Topic: Purchase Research Help

[BigFish]

Ok so I'm new to the whole Side Imaging solution that's out there. I'm considering upgrading from what is now an ancient unit to one of the SI units.  I've been looking into them online but I'm looking for help deciphering the difference between the 998C and the 898C.  From the things I can find, it looks like the only difference is the fact it's 1 inch larger.  Is this the only difference?  I've been told yes but considering the price difference is about $400-500 more, I can't imagine that the only thing you get is 1 inch bigger screen.  Can anyone confirm what the true difference on the 2 units?  Would really appreciate anyone who is 100% sure of the difference to let me know.  Thx in advance.

[sonar2000]

Bigfish,
Your question will be answered.
For those of us reading your post we would also ask what will be the use of your sonar unit?
Not that that makes a difference in the two units but may help to shed light on selecting a unit for your needs..

The difference is:  the 1" screen size...

Chuck

[Double Digit]

BigFish.....I bought the 898 from dicks and had nothing but problems with it.Nothing Humminbird did just a lemon unit.I returned it to Dicks got my money back and found an online deal from Universal mania where the 998 from them cost me only a few bucks more then the 898 from Dicks.So to answer your question yes 1inch is the only difference.Now with these units it has never been more true that size matters you want the biggest you can afford.The new software update due out soon will due away with the readouts on the left side of the 898 and 998 giving you full use of the screen in side imaging.So unless you can get a deal like I did I wouldn't pay 400 bucks more for the 998...check out Universal mania see if they have the 998 on sale....

[BigFish]

Sounds like the research I did already answered the question, I appreciate the input from you both.  And yeah, I have been searching online for a couple days and found that Universal Mania has the best price on both units.  $1299 for the 898c SI and $1699 for the 998c SI, free shipping and no tax unless you live in the North Carolina.  The savings alone on the Taxes makes me lean toward the larger unit but when on a budget, I still see that $400 difference and wonder if it's worth it.

[sonar2000]

Bigfish,
It all depends on what you intend on using the unit to do for you.
These units have a recording capability that coupled with an external viewer will provide an exploded view of what your saw and recorded on the small unit screen.
Some even use an external computer such as a laptop to view the sonar scan along with the units screen together.
The capabilities of the unit can be exploited and enhanced depending on your needs and requirements.

Let us know..

Chuck

[stratofisher]

Go big if you can.  From my experience you may want to look for an 1197 SI and update the firmware.  Got the big screen and saved some bucks.  I sent you a PM with details.

[ITGEEK]

BigFish.
A higher unit number can mean all or a combination of these 4:
  Bigger Screen
  More Features
  More Power.
  More Versatility, (ethernet connection, radar capability, etc.).

The average user won't know the differences from one model to
the next.  You'll have to do some research to be absolutely sure.

[sonar2000]

It is all aboout money.  If you can afford the bigger screen you will be happy...
chuck

[George]

Bigfish

You may want to wait and see what new technology Humminbird is coming out with, the press release is at 2 pm cst.

Below is the link

-->  http://www.humminbird.com/leading_innovation/humminbird-sonar/latest-news.aspx  <--

George