Handheld GPS
 

Hi guys,

I'm wanting to purchase a GPS in the near future.. I like the look of the Garmin 296, anyone got some feedback on this model for me? Seems to be quite popular in g.a..

Also, am looking on ebay, what is the process if buying from the US as far as updating maps, aus airports etc, or are these included? Any issues if buying from overseas I should be aware of?

If you have purchased one from USA, would love to hear from ya! The Aussie dollar is buying great USD at present!

Cheers...

I have purchased Garmin 296, 495 and 496 direct from the US - what would you like to know?

The G296 is a great bit of kit! The 495 is better, but not remarkably so - mostly just refreshes faster. Forget the 496 - I bought that before the 495 became available - I think Garmin got the idea from me. :E

Dr :8

I think the 296 is no longer available, the 495 is the replacement. You need a PACIFIC version.

FTDK has converted them but its just as easy to buy one locally at a good price or buy a new one from Aircraft Spruce or someone.

Remeber......If it aint Garmin..I aint Goin!:ok:

By my calculation you will save A$35-$40 buying from US cf local.
Not sure it is worth it as local gets you better support.
I have no vested interest in any local supplier. I am just pleasantly surprised at how competitive local suppliers are for this stuff.
John

Depending on your budget, consider the Garmin aera 500 or this series. It's easy to use and doubles as a car GPS with the aviation side of it being about as easy to use as well. I've been pretty happy with mine so far.

With the dollar the way it is you should consider buying one from the US, there are significant savings to be made.

Some places like Gulf Coast Avioncs often have factory refurbed 296's on their website with warranty if your budget is tight.

Not by mine!

At the time I bought my units, there were VERY significant savings to be made by purchasing direct from the US. I bought mine from Marv Golden.

The only drawback is with after sales support. You won't get much joy locally if you bought the unit from the US .......... but I have never had a problem with any of the units I have bought.

Dr :8

GPS is the tool of the devil!

:E

I reckon someone said that 70 years ago with NDBs. :E

I had a scary experience on the weekend. I had to transit just OCTA but withOUT my GPS. Scary stuff!

The 296 is now obsolete. As a previous poster alluded to, the Aera 500 is an excellent choice. If your budget can't stretch that far, go for a 96C. Forget about importing one from the States. If you have issues with it you have to send it back and it won't come with the Pacific database. For the sake of a few dollars, buy from Australia and save yourself any hassles.

Not so!

Dr :8

The Dr is right. There is too much misinformation being dished out. Of course you can buy a GPS in the US with the pacific database, they are listed separately, bit still there. Privately purchasing say off Ebay you may have an issue though. Have a look at Gulf Coast Avionics, Aircraft Spruce or maybe Sportys.

OK...........here ya go with some Current as of today only facts.

Garmin 495 Pacific database

Gulf Coast Avionics, landed in AUD including the freight and GST (yes over $1000 you will pay GST) = AUD$1580.60

The local mob Mehndelsons Pilot supplies in Melboure have them on sale for AUD$1589.

Some times it is worth it........others not. :)

Fork
"By my calculation you will save A$35-$40 buying from US cf local. "
I did the calculation comparing CURRENT prices and assumed a US$50-00 shipping.
When you bought it isn't recent.
John
FRACS

I have just acquired an Aera 500 and it is a fabulous bit of kit. Aviation & automotive modes, full-featured (all the usual navigation bits plus traffic & terrain) on a touch-screen the same size as a Garmin 530; bluetooth phone connection, audiobooks, music, photo / video viewer......

Includes both car & yoke mounts and power connections, as well as free database updates for both car & aviation modes.

Brilliant!:ok:

Not necessarily so!

True! It was a couple of months ago.

You tell me the local suppliers have stopped trying to rip off the punter?

Dr :8

PS:
GARMIN GPSMAP 495
List Price: $1,399.00Marv's Price:$1,299.00US

GARMIN 495 $1,895 Australian
cash/direct debit/cheque/COD or
GARMIN 495 $1,929 Australian
Credit Card/Pay Pal

Sorry, I stand to be corrected about the Pacific database. All local retailers have to purchase in US dollars. Have a look at this thread, lots of info on it http://www.pprune.org/dg-p-general-a...-g-pilots.html.

Check out

Handheld Systems - Handheld Systems.

He knows aviation and was very helpful when I bought my GPS (Garmin Aera 500 - top unit)."

I also bought from Handheld Systems and am very satisfied. Current price is A$35-00 more than Marv Golden landed in Aust (add US$50 for shipping, convert at 0.96, multiply by 1.1 for GST)
I have no association with Handheld other than a satisfied customer.
John