Jeremy Lew wrote:
The question really is, is the 296 worth $1700 minus the value of your
current GPS.
I know my 196 is worth $700+ to tropicaero as a trade up, "value add" must
only be $1000,
not $1700. Despite the proprietary battery, the unit recharges itself while
plugged in to the plane's DC power (and continues to function too), which I
think increases its relative value if you have a power socket available.

What I really want to know is whether they are going to add on XM satellite
weather capability, like Lowrance is doing with their upcoming model. This
would make it a no brainer for me.

Do you have a URL about this? There is no mention of it on the website
for the Airmap 2000...

Although you'd need to fly quite a bit to justify the $50 a month
subscription for that, plus the cost of the required XM gear...

http://www.xmradio.com/weather/service_and_pricing.html