john smith wrote:
The recent thread regarding the lack of parts for the Garmin 480 got me
to wondering just how long the G-1000's will "live"?
Steam gauges are forever, but integrated circuits are produced for a
given period, then production is ceased as newer chips come along.
Does Garmin mention anywhere how long they will support their products?
Their earliest GPS handhelds are coming up on 20 years.
We have seen Lowrence discontinue support for some of their products
that are less than 10 years old.

Typically avionics manufacturers stockpile components that go out of
production. Most IC manufacturers make end of live announcments, and
give the consumers of these parts the option to make a lifetime buy.
Garmin can buy up as many 1000's of each critical component as they
think they will need to support their products, and then eventually
redesign around the newer available components when they see fit.

The real question is "how committed is Garmin to supporting product X
after date Y".

Dean