I would say that the 430 will likely be replaced by a next generation box,
not the 480. Likely, they will try to abandon the 480 first. There will
likely only be one upgrade path in the generation after next. (or even next
generation).

The reason I think this is that the two units are part of seperate divisions
at Garmin and the 430 unit is at the HQ, but the other is not. Also, the
430 has a much larger install base. Decisions to abandon old gear make
sense when the install base gets tiny, or when you can no longer get parts.
All these new units are now using parts that will become expensive or
irreplacable when the rest of the electronics industry no longer uses them.
Eventually, the cost of perceived badwill from dropping the older units will
be less than the cost of continued support.

They could possibly change their business model to a lease/subscription
model like Microsoft did, but the market is not really ready for it yet.
Besides, people in aviation want something that is dependable, and if you
tell me it will be replaced in 3 years, I have to wonder how well you built
it.

Also, Garmin has other competitors, but not many are doing nearly as well in
the light airplane world. Avidyne is now their biggest competitor. King,
Honeywell, and Chelton are coming after them as well. The guys doing
software for PC and Palm platforms are a threat. Microsoft could enter the
fray, and so could a few Japanese companies which would likely happen if
Toyota or Honda started building planes. So anyone thinking the UPS
acquisition should have been stopped has weak case in my mind.



"Al Marzo" wrote in message
...
Roy;
Get the newest and best you can afford. Garmin has a long history of
abandoning its older line and I'll suspect that's what will happen to
the 430. First, they'll upgrade the unit for about as much money as
the 480, then they'll just stop doing it. Secondly, all the rich guys
;-) will be taking their 430's out for the 480's and ebay will be
flooded with them. Then JA Air will be offering "factory
reconditioned" 430's which are really old factory stock to move them
out.

As I've stated before, the worst thing that could have happened was
that Garmin would be allowed to buy their competition.

On Tue, 19 Oct 2004 22:58:35 GMT, "Roy Page"
wrote:

I was all ready to install a GNS 430 but now feeling that a GNS 480 may be
a
better option.
Although more expensive, I am getting the impression that the GNS 480 has
significant advantages.
It seems that UPS stole a lead on Garmin with their WAAS approved unit.
Now with Garmin owning the brand and the UPS unit being budged as the
Garmin
AT GNS 480 I am not sure which unit to install.
Will Garmin upgrade the 430's display and software to give it WAAS
capability or will they just upgrade the GNS 530 and leave the 430 a poor
relation ??
Over to the group to help me decide - Install a 430 or 480 ?

Roy Page [N5804F Archer II]
Beloit Ohio 44609