I think the Lowrance AirMap 500 is the best bang for the buck for a
dedicated GPS. It goes for about half of the 196 and does about 90% of
what the 196 does. It doesn't have the "partial panel" screen or
approaches, but it does have extended centerlines. It comes with software
to do enhanced ground mapping and even a SD card reader/writer so you can
load high detail maps for your destination. It won't give you turn by
turn, but it will allow you to search for points of interest (like your
hotel) and enough detail to drive the route. Battery life on 2 AAs is
very good and accuracy with the WAAS enabled is very good, too. It locks
on quickly and the remote active antenna helps on keeping a good lock.
The screen quality is also excellent.

I'm a big one on redundancy, so I actually fly with a back up to the 500,
a GPS program for my Palm that works with a DeLorme Earthmate GPS. So I
have VOR, LORAN, and GPSx2.

Dave Reinhart


Sully wrote:

I was wondering if I could get some input from others on a few GPS's?
I have been looking at the Garmin 196 & Street Pilot III as well as
the Lowrance 500 & 1000.

The major advantage that I see with the 196 is that you can use it for
turn by turn directions in a vehicle. I have been looking at getting
a GPS for the vehicle that would do just that. From what I can tell
the price between the 196 and most others are only a couple 100 (for
vehicle).

The main draw back to buying either of the ones I have listed so far
is that it looks like the only way I can get them is to buy online
which also means I don't get to play with it first to see exactly what
features I like or don't like. I have found places that carry Garmin
and Lowrance in the area but none carry any of the aviation models.

Thanks for the help.