Hummingbird 580

I contacted Navionics and asked about their source data.  There answer sounds like it is warmed over NOAA data.  The example looks like almost straight NOAA data, so I am not really seeing the usefulness of their marine products.  The first image is the Navionics image which is full size, but converted from a 1.9MB BMP to a 93K JGP, so the quality has suffered.  The second image is from NOAA chart 18471, same size, similar quality JPG.  Navionics converted fathoms to feet.  I am continuing my discussion with Navionics.

From: Scott Costa <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Data sources

Thank you for contacting Navionics.

All of our navigational charts for US waters are based on the NOAA charts with additional information from other maps sources as they are available.  We do take the NOAA data, however, and present it with a paper like appearance.  I have attached a screen shot of our data so you can see what I am talking about.

If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us in our Customer Service Department direct at 1-800-848-5896 for assistance.

Best Regards,

Scott Costa
Navionics Customer Service
Tel: (800) 848-5896   Fax:  (508) 291-6006
www.navionics.com

Get your Navionics for iPhone from just $9.99!

The example looks like almost straight NOAA data, so I am not really seeing the usefulness of their marine products.

The "warmed over" version is more than enough to be an effective fishing tool. It's not like you're surveying for oil drilling. It also has lots of other tools too. Waypoints, paths, tides, currents, etc. etc.. Plus for $10 (iPhone ver.) what do you expect? The FF version is $100 so a little more of a gamble but I'd recommend that you buy it from a place where you can return it and give it a test spin. It's a lot more impressive than you might think. I'm most likely going to get the chip for my FF as you can't leave the iPhone version on w/o draining the battery.

Z

Now if they could only find a way to get a fishfinder in that phone 
I personally thought that the standard software that came with my humminbird 767 (same software i believe) was adequate...but then again I am a cheap bastard

Now if they could only find a way to get a fishfinder in that phone

wait a couple more minutes.  Good to see you around YN.

Z

Ya I have been working in Denver. Just got back today but am returning on sunday...probably there till at least mid january.  lots and lots of hours...so at least when i get back I should have plenty of money saved up to finally get a dry suit and all the other stuff i need.

The example looks like almost straight NOAA data, so I am not really seeing the usefulness of their marine products.

The FF version is $100 so a little more of a gamble but I'd recommend that you buy it from a place where you can return it and give it a test spin. It's a lot more impressive than you might think. I'm most likely going to get the chip for my FF as you can't leave the iPhone version on w/o draining the battery.

Where are you seeing it for $100?  The cheapest I am seeing the Gold chips are $179.

Where are you seeing it for $100?  The cheapest I am seeing the Gold chips are $179.

Last time I was looking at these they had a silver series that ran a lot cheaper.  I'm guessing that when I was checking they were phasing it out. The cheapest I could find was $174 w/ no tax and free shipping. That's a lotta coin. Hmm

Z