Lowrance HDS-8M Chartplotter

[nwboater]

Hi all - I recently purchased a new 2009 280 Sundancer and am looking for a chartplotter/radar....anyone have any experience with the Lowrance HDS-8M or the HDS series in general....pros/cons vs. Garmin or Raymarine?

I boat in the Puget Sound in the Seattle area, and am mostly looking for chartplotter/GPS/Radar capabilities, as well, as interface to Smartcraft info. I also want the ability to manage maps on my computer and upload to the device...I understand this cost would be extra, but nice if the device supports it.

Thanks!