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    1-800-SPORTYS (776-7897)
    Garmin 496 GPS with XM Weather (Americas) Garmin 496 GPS with XM Weather (Americas)
    Rated 4.82417582418/5 based on 91 customer reviews
    Product description: Click here to view GPS Buyer's Guide Amercias Coverage includes North, South and Central America including Hawaii. The Garmin GPSMAP 496 represents a great combination of features, ease of use and portability. Its bright color screen and advanced mapping capabilities make it an ideal companion for both VFR and IFR pilots. And the XM satellite weather information and terrain warning features greatly enhance safety. It truly is a portable multi-function display. Upgrades include: •Garmin SafeTaxi™ data provides detailed taxiway diagrams and position information for over 650 US airports •Smart Airspace automatically highlights airspace close to the pilot’s current altitude and de-emphasizes airspace away from the current altitude •Built-in AOPA Airport Directory offers detailed listings of over 7,400 US airports, including information about FBOs, ground transportation, local attractions and much more •Preloaded automotive street mapping for all of North America, with turn-by-turn voice prompts—no software loading required •Enhanced terrain and aviation databases (including private airports) for even better situational awareness •Faster 5 Hz GPS updating of map data and “panel page” gives a smoother, nearly real-time presentation of turn coordinator and HSI. Weather—Like the 396, the new Garmin 496 displays XM’s revolutionary satellite datalink weather, including NEXRAD radar images, METARs, TAFs, TFRs, satellite imagery, ground-based lightning and much more. All of this weather information can be overlaid on the map display. Requires a monthly subscription (for more information on XM Weather, including pricing plans, click here).Entertainment—The GXM 30A Smart Antenna also allows you to listen to over 170 channels of XM satellite radio. It’s great for long cross-countries in the airplane or for the drive to work in your car. *Requires a monthly subscription.Terrain—The 496 features Garmin’s impressive terrain warning system, which shows the relative height of all nearby terrain and obstacles. It even offers pop-up alerts with voice warnings.Navigation—You’ve come to expect incredibly accurate navigation information from Garmin GPSs, and the 496 is no different. The bright, colorful moving map display and the smooth “panel page” offer superb situational awareness and plenty of customization options. And the easy-to-use automotive mapping means the 496 is just as useful in the car as in the plane.Traffic—When connected to a Garmin GTX 330 Mode S transponder or a Zaon PCAS XRX, the Garmin 496 will even display traffic. Each target is displayed on the map page, and the 496 will also issue pop up alerts for aircraft that are a threat. It’s truly a portable multi-function display.For more on the Zaon PCAS XRX ONYX - click here Garmin Database Area of Coverage Americas - North, South and Central America (includes Hawaii)Garmin 496 GPS Package Includes: GPS, GXM 30A Smart Antenna, carrying case, auto mount, USB interface cable, portable antenna, free Jeppesen® update, 12-volt automotive adapter with speaker, yoke mount, owner’s manual, quick reference guide, wall charger, friction mount.
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    SpecificationsCompare GPS Units
    Display Size (H x W):2.1 x 3.2 Display Type:256 Color TFT
    Terrain Alerts:Yes XM Weather / Radio:Yes
    WAAS:Yes HSI Screen:Yes
    VNAV:Yes Obstacles:Yes
    Runway Centerlines:Yes Battery Life:5-15 HR - Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
    Traffic Interface:Optional Unit Size (H x W x D):3.2"h x 5.7"w x 1.9"d
    Unit Weight:14.2 oz. Jeppesen Database:Full + ARTCC, Terrain Alerts, FSS freqs, and Final Approach Waypoints
    Routes / Waypoints:50/300 Basemap:Americas, Private Airports and Heliports, SafeTaxi™ data, AOPA Directory
    Automotive Mapping:Preloaded with Mapsource® City Navigator® Marine Mapping:Mapsource CD (not included)

    Garmin 496 GPS with XM Weather (Americas)
    FREE Shipping!

    Price: $1,999.00
    ID #: 2144A
    Overall Customer Rating Read all 91 Reviews

    Add Gift Wrapping $7.95

    Professionally wrapped in navy blue paper with brilliant white ribbon and a personalized card. Please allow 1 extra day for processing gift wrapped orders. Gift Message: A note that will be included with the package
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    Click here to view GPS Buyer's Guide

    Amercias Coverage includes North, South and Central America including Hawaii.

    The Garmin GPSMAP 496 represents a great combination of features, ease of use and portability. Its bright color screen and advanced mapping capabilities make it an ideal companion for both VFR and IFR pilots. And the XM satellite weather information and terrain warning features greatly enhance safety. It truly is a portable multi-function display.


