Dw747400 From United States, joined Aug 2001, 982 posts, RR: 1 Posted (3 years 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 600 times:
I was hopeing some of the members familiar with the various portable GPSs out there could give me some advice on what would be a good model to purchase, and/or good retailer to purchase from.
Right now, what I need is a relatively simple GPS suitable for basic VFR flight. However, I'd like to get something that could be used to improve situational awarness during IFR flights. I know that some are sufficiently advanced now that they are valuable tools to have in the event of instrument failure.
Cost, ease of use, and readability are probably the biggest issues to me. Within that framework I'd like to get as much functionality and growth potential as possible.
This did have me thinking about a GPS enabled PDA or Tablet PC (some second hand ones are far cheaper than even middle of the road GPSs, and in full color), but I have concerns about battery life and readability across all ligting conditions. If someone is familiar with models of PDA/Tablets that are particuarly well suited to aviation use, please let me know. Also, if there are issues associated with them beyond what I've thought up, I'd like to know.
Joness0154 From United States, joined Nov 2005, 667 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (3 years 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 595 times:
I personally am looking at the Garmin GPS396.
Color, with XM Weather downlink. Also could be a last resort when the electrical goes and you need to shoot an approach, though it would be my last option.
Was talking to a guy at Oshkosh this year that had something go wrong with his electrical, so he shot a GPS approach in IMC with his 396.
Its got too many features to post, but the info is readily available.
I don't have an attitude problem. You have a perception problem
Dw747400 From United States, joined Aug 2001, 982 posts, RR: 1 Reply 2, posted (3 years 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 592 times:
I'd been looking at the 396, but it is probably above my price range. Unless I find a used one for a substantial discount, I think I'm going to be stuck with something a bit simpler.
Dw747400 From United States, joined Aug 2001, 982 posts, RR: 1 Reply 4, posted (3 years 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 545 times:
Quoting Joness0154 (Reply 3): I couldn't put a price on safety and peace of mind.
I can't either... sadly, however, my finaicial situation can. That is why I hope to find a unit that can offer me as much as possible of the 396's features but for less.
In fact, I'm always wondering if I should go for something cheap (an Airmap 100 used or whatnot) and then splurge in a couple years when I have a steadier income.
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