Garmin 2-way radio/GPS

[KrashR]

I was thinking of getting a Garmin Rhino GPS. I know one other person who has one, and am pretty sure some other people I hunt/fish with will be getting a few. I like the fact that you can see the person on a map and then navigate your way to them. I have an older GPS that I use for general use, but would like to start using some of the lakemaster maps, does anyone know if the Rhino models accept the lakemaster and navionics chips. I was reading in the other current GPS post and Paul W. stated, "Garmin makes a great unit no doubt about it. I will say that if you are planning on using any kind of mapping chip in it, that pretty much eliminates them. I would highly recommend either the Lowrance H20 or H20C. Great unit for the money and it's compatible with either the Lakemaster or Navionics Chips." So from that can I assume that Garmin doesn't accept all types of mapping chips? One thing I definately don't like about the rhino is the very few operational buttons, it looks like from the picture that you get the one main button to move around on the screen and then select stuff. I could proably get used to it, but I don't like using my friends etrex for that reason. Or should I just plan on getting the cheapest Rhino for the 2-way radio capabilities to transmit your position, and then get a better GPS for when I want to use it for mapping? Sorry for all the questions, I haven't looked at these much in the store or researched it much.

[Gus]

Garmin Rhino GPS units cannot take chips like the Lowrance but you can get the same lakemaster lakes from Garmin. Garmin has the TOPO program, Cities and streets, AND LAKEMASTER maps. You just download from PC to GPS rather than using a chip. And for you nay sayers I'm not talking about the fishing hotspots program. Garmin actually does have the Lakemaster maps. I'd get in trouble for linking you but go to Garmins HSOforum and go to "Maps and Charts", then to "On the water", then to Minnesota Lakemaster Pro Map. They have 58 pro maps and 600 other MN lakes on the CD.

Amazon has it for cheaper than Garmin but you get the idea. I have 4 friends that have the Rhino 120's and all like them very much. I have an Etrex Vista and I do like that as well. I actually like the one handed operation by just having the "pogo" stick navagator but to each his own on that part. Good luck. I'm sure you'll be happy either way.

[SCUMFROG]

I have a rino 120, and I love it. I'm hoping to up-grade to a rino 530 this spring. The joy stick button is great for one handed operation, it's so easy to use. I don't care for all those buttons on the other gps units.

As for the 2-way, love it. We use the 2-ways at the lake all the time so having one unit that has both gps and a 2-way makes life even better.