Bobbie, I too use a Mac, and ruled out the Garmin mapping units for this and other reasons. I waited forever for Garmin to support the Mac--as they said they eventually would--but that has not materialized. The Garmin GPSMAP 76 series (76S, 76C, 76CS) offer the ability to upload charts from your PC (no Mac support, alas) via Garmin BlueChart CD’s (at additional cost). The disadvantages of this unit are the small screen, and the possibility that the internal memory of these machines (varies by model) might not be able to hold all of the charts for an entire region (in other words, you might have to bring a laptop and upload new charts as you go). The Garmin GPSMAP 276C has a much larger display, internal antenna, utilizes preprogrammed BlueChart Data Cards (purchased as preprogrammed, or you can purchase the blank data cards and program via BlueChart CD’s and your PC--again, no Mac support), and an internal Li-Ion battery good for 5-15 hours of use before recharge. While this is an impressive unit, it is poorly suited to smaller boats lacking 12 Volt systems and/or 12V charging system. You can compare all of the Garmin units at: http://www.garmin.com/marine/products.html#handheld The Raymarine RC-400 is an interesting alternative in that it has a screen larger than the Garmin GPSMAP 76 series (though not as large as the GPSMAP 276C), can be used as either a handheld or a mountable (comes with mount), and perhaps most importantly, utilizes standard ‘AA’ format batteries. It comes with NiMH batteries that are rechargeable *in the unit* (built in 12v. charger), and can also use standard ‘AA’ alkaline batteries. It includes both a cigarette lighter cord and a hardwire cord with NMEA capability. This unit utilizes ‘Navionics Gold’ chart cartridges (compact flash) purchased separately. I recently purchased this Raymarine in lieu of one the Garmins above because I use a Mac (not a PC), and wanted the ability to use ‘AA’ batteries when on the M15 or other people's boats. When on the Flicka, I will connect to directly to my 12 volt system. While the Raymarine might not be quite as intuitive/user friendly as the Garmin units, and may lack a few of their features, it is a nice unit, and if you are looking for a stand-alone (no computer uploading) unit that also runs on ‘AA’ batteries, this is the only one I know. I was also told by several vendors that the Navionics cartography (as well as C-MAP) is superior to the Garmin BlueChart, though I cannot corroborate this. You can see the Raymarine RC-400 at: http://www.raymarine.com/raymarine/Produ ctDetail.asp?site=1§ion=2&page=774&product_id=1723 Before purchasing a mapping GPS or chart plotter, price the software/cartridges for your intended cruising areas. It is not difficult to spend in excess of $1000.00 for a GPS/Chartplotter unit and a couple of cartridges! Scott M15 #478 Flicka #392 In a message dated 6/11/05 8:32:45 PM, montgomery_boats-request@mailman.xmission.com writes:
I like what I've heard about the Garmin units except that the Blue Chart CD is not Mac-compatible and I have a Mac. I'm also looking at a Magellan Meridian Color, because I can get a memory chip with Puget Sound charts as an add on, instead of a CD with one area unlocked. Any pros, cons to Magellan? I do not intend to sail outside the Puget Sound area but I would probably drive there and would like it to work. How big a hassle will it be if I have to take my Cd to someone else's PC and download my chart?
Bobbie