Entry level F/finder+GPS recommendations

[Cuda]

Hi guys,
Looking for an entry level fish finder/GPS combo. BAsically, I want to be able to sound the depth and be able to navigate to different marks and save new ones into the unit. Do I still need maps/charts (or whatever they're called, the stuff that comes on cards :crazy: ) if I just want those basic GPS functions?
Not so bothered by the fish finding aspect, but I figure it'll be nothing special in an entry level unit anyway.
I've seen Lowrance Elite-4 brand new for $359 here in Oz. If looking to buy from US, do I need any cards installed to be bale to use it down here, or will the unit itself work in our waters.
Was hoping to p/up something like that 2nd hand for 2-3 hundred bucks.
Thanks..

[barra mick]

ive noticed that the dsi lowance is coming down in price all the time

its a great unit and if u get it off ebay its just abt in yr price range and works great

the cards are expsenvice

[Cuda]

ive noticed that the dsi lowance is coming down in price all the time

its a great unit and if u get it off ebay its just abt in yr price range and works great

the cards are expsenvice

Thanks mick...So when would I want to buy a, let's say, Navionics card? How do they help compared to not having them?
Sorry, but I'm completely new to this chartplotting/maps/cards game..

[toadie]

where are you fishing? salt or fresh? mapping cards are useless in freshwater. buy your unit out here cos if its an americas it may turn black and white on you. any more questions just ask as i work for a lowrance dealer.

[frozenpod]

If you can strech your budget go separates if you can.

[cobby]

Navionics card is the only way to have all the navigation info. The base maps are useless. Silver cards cost 129 and have all the detail up to 10m depth

[Cuda]

Thanks very much guys. Dropped into a retailer today and they were kind enough to explain some features I would have with a chart/map card. To be honest, I didn't see much point in having one, especially gold. We will be fishing salt water and I now understand a little better what maps provide you with, but I really can't justify spending half the price of the unit itself, on some maps of channels,markers,an odd reef or wreck location etc.. I thought that GPS couldn't operate accurately without a card, but a salesperson today told me that it's got nothing to do with cards and base unit would still have the same GPS accuracy in taking me to certain marks (that i'd have coords for) and saving new ones.
Dsi units, however look much better than the standard ones and that's something I wouldn't mind spending a bit extra for.
I looked at Elite 4 DSI, which is around $350 and if I could pick one of those up 2nd hand, I'm under impression that we would have a reasonable depth sounder/ff/GPS onboard for around $250-ish used.
Thoughts?

cheers

[frozenpod]

Have a look at a furuno 620 with a P66 transducer.

You should be able to find one second hand it will be 20 times better than the elite.

[Cuda]

Thanks Fp...WIll check it out

[cobby]

Dsi is only good for structure. You'll never sound up arches in the bay