I like the Lowrance 500 (although I have the 600c and like it for the
terrain mapping, but the thing I miss from my 500 is that the display was so
much brighter than the 600c). Best thing about Lowrance is that everything
you NEED is not an 'accessory' to buy, like with Garmin.

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Good Flights!

Cecil E. Chapman
CFI-A, CP-ASEL-IA
Reid-Hillview Airport, San Jose, California

Check out my personal flying adventures from my first flight to the
checkride AND the continuing adventures beyond!
Complete with pictures and text at: www.bayareapilot.com

"I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things."
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery -

"We who fly, do so for the love of flying. We are alive in the air with
this miracle that lies in our hands and beneath our feet"
- Cecil Day Lewis -
"DK" wrote in message
news
Anyone have any tips for an inexpensive portable GPS unit for
all-around use that isn't too terribly expensive ($500) and has a
bright color screen?

I've been using a Garmin GPS V for the past 5 years or so, and the
screen's so small I have to hold it close to my eyes when I want to
see details, and the screen's never been very bright, but it's not a
bad all-around as far as functionality goes. I've looked at some of
the auto-oriented models, but few seem to have a direct-to function.

I also have a Pocket PC, but don't want to spend more on software and
a gps antenna for it than I would on a decent portable dedicated gps.

Thanks!
DK