Maule Driver wrote:
Anybody want to tell me why I shouldn't do it?


Maule Driver,
What do you plan to get out of the 396 besides XM weather and GPS
moving map?

I use the Lowrance Airmap 1000 for GPS and have been checking out
various EFB and XMweather options. While the 396 provides a convenience
XMweather/moving map, I find its small display size a drawback.

After lugging several stacks of NOS charts in our NY-MI-IL trip, I
think the digital charts maybe a better option for longer cross
country trips so I am looking for a display system for both weather and
digital charts.

I have followed threads on XMweather options using PDA, tablet PC or
laptops with various pros and cons. Right now, I am leaning towards
getting a small Tablet PC with blue tooth for XM weather and Jeppesen
FliteDeck electronic charts with moving map. I had thought of getting
the IBM X41 tablet 12" tablet PC but the latest Motion Computing tablet
LS800 at 8.4" and view-anywhere display seems to be a better option.

I am quite aware of increased possibility of hard drive failures at
high altitude. However, with most of our flying done at 10,000' and
the lack of data on laptop failures due to prolonged usage during
commerical flight (with cabin pressure at equivalent of 8000'), I am
not too concerned.

Here are the links to some websites

http://www.metzair.com/fujitsu.html
http://www.turbopilot.com/efbx/
http://www.motioncomputing.com/produ...blet_pc_ls.asp