Garmin 396 vs 496

[Aviator]

I'd like to buy a new GPS. Is it worth spending more for the 496? It looks a good used 396 is about $1000 less.

 

[Magic1872]

I have a 396 and have played around with the 496, honestly, I really don't see a difference.

If you want taxi diagrams i'd get it but otherwise you should have those anyway....I think that fall under flight plannning...having as much information about the airport you intend to fly to.

Any further questions let me know I'll do what I can do answer them for you

 

[Dustin H]

The differences between the 396/496

The 496 has, the 396 does not:
5 Hz update rate on maps and "Panel" instruments (396 1 Hz refresh rate)
Preloaded with detailed City Navigator NT street maps and POI database
Preloaded SafeTaxi airport diagrams
Built-in AOPA airport directory data

There is a $600 difference (street price) between the two models.

Personally I would go for the 496 because of the included extras. But that's just me.

I own a 296, but I don't use it enough to justify upgrading.

 

[Magic1872]

Dustin is correct in stating the additional features on the 496 VS 396.

I really don't see a difference between 4Hz when it come to update rates between 396 496 (Personal opinion)

Preloaded SafeTaxi Airport Diagram: If you put the 396 in automotive mode just after you land, you'll have an airport diagram. Now it will not have taxi way names, but you should have an airport diagram any way. (Again Personal Opinion)

Built in AOPA airport Directory: Check www.airnav.com before you leave to do to your destination. Has the same information

I personally can't justify the cost over the 496 VS 396 with the minor feature additions

Any more questions fire way

 

[Dustin H]

Hey Magic, you bring up some good points.

I've also used the automotive mode to get a better detailed view of the airport on my 296. I don't care for the fact that Garmin would degrade the airport detail on the aviation mode of the GPS. Maybe to enhance sales of the 496?

 

[Aviator]

Thanks for the info. I found a good deal on a new 496 with the car kit ($2550). Just received it several days ago. What a difference from my old 195! I feel it was worth spending the additional amount since it was discounted. Very impressed with it.

 

[Swamp Fox]

Where?

Can you please tell us where you found a discounted 496? I am in the market for one. PM, if you prefer.

Thanks.

 

[Aviator]

I found it on Ebay. It was a dutch auction (2 available) which sometimes can work in the buyer's favor. I used the free online sniping service - http://www.gixen.com to help get the winning bid.

 

[Swamp Fox]

Thanks. I wasn't aware of the existence of gixen.com. (Not suprising, since I have only visited the ebay site a couple of times.) Maybe I will try that. I haven't yet found a retailer that was willing to discount the Garmin. Garmin threatens to fire any dealer that discounts.