Garmin 496 compared to the 396

In article ,
(Paul Tomblin) wrote:
I suspect that the 496 is a better deal over the 396 for auto use
because it includes the "car kit" and City Navigator pre-loaded. With
the exception of those "early adopters" of the 396 last year, everyone
else has to pay for the "car kit" if they purchase a 396.

Does it really include the car kit? Even the talking power cable? Well,
that accounts for $250 of the $600 difference between the 396 and the 496.
So I repeat the question: Why do you need the 496 for use in the car when
for $450 less you can have the 396 with a car kit?

Yes, it does, though I can't say that I'm very fond of the talking power
cable.

$600-$250 = $350. I guess for $350 more, you get the taxi diagrams,
AOPA directory, slightly better terrain resolution, and a slightly
faster update rate.

I agree, I'm not sure that it's worth it, especially since you can get
used 396 units (with the auto kit) for under $2k.



JKG