    Upgrades include:
    •Garmin SafeTaxi™ data provides detailed taxiway diagrams and position information for over 650 US airports
    •Smart Airspace automatically highlights airspace close to the pilot’s current altitude and de-emphasizes airspace away from the current altitude
    •Built-in AOPA Airport Directory offers detailed listings of over 7,400 US airports, including information about FBOs, ground transportation, local attractions and much more
    •Preloaded automotive street mapping for all of North America, with turn-by-turn voice prompts—no software loading required
    •Enhanced terrain and aviation databases (including private airports) for even better situational awareness
    •Faster 5 Hz GPS updating of map data and “panel page” gives a smoother, nearly real-time presentation of turn coordinator and HSI.

    Weather—Like the 396, the new Garmin 496 displays XM’s revolutionary satellite datalink weather, including NEXRAD radar images, METARs, TAFs, TFRs, satellite imagery, ground-based lightning and much more. All of this weather information can be overlaid on the map display. Requires a monthly subscription (for more information on XM Weather, including pricing plans, click here).

    Entertainment—The GXM 30A Smart Antenna also allows you to listen to over 170 channels of XM satellite radio. It’s great for long cross-countries in the airplane or for the drive to work in your car. *Requires a monthly subscription.

    Terrain—The 496 features Garmin’s impressive terrain warning system, which shows the relative height of all nearby terrain and obstacles. It even offers pop-up alerts with voice warnings.

    Navigation—You’ve come to expect incredibly accurate navigation information from Garmin GPSs, and the 496 is no different. The bright, colorful moving map display and the smooth “panel page” offer superb situational awareness and plenty of customization options. And the easy-to-use automotive mapping means the 496 is just as useful in the car as in the plane.

    Traffic—When connected to a Garmin GTX 330 Mode S transponder or a Zaon PCAS XRX, the Garmin 496 will even display traffic. Each target is displayed on the map page, and the 496 will also issue pop up alerts for aircraft that are a threat. It’s truly a portable multi-function display.

    For more on the Zaon PCAS XRX ONYX - click here

    Garmin Database Area of Coverage
    Americas - North, South and Central America (includes Hawaii)

    Garmin 496 GPS Package Includes:
    GPS, GXM 30A Smart Antenna, carrying case, auto mount, USB interface cable, portable antenna, free Jeppesen® update, 12-volt automotive adapter with speaker, yoke mount, owner’s manual, quick reference guide, wall charger, friction mount.





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    Page of 5
    91

    Date - 1-14-2009

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    ( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

    Cons

    ( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

    General Comments

    Husband loves it and was really excited to receive it as a gift!

    Date - 1-2-2009

    Rating - Instrument

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    ( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

    Cons

    ( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

    General Comments

    Fantasic unit.

    Date - 12-16-2008

    Rating - Commercial

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    ( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

    Cons

    ( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

    General Comments

    Love this unit. I had a 296 before which worked great. The added weather and airport diagrams are awsome

    Date - 12-8-2008

    Rating - Private

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    Used it for the first time ferrying a Helicopter from Torrence, CA to Savannah, Ga. It was fantastic. I bought the XM Aviator for winds, weather and music. Worked great.

    Cons

    None.

    General Comments

    I would advise learning the software on the ground, with so many great features its a little intimidating at first, but once you learn it, you wont fly without it.

    I didn't think the weather would be something that I needed but winds aloft in some areas got us there a lot quicker.

    I would like to see AGL as one of the read outs with Helios hugging the surface all the time but definitely not a deal breaker.

    Date - 10-7-2008

    Rating - Instrument

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    ( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

    Cons

    ( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

    General Comments

    Awesome!!!!

    Date - 10-5-2008

    Rating - Private

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    This thing absolutely rocks! It has too many features to mention, but the bottom line is it reduces your workload and improves situational awareness enormously. If I had to pick a few highlights, I personally find the airspace alerts, the route planning, the AIRMET/SIGMET/TFR notifications (requires XM), and the descent rate profile particularly useful.

    The automotive mode works as well as any I've used too. I have no comment about the marine mode, never having used it.

    Cons

    The cost is a bit eye watering, but I'd have to say also well worth it. The ongoing costs are substantial too: The XM Aviator subscription is not exactly cheap and the various flavors of database update (you have to pay for Jepp, obstacle, terrain, etc. separately) really add up. Nevertheless, I do believe I'm getting a lot of value for that investment.

    General Comments

    ( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

    Date - 9-7-2008

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    This is an outstandingly capable GPS. It is really like a mini-glass panel cockpit you can hold in your hand. It has pretty much every type of functionality you could imagine including options for weather and traffic (XM weather antenna comes in the box, traffic receiver does not). Box is loaded with every conceivable accessory you could imagine. The box is huge and literally packed with stuff. Safe taxi is great. Airport info is great.

