Andrew Gideon wrote:



Of purchase something modular.

I'd not thought of this before, but what you're writing makes a lot of
sense. And this would lead one to purchase a PDA solution, I think.

I have a PDA solution but it is a weak second. I have a Dell Axim X5
and I have tried several of the software packages available. First off
the screen is not bright enough. Second PDA's are not designed for the
airplanes environment. The buttons are too small and too touchy to get
a positive result. The PDA is fragile compared to your GPS. Third,
using a stylus in flight is a joke.


The
PDA can be replaced - larger screen, better battery life, faster CPU, etc.
- w/o replacing the software or the GPS itself.

I just got a new Garmin 96C which is a color unit with the same screen
size as my III Pilot. So far I like it and it also has auto and marine
settings. It also comes with software to upload routes and manage your
waypoints.