Has anyone used the ifinder H20 by Lowrance?  I'm looking for an affordable GPS but don't need a sonar with it, was wondering how the ifinder worked out.  How is the base map package that comes on it?  Also, is there a specific lake map package that you'd recommend loading on it?

The best portable GPS you can buy.  The base map is OK for roads, but sucks for lakes.

I've used Navionics HotMaps 07 and Lowrance Fishing Hot Spots.  The Navionics chip offers a bit better detail but the FHS offers faster loading and scrolling.

Also, I see there is an optional external antenna, is this necessary or what is the advantage?  Does it keep it's signal pretty well without the external antenna?

I have never had any trouble with satellite reception.

it is an awesome gps, I use the lake master chip in mine, i don't know if they make a chip for your state but you should check it out. I get all the roads in mn as well as something like 550 lakes with 3 or 1 foot depth contour and like another 200 with 5 foot contour. very easy unit to use and pretty self explanitory

The MapCreate software that Lowrance sells is also a good tool to use with it.

Not only can you upload better street and land detail, but a lot of bigger lakes come with depth contours.

I had a hard time installing it because I had to track down a certain script to install along with it, but once it's loaded it's a breeze.

it is an awesome gps, I use the lake master chip in mine, i don't know if they make a chip for your state but you should check it out. I get all the roads in mn as well as something like 550 lakes with 3 or 1 foot depth contour and like another 200 with 5 foot contour. very easy unit to use and pretty self explanitory

Agreed, I have the color version.  My only complaint is that it seems to wear the batteries down relatively quickly.  I read somewhere that the B&W version is a lot better on battery life.  That is a non issue on an awesome product as far as I am concerend though.

I use the H2O also with Navionics Hotmaps Premium software and free download maps from the Lowrance web site.

Check the list of maps that Lowrance has and Navionics has or whatever other mapping software providers have to see which one has the lakes you fish.

The MapCreate software that Lowrance sells is also a good tool to use with it.

I use MapCreate but I am not happy with it. I fish two different lakes and the map details are very inacurrate. On both it shows land where it is water.  

I ended up getting the Ifinder H2O C with Navionics Hot Maps.  I am pretty confident it will do what I want it to.  Unfortunately, when I got it, they sent me the black and white version instead of the color one I bought so I have to send it back and wait a while longer before I can test it out.  Thanks for the replies and advice though!

Agreed, I have the color version.  My only complaint is that it seems to wear the batteries down relatively quickly.  I read somewhere that the B&W version is a lot better on battery life.  That is a non issue on an awesome product as far as I am concerend though.

Use quality rechargable batteries and the power drain won't be as great.  Engergizer green 2200 mAh batteries last a long time versus standard AA batteries.