Got this unit last Friday. I was super excited to try it out, but I've had some niggling issues.
You can read some more basic info about the unit here:
http://www.fishfinders.info/lowrance-elite-7-ti-review
My unit came with the StructureScan HD transducer. So I can use sidescan and downscan, as well as create mapping logs to generate depth charts. It also outputs this data in real time onto a 2d map chart for you while you fish. It's kind of neat, but I have yet to really utilize it.
My observations are as follows:
1) Touchscreen doesn't work with either of my 12 volt batteries (one has 7 AH another 40 AH). It only works with my large 12 volt 170 AH trolling motor battery. I've calibrated the screen several times and nothing seems to fix this. My unit could be defective and I'm currently engaged with Lowrance CS to see what's up.
2)
CHIRP cannot be used when downscan or sidescan are turned on. Definitely a huge issue for me considering the high price tag and the fact that cheaper units allow CHIRP to be used in conjunction with downscan.
Downscan data can be overlaid onto regular sonar data though, but I'm not sure if this makes it roughly equivalent to using CHIRP or not. Any experts want to chime in? I would love to know because this issue is really bothering me.
Further, turning off structurescan so CHIRP can be used isn't an easy process. You have to access the settings menu and dig a bit, then the unit needs to restart (a minute or so) before you can start using CHIRP.
3) The transducer is massive. Not exactly a bad thing, but good to know if you are thinking of running it on a canoe or kayak. Also keep in mind the transducer must be almost perfectly level and be parallel with your boat. If the transducer is not level, sidescan will suffer, and if the transducer is not parallel with your boat the same thing happens (You'd basically be scanning back and front, not left and right). Downscan and regular sonar work fine.
4) Edited overlay data doesn't stay in the unit's memory. That is, if you decide you want to shrink text size or add your speed and current time to the display you will have to do this every time you start the unit.
5) The manual is terrible. It provides next to no guidance on how to actually use the unit, no pointers, no advice, no general guidance. For an advanced (and expensive) piece of tech I expect at least a few pages on DOs and DON'Ts for effective usage. But this seems to be par for the course with Lowrance (and maybe all marine) electronics.
6) The display is very crisp and clear, even in direct sunlight. The sonar and downscan gives very clear returns and the auto mode actually works better than adjusting manually. I really appreciate this since my old unit always had me jerking around with the sensitivity instead of fishing and driving. I can't comment on the sidescan yet or the mapping features. It does allow you to "tag" an area on the sonar or structurescan screens and navigate back to that. Again, I haven't yet used this feature but it should be useful for staying over certain structures or schools of fish.
It's a good unit for sure, but for the price I really believe the issues around CHIRP and the overlay editing are kind of outrageous.
Tell me if you think I'm wrong. Interested in the feedback. Should I keep this unit or not?
I'll update on my correspondence with Lowrance and whether the unit gets sent back/my results of continued use.