Looking to buy GPS- Which one?

[DGF]

I'm looking to buy a GPS in the next couple of weeks and am not sure exactly what I'm looking for. I want to use it primarily for ice fishing inland lakes and would like one with the ability to accept depth/contour maps. It doesn't need to be overly fancy, however I hate to be under armed. I'd like to be all said and done for about $250. Is this possible, or am I dreaming?

What GPS's do you all recomend with what added map software? What features are a must have for this type of use?

Thanks in advance.

~Dan~

[kingfisher 11]

I have a Garmin that I really like. The model I have is a oldie. Works great for ice fishing and my big boat. The same models are on ebay going for $55. The newer versions are too. I just bought one last night and plan to get another. I will download my waypoints incase I lose one or drop it in the water. The models i bought work on my mounting bracket and 12v connection.

I count on mine for the pressure cracks on Saginaw Bay

[hitechman]

alone will run you $100. That leaves $150 for a GPS. I don't know of any GPSr's with mapping capability (with any amount of memory) in that price range. The eTrex Legend has 8mb of memory and that would maybe hold 3-4 lakes--not sure on that as I have never used lake maps.

Steve

[M1Garand]

I'm a Garmin fan and in your price range, my recommendation is the Vista CX. You can get it for $229 at this site:

http://www.gpsonsale.com/garmin/products/LegendCx.htm

and with the $50 rebate, it'll cost you $179 before shipping.

I prefer the electronic compass for reasons in the other GPS thread I posted:

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=162119

But you can weigh out if its for you. If not, the Legend will cost you less as it doesn't have this feature.

[DGF]

I just ordered the eTrex Venture Cx at GPSonSALE.com. Thanks for the link- great prices! I like the idea of being able to just buy the cards and throw them in for map use without having to go through the computer first. It's exactly like the Legend CX without the empty 64 MB chip. Now I just have to wait for UPS to drop it off... It'll be a long week.

~Dan~