Looking to make the leap. Besides the minimal screen size, the biggest difference I see is the power. Is the higher power of the 998 more beneficial on all water or just deep water. Are there more benefits with the 998 over the 898 that would justify the extra $500? 
Here is a conversation from a few days ago.
898/998 conversation
Besides that there is not a lot of difference in the two units. The extra screen size is nice, especially when you split the screen, but both a very nice units.
Come on Backlasher just buy the 1197 make us both happy. 
The only real difference any inland user will see is screen size.
Think about your application: will you be trying to see details (particularly in SI) from a distance? If so, do yourself a favor and buy the 998.
Will you be using the unit mostly while seated directly in front of it, and not trying to use it from a distance? If so, then the 898 will probably work just fine.
I spend more than half of my time pulling baits from the transom with a console-mounted unit. That means I’m trying to use my graph from ~6 feet away. I had a hard time seeing small details in SI (particularly under typical fishing conditions….wind, waves, spray, glare, etc etc etc) on my 997, so I upgraded to the 1197 which solved my visibility problems completely.
If you buy the 800 and you never fish with anyone who has a 900 you’ll be fine. If you buy the 800 and go fishing with your “buddy” and he has a 900….you’re screwed.
I made the “mistake” of fishing with Jason last year (and his 1197)…
I do love the 997. I wouldn’t want it to be much smaller, though. Future upgrades (lets hope the 997 last me a while, though), will be jumbotrons… 
After owning a 997 and looking at the smaller units in the store there is no way I would be happy with the smaller unit. I try to pretend the 1197 isn’t there when I walk by the electronics. If you can swing the price difference the 998 is the way to go. I’ve found to really benefit from the SI is you want that image as large as you can afford to be able to easily visualize what the SI picking up. With the smaller screen you will miss items. I’ve missed things on my 997 and gone home and looked at screen captures on my laptop and found all kinds of things I didn’t see on the water. So I’d say buy the biggest unit you can afford
See even Jason Halfen says buy 1197 
Thanks guys. I off to see ALUMANATOR for a loan!
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