    Cons

    Though large for a hand-held, screen is still not huge. Device uses the older style Garmin interface for most interactions (you know, the one that reminds you a bit of the font from a windows DOS machine). It is a bit of a shock to go back to that feel after using their newer products (such as the Nuvi line). Car navigation requires you to load the maps manually and it is not as slick as a dedicated car unit (but as a freebee it is fine and beats having to bring a second GPS for when you land.) Yoke mount is huge and cumbersome to pack and use and doesn't fit around the standard chart clip on the skyhawk and skylane without first removing that clip from the yoke. Battery life is decent (4-5 hours, longer if screen is dimmer), but not exceptional. Makes for a pretty heavy flightbag when you tuck this in with the XM antenna, one or two mounts, and maybe an extra battery. XM weather is unbelievably expensive - over $500 a year!

    General Comments

    As a completely autonomous self-powered system that is more than capable of serving as your only navigation device in the event of an electrical meltdown, this is a great unit and very "cheap insurance" which is why I got mine. This plus a handheld aviation radio belong in every flightbag. And for anyone considering upgrading an older steamguage plane to glass, check this unit out first - it is incredibly capable and might be all you need to bridge you for a few years until you spring for a totally new plane.

    Date - 9-4-2008

    Rating - Commercial

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    ( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

    Cons

    ( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

    General Comments

    ( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

    Date - 9-3-2008

    Rating - Private

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    ( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

    Cons

    ( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

    General Comments

    ( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

    Date - 8-20-2008

    Rating - Commercial

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    Excellent functionality. Reasonably intuitive.

    Cons

    It's expensive. The sign up process for XM Weather was frustrating, caused by an incorrect phone number in the user manual and a cumbersome enrollment process. When needing to reference the user manual for help, it's hard to find the solution.

    General Comments

    This is the best way to enhance access to near-real time weather info while in the air. For this purpose, it's the best game in town.

    Date - 8-13-2008

    Rating - Commercial

    Overall
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    Awesome navigator - super sx integration and user interface

    Cons

    would pay for a larger screen

    General Comments

    ( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

    Date - 8-12-2008

    Rating - Student

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    This thing is great! A must for anyone planning a crosscountry. Best single purchase I've made so far!

    Cons

    None so far!

    General Comments

    Great tool

    Date - 8-4-2008

    Rating - Instrument

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    ( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

    Cons

    ( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

    General Comments

    ( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

    Date - 7-17-2008

    Rating - Instrument

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    ( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

    Cons

    ( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

    General Comments

    ( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

    Date - 7-7-2008

    Rating - Student

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    My husband used the Garmin 496 while traveling from Georgia to Missouri last week and was very impressed with it.

    Cons

    For the price, I feel the Garmin 496 should come with a better carrying case, and it was a little difficult figuring out all of the features.

    General Comments

    A GREAT GPS SYSTEM!

    Date - 6-27-2008

    Rating - Commercial

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    Fantastic coordination of information into a user friendly platform. These guys really understand what GA pilots need.

    Having near real-time weather information is invaluable.

    Super interface with ZAON XRX traffic information system.

    Cons

    Cost.

    Lightning Data not as good as WSI's. This is more of an issue with XmWeather than with the 496.

    Wish there were fewer wires.

    General Comments

    This is one of the greatest all-in-one aids to situational awareness and judgment making tools I've ever seen. I won't fly without it.

    Date - 6-25-2008

    Rating - Instrument

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    ( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

    Cons

    ( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

    General Comments

    ( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

    Date - 6-5-2008

    Rating - Private

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    ( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

    Cons

    ( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

    General Comments

    came with more than we expected..very very happy!

    Date - 6-3-2008

    Rating - Commercial

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    This is the best thing you can put in your flightbag, whether you fly a 747 or a cherokee. A little pricey but if you fly a lot it is definitely worth it. Every bit of information you ever need is right in front of you, no fumbling through an A/FD or sectional looking for information. Fast, reliable, and very easy to use once you understand the menu structure. Save up and buy one!

    Cons

    Price, as if buying gas wasn't enough these days.

    General Comments

    If you fly cross country a lot get the weather subscription, it WILL pay for itself.

    Date - 5-28-2008

    Rating - Private

    Overall
    Durability
    Reliability
    Value
    Usability
    Expected
    Recommended Yes
    Pros

    This GPS unit is fantastic! I will never fly without one again! Truly a necessity for any pilot flying cross country- The graphic weather is incredible and the range of available information in mind-blowing. The price is extremely reasonable for such a fantastic piece of navagation equipment!

    Cons

    Be careful- this thing will make you lazy! All flight information is contained on the screen- I had to remind myself to actually use the panel instruments!

    General Comments

    Great piece of equipment

    ( No Reviews Found )
    Page of 5
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