I have had a GPSMAP 296 and an Area 500 in an R-22.
I prefer the 296 but the Area is good. I like the fixed buttond and rocker switch, but have to admit the Area touchscreen was not hard to use in the air.
The screen size is in practice no different at all - the Area has a black strip on right for touchscreen symbols, and that in effect makes the screen size identical to the 296 (I measured it).
The touchscreen on Area is not hard to use in heli if it is mounted ontop instrument panel. If you mount it on cyclic it is impossible due vibration (and visibility from vibration very poor).
Area much more sensitive GPS receiver so faster lock on and lock on in more difficult places, but the 296 seemed to be no problem with maintaining lock but slower to start to get initial lock on. (As an aside, I have heard the Area is more sensitive but downside is it can loose lock in vigorous aerobatics in fixed wing, but not an issue here).
I prefer 296 as I used to input flight plan using the map mode and the rocker switch to go around airspace issues here and would plan dog legs with turning points at odd places with no landmark so must use a "user" waypoint at a point in middle of nowhere - easy to do with 296/496 but can't be done with area on map as area has no ability to enter flight plan using the map.
Otherwise area was OK as was the 296. I however like the rocker on 296.
One last thing battery life whilst an issue is not a real problem for most as most of us use the 296 or Area on aircraft power in the mount.
Hope this helps.
John
Last edited by rjtjrt; 3rd October 2010 at 23:15.