A Guide to Lowrance GPS Receivers

One of technology's recent mainstream public offerings is the GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. Originally designed and implemented by the U.S. military as a navigational tool, GPS receivers are now widely available to the general public. Today, GPS receivers are standard options available in most late model automobiles and this wasn't the case just ten years ago. A company by the name of Lowrance, creates GPS receivers that are synonymous with quality, durability and functionality. So, let's go ahead and review some of the hottest Lowrance GPS receivers the Lowrance company has to offer to the market.

1. Lowrance iFinder™ Expedition C with GPS

The products in the iFinder™ series differ widely in price and attributes. The Expedition C with GPS stands out above the iFinder™ crowd in terms of quality, features and ease of use. At 5.6 inches wide, 2.5 inches high, and little over half a pound, the Expedition C with GPS meets the needs of most outdoors enthusiasts without being cumbersome in weight. The 2.8 inch color display shows 320w x 240h resolution and is bright and well lit. The unique feature of "Scout Mode" mapping is that it allows you to create borders and mark perimeters on your hike. The Expedition C also has a built-in microphone for you to record notes. I would recommend this unit for hiking excursions. Battery life should not be a concern for users of the Expedition C, as this unit, fully charged lasts around 14 hours. One user stated he liked the product's compass feature. It can be used as back-up info and displayed over the GPS map for navigation. [1] Search on-line at Amazon for low prices. This is where I found a new one listed for only $209.99. Recommended for: Hiking and Camping. Price Range:Varies extremely from $209.99 - $400.00 USD, Ease of Use: Moderate learning curve, then Easy.

2. Lowrance XOG™ Road-Trail-Water GPS w/ HotMaps HandHeld Cartography

The XOG™ is an excellent alternative to the iFinder. The dimensions are 3.7 inches wide by 3.2 inches in height. The visual style is closest to a small portable television and this is what some people may find easier to use because they are already accustomed the style. The display screen is 3.5 inches and has the standard 320H x 240V resolution which is common among most Lowrance GPS products. Unique features include the capability for you to load JPEG photos and customizable skins enabling the XOG to reflect a style that is truly your own. You can also purchase downloadable maps with satellite and aerial imagery. The XOG™ operates on a rechargeable lithium battery. I would recommend purchasing it for car and boat use. One user stated he would "highly recommended" this product. I found the lowest price on-line for $219.99 at eAngler. Recommended for: Hiking, Camping, Boating andAutomotive.Price Range: $219.99 - $400.00 USD. Ease of Use: Easy - Moderate.

3. iWAY™ 600C Automotive GPS Navigation

The development of the iWAY™ may have been a direct result of consumers requesting enhanced features of a larger screen with the portability of auto and boating GPS superiority. The iWAY™ 600C doesn't disappoint. It is the newest version in the iWAY series. Highlights include a 5 inch display screen with 640H x 480V resolution, detailed satellite imagery, MP3 audio player, JPEG Picture Viewer, and a 30GB Hard Drive, (25GB preloaded maps and 5GB space for photos). It's 6.1 inches wide and 4.5 inches high. The best price I found for it was online for $474.00 at Buy.com. Includes FREE shipping. And it must be popular because at the time of this writing it was temporarily sold out. You can select the "alert me when this product is in stock" button from the Buy.com website if you chose to wait for availability. Another option could be to bid on this product from a trusted seller on eBay. I found some bids out there starting as low as $315.00. One user upgraded to the 600c from his older 500c. He noticed the menu display of the 600c was user friendlier compared to the 500c. He also noticed that the product "sustained a longer lasting battery life".[2] Recommended: Automobile and Boating. Price Range: $315.00 - $799.00. East of Use: Menu Display easy to navigate.

4. Lowrance iFinder H20 C GPS

The iFinder H20 C GPS is a low cost alternative if you are watching your budget, but simply MUST own a GPS. Portable and lightweight, the 2.8 inch color display screen shows a 320H x 240W resolution. This GPS has 16 channel precision. At 5.6 inches high and 2.5 inches wide, the H20 C is compact, yet powerful. Battery lasts up to 14 hours. One user commented on liking the "smooth scrolling of the H20 C".[3] I found the lowest price online at NuGadgets for $202.00. You can choose shipping options to control the complete cost of obtaining the product. Recommended: as a low-cost alternative, mid-value. Price Range: $202.00 on up. Ease of Use: Easy.

5. Lowrance AirMap® 2000C Aviation GPS

If you charter your own plane, you cannot go wrong with including the AirMap® 2000C. The navigational zoom range is from .002 to 4,000 miles. Nice! The power plug adapter is a welcome safety feature for the AirMap® 2000C. The 5 inch color screen display is enhanced with large, crisp 320H x 240V resolution. . One user stated that even though he prefers built-in products, the AirMap® 2000 is a "great addition" to his navigational air needs. [4] Even though the AirMap® 2000C retails for just under $999.00, I found one online for under $599.00 at the Pilot Shop. Recommended for: Airplane navigation addition. Price Range: $599.00 - $999.00. Ease of Use: Easy.

The ease of use of operating a new electronic product of any kind can vary from user to user. Therefore, I suggest you review your owners manual to get familiar with your new GPS. Downloadable user manuals along with other product information are available from the Lowrance website.

Out of the 5 Lowrance models listed in this guide, you are sure to find at least one GPS product that fits your lifestyle. Ultimately, to find the best prices, you will still have to shop around. Look for sales. If you paid the same or less than any low figure I found here, you got a good deal.

[1] http://www.supergpsstore.com/gps-493964-B000BFLL3E-Lowrance_iFinder_Expedition_C_Plus_GPS.html. Accessed August 9, 2008.

[2] http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=85954. Accessed August 9, 2008.

[3] http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=143950

[4] http://reviews.gpsfaq.com/about.aspx?detail=airmap2000c