[Paddlewise] GPS & Electronic Charts

	Do any PaddleWisers use electronic charts with their GPS?  So far I have
resisted the trend to GPS navigation but with the improvement in the
electronics my Luddite approach is probably becoming a tad old fashioned.
	I like the principle of using satellites to accurately plot my position
and course on to a chart. Has anyone  taken this extra step?   By that I
mean cutting the step of physically transferring latitude and longitude on
to a chart.
	The Garmin Etrex seems to set a new standard in size, utility and water
resistance for kayaking,  but does not appear to have capability to
download charts.
	My research so far has pointed me to the Lowrance range with its new
GlobalMap 100 GPS which is compatible with the worldwide Navionics range of
nautical charts.  And we are talking electronic copies of actual official
charts.  Obviously this is a more expensive route to take,  with the first
up cost of a chart running out at US$99, but hey, if you are going to get
into electronic gizmos..
	I accept they are just that, gizmos, and do not replace the more
traditional methods of chart use and plotting.    Any thoughts, GPS fans?

	Peter R





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