Lowrance Touch Screen units have a lot of “built in” technology for the wave of the future that will save you money in the long run. For example, wi-fi compatability, 360 imaging compatability, video compatability, etc. which the GEN2 Non-Touch units will require add on hardware to use. Given, some of these things like the underwater camera are yet to come, but the touch is ready with a simple software update.

The down side has been mentioned above, they are not real user friendly in cold weather.

Purchasing an HDS-Bundle retail, saves you $200 from buying the GEN2 HDS and an LSS-2 structure scan. Then you can add the $300 bundle mail in rebate as a bonus; that way you save $500 instead of $300

Lakemaster maps will not work in Lowrance products; Navionics and Lowrance chips only. Lake Insight Pro 2014 is a less expensive way to go but much less detailed than the Navionics

The 500 series is not linkable through ethernet(no connector) or interlink system(not the proper software)

The advantage to having ethernet connections is that you don’t have to put the same waypoint on both units. If you are up front, set a waypoint, it will also show up at the console unit. Saves you from running back and forth to set the waypoint twice. FYI It does not copy the way point on both units, to modify or delete a waypoint you have to go to the unit it was saved on.