper than the big screen ! It's a b!tch getting old. First thing to go is the eyes.