Remember when Polaroid first came out with the instant camera, they almost gave the camera away, because their film was the only game in town.
It appears that Garmin should almost give the 696 away because of the high cost of updates.
I realize that you DON'T have to technically keep your databases up to date, just don't get any kind of a violation or incident because of that.
Just did a seach with fly.garmin as to what it will take to keep my new 696 totally up to date.
Nav Data $49.95 one time $295 Annual
Flight Charts $95.00 one time $395 Annual
AOPA $49.95/3 months $95 Annual
Terrain $150 (no time frame shown)
Obstacle $49.95 /2 month $195 Annual
Safe Taxi $49.95 single $195 Annual
This works out to an annual fee of $1325 to stay current.
I know it's still a little early to have established some guidelines, but I'm wondering how those who have used the unit, and those who are in the same wondering process as I am, plan to deal with this.
You can purchase all this info with paper, at a much lower cost, albeit not as convenient.
Jack
It appears that Garmin should almost give the 696 away because of the high cost of updates.
I realize that you DON'T have to technically keep your databases up to date, just don't get any kind of a violation or incident because of that.
Just did a seach with fly.garmin as to what it will take to keep my new 696 totally up to date.
Nav Data $49.95 one time $295 Annual
Flight Charts $95.00 one time $395 Annual
AOPA $49.95/3 months $95 Annual
Terrain $150 (no time frame shown)
Obstacle $49.95 /2 month $195 Annual
Safe Taxi $49.95 single $195 Annual
This works out to an annual fee of $1325 to stay current.
I know it's still a little early to have established some guidelines, but I'm wondering how those who have used the unit, and those who are in the same wondering process as I am, plan to deal with this.
You can purchase all this info with paper, at a much lower cost, albeit not as convenient.
Jack