Ralph, I think the distinction is that Northstar and Simrad are offering more bells and whistles than Navico and Lowrance. DHS Duluth On Wed, 27 May 2009 14:58:29 -0400 "Ralph Yost" <ralph@alphacompservices.com> writes: > > "Navico, Lowrance, Northstar, and Simrad" > Are now all the same company....different labels. So the broadband > radar > is the same no matter which brand you buy. > This means there is really only one product for the consumer to > choose > from. Wait a few years for other companies to come out with their > versions and create real competition in the market place. > R. > > ____________________________________________________________ Click to learn about options trading and get the latest information. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTIzQa8lWTRqkBKwTHgiEg8vhOtGFJMrxKWar3cyL2l7BkhYNDEZbi/

I have been very interested in broadband radar as I outfit a boat which is new to me and which needs radar.? However, I have not had great experience with Northstar (part of Navico just like Lowrance and Simrad) customer service (Unit was returned after 8+ weeks and would not engage GPS, 4 more weeks to replace the motherboard a second time due to a bad GPS engine which should have been apparent before the unit was returned the first time).? Since I am sensitive about customer service, I spent a good bit of time reading?posts on The Hull Truth about people's experience with Lowrance units and their customer service.? The reports were largely consistent and have convinced me to take a pass on broadband radar at this time.? As you think about a new product like this, it may be a great product if it works properly and you do not need service.? However, the less frequestly service is needed and the faster it is provided are factors which might be just as important as the latest t echnology.? The problem with all of the reviews and discussion of broadband radar is that they implicitly assume that it will work as advertised. Jim (Jim & Mim McCrea, mcc272@aol.com, 2004 C-Dory 22 Cruiser "C-Star")