I just saw and read that article yesterday.  I agree, that really is some amazing technology. I read on a few other forums some of the prelim user results, and they weren't great, but this article looked awesome.

I started to upgrade electronics last year, and in a way, am glad and mad that I did.  I got rid of my good stuff, and temporarily put some older units on my boat.  I had a couple new Lowrance units picked out, but they didn't have the smart scan technology.  For a few reasons, I ended up not buying the new ones.

Now, I see this, and glad I didn't buy the the units last year, but also am figuring I am not going to be able to afford what I want.  At least not this year anyways.   

So, I am also pretty interested in seeing some actual results.  I'd like to see some of these on an actual boat on the water.  From a technology perspective, I can understand how it works and it makes sense.  I got to figure for an article like that, they are going to use the best of the best as examples. 

I'd also like to see how well they work in more shallow water.  That seems like it might be one drawback. I need to read up more on that and see it in action.

I got excited for a minute when I read the first line of your post.  Hoping you were going to take the plunge so to speak.

I agree, there is info out there, but it doesn't seem conclusive to me. Doc Samson was the one who contributed to the In-Fisherman article.  I also agree about the down scan.  That is the way to go. I think Humminbird might chew up some business away from Lowrance.

his will be interesting to see how this plays out in the market.  The guys at the stores don't strike me as having the wherewithall to really *sell* these units and explain them.  I for one wouldn't call a manufacturere, even if I had confidence that I'd get someone competent on the other end.  Pure and simple, this is going to be a first mover advantage and people are going to buy these based on what they see and read from actual users.  The manufacturers are really going to have to do some work on their product lines to make them more understandable for the average guy and to see the features.

I guess I am just too familiar with software and technology to have full confidence on spending that kind of money right now, although it is tempting.  That's where I have my hesitance.  There are bound to be some bugs worked through and some efficiences developed over the next year.

Still very cool technology.  I sure wouldn't turn one down if they send it my way.

Dave and Buckshot, don't know if you have seen this site.  It is not sponsored by Lowrance but by someone actually using it.  He created it and has asked for input all across the nation.  Some of the stuff was given to him by Lowrance but if you navigate around the site, you will find stuff from people who know what they're doing.  Good stuff.

lowrancehq.com

Jigger,  thanks for the site link.  After a quick look at it, I can see I am going to have to spend some time there.  Lots of good input.

I am interested in the comparison of the units.  HDS 5, 7, 8, 10.

Thinking about getting one of the units and possibly wait awhile before getting the structure scan stuff.  Spend my money a step at a time.
I am thinking that if changes are made it would be to the structure scan unit.
But, I have been wrong before when spending money.

I think I would have real problems with the boss of the house if I tried to get the 10 inch unit.  We have TV's that are smaller that it.