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Let me start by saying that I'm prejudiced. I've been flying with a Garmin 296 for about 4 years, and another Garmin before that. And I've flown planes with a Garmin 430 in the panel. So when the 696 came out, I knew it was just a matter of time. A good deal on ebay proved impossible to pass up, and here I am. The 696 is the logical extension of its predecessors. The biggest (quite literally) feature is the enormous screen, a boon to those of us who are over 40, and also nice in that its possible to post lots of supporting data without giving up unreasonable amounts of map viewing area. If you've used other Garmin portables, you'll pick up the additional operating procedures in minutes, and the turn-push-jog control is a BIG improvement over selecting fixes with up and down arrows. What is it that made me willing to pay more than three times the price of an Ipad and some piece of aviation software? Well, there's an overall solidness and reliability, both hardware and software, to Garmin products that puts them in a different class than the computer-based "competitors", especially important in a product that I might someday have to bet my life on. If your budget won't permit the 696, there are plenty of other products that will do an adequate job. But if you can find the $$ (or find a Really Good Deal, like I did), you won't regret it. And even if you do (unlikely) the excellent resale value of Garmin products will make your loss minimal.Read full review
After researching the various handheld options available for adding weather and current map features I decided on the 696. I am not disappointed with my decision in the least. What a powerful tool for awareness. Flying IFR with this added to the Garmin 430W is a treat. Having all the approach plates and procedures at the push of a button is great. It even shows the airplane position on the approach plate. I have had hand helds before from Garmin but this one is the best of all. Updates are a little pricey, but you get what you pay for. All in all 5 stars.
I started with the 196 then to the 496 then to the 696. I always used the Garmin handheld a a backup to either a GNS 430 or 530. The 696 was an easy transition with outstanding capabilities. I have since transitioned to a G-1000 which I feel the 696 made the transition easier. I have always said that Garmin never misses the mark and the transition from one product to the other is seamless. From as simple an operation as direct to navigation all the way to fight plans with precision approaches, the Garmin gps is there to assist you at the push of a button. I have used Garmin audio panels and transponders and never had any complaints. Their products are very well thought out with the pilot in mind and designed for fluid hand movement and ease of operation.
I just purchased a plane in November of last year and I needed a GPS for it but was on a tight budget. I already knew about Garmin GPS's and that the portable GPS 696 was the cadillac of GPS's without having to pay for a full install of a glass panel. I really love it and it will help me feel at least safer because it has a lot of features such as airport diagrams and XM weather should I decide to pay a subscription for weather. I would recommend this GPS for anyone flying and on a tight budget.
AWESOME, ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT. I WONDER WHY GARMIN STOPPED PRODUCING THEM.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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