In a previous article, "Robert M. Gary" said:
Seems pretty underwhelming for almost $1000 more than the 396.

MSRP for the 396: $2395.00
MSRP for the 496: $2995.00

$600 is not "almost $1000" in my world.
Looks like the same price to me...

GPSMAP 496 (Atlantic Version) Suggested Retail Price:
$2395.00 U.S.D. (for domestic US market only)

The Garmin page lists two prices, the $2995 that I quoted for the Americas
version, and $2395 that you quoted for the Atlantic version. My guess is
that the $600 you save for the Atlantic version gets you half the
database. Comparing apples to apples, the Americas version of the 396 is
$600 cheaper than the Amercias version of the 496.

--
Paul Tomblin http://xcski.com/blogs/pt/
I haven't had any mail from my mother since her ISP ended up in the RBL.
I deny that I nominated them...
-- Peter Corlett