First of all I can not directly compare to the 495 as I have not used one but have not had any problems with sunlight and the 695.
I like the size and functionality and even though I bought one and have no regrets I actually think it is over priced and I believe that the 495 has all the functions but just a smaller screen?
If I was in the US and could get the Nexrad weather then it would be truly awesome but this would also work on the 495, as it stands the only advantage between the 495 I know is screen size.
Battery life I think from experience 3 hours + and I generally leave plugged in so if the electrics failed (and I would be totally stuffed without a GPS) then there would be plenty of battery life to get somewhere.