Confused about fishfinders

[Windjamer]

I guess I'm talking to as expert a group as one could find. I'm looking for a combination fish finder, GPS, chartplotter, sonar unit for my new boat. I've been looking at the Lowrance Elite 4 and 5 Gold units, but see that Humminbird features higher resolution screens; 640 x 640 to 480 x 480 (and 320 x 240 for the Elite 4). Are these differences significant, or of minimal importance on the lake? I like the Gold units, because they come with Ontario lakes loaded.
Anyone who would like to throw in an opinion is welcome, though I'd prefer to hear from people with experience with different machines and no axe to grind.
Thanks!!

 

[Spinninreel]

I've got the Hummingbird 787ci and I am happy with this unit. IT has the high rez screen, gps, chartplotter, boat speed, water temp plus dual transducer setting which give a wider field view. Go to Bass Pro and see them side by side to see the difference. Both companies have their strengths so do your comparison and then decide. The lakes that are loaded in the Gold units, are they detailed maps or very general information?

 

[staffman]

I agree with spinninreel go to a store where both are sold and ask what the differences are. Most that respond to threads like this will only have knowledge about one of the units,and therefore they will have a distorted view. There may also be comparisons on line or in Consumer Reports magazines.

 

[Spinninreel]

Check out Lebaron's for their price on the units you are interested in.