I agree.

I use from choice a little handheld Garmin GPS46 which is actually intended for the marine market. It is extremely simple and with the map set for track up, just keep the line pointing upwards and you get there every time. I have it velcro strapped to my left knee where I can actually see the thing properly and it works a treat. I prefer it to the Skymap which is mounted on the instrument console just too far away to get at the controls and read easily. By the way, it cost around $150 when it was a currrent model.

Garmin 250XL if you need the extra Comm facility as well.

NB after 200hrs flying in the UK you don't need a GPS, you know everywhere ......

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I have the earlier Garmin 295, and the 296 is on my wishlist too, as I prefer one that I can take home and download data into my PC / Laptop etc. It also gets pressed into use in the car and even got lugged along on a hike.

Being able to run on it's own inbuilt battery is a boon for swapping between aircraft and other uses.

I use the Map96 for commercial operations and have found it excellent. Moving map, North up or track up, very handy. Airspace and alarms airport info, frequencies, runways, refuellers etc. It has an extremely comprehensive database of suburbs and small towns. Very handy in a helicopter because you never know where you might be off to next. The info on pages is configureable as is the page order and number of pages available.

And it can be set in automotive, marine or aviation mode. If you by it make sure you have a good read of the manual as there is so much it can do that is very useful and practical. The cost was about $750 Aus from memory

I rather liked the 76(C, I think) - the silver one, which had a facility to make half a guess at the current pressure, which I found kinda useful. Only problem as that, with the power cable in, it doesn't lie flat.

Otherwise, I can recommend the 296. No experience of the other. As an aside, I found Lowrance equipment OK, but the agent in UK doesn't answer the phone and the software arrangements suck - Garmin has them beaten hands down on that.

Phil

I have a Garmin 96C, Aviaition Database (updatable Jeppesen) or can be used for Marine or on foot with various set ups included in the GPS. Has all the functions you could need and more.

Made up a simple little frame that goes into my kneeboard and holds it nicely close at hand. You can take it with you and add your routes and waypoints, analize flights if that is your thing from the computer or while having a frosty ale.... or both at the same time :ok:

Been said before, for a handheld a GPSmap96 is excellent. If your eyesight is good enough to use a relatively small screen it is perfect, but otherwise a much more expensive fitted machine is your next stop.