GARMIN 496

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PRICE £1120.95

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The 496 looks exactly the same as its stablemate, the 296, and appears to have many of the same functions - but it's almost £400 more expensive. Is it it worth the extra, that's what we wanted to find out.

As with the 296, the kit supplied with the basic GPS unit is superb. There's a yoke mount, the car dashboard mount, power lead (with built-in speaker for use in the car), USB cable, AC charger cable, remote antenna, a Quick Guide and full manual.

PLANNING THE FLIGHT
It's easy to get started with the 496 using the Quick Guide, basically a summary of the key points in the manual.
Select the page you want by repeated pressing of the, yes, 'page' button, then use the rocker switch to choose an existing waypoint. Adding a user-waypoint is straightforward too. 

IN THE AIR
We had the 296 and 496 side-by-side in the cockpit, so we could make a direct comparison.
Important airspace on the 496 is marked more clearly, especially ATZs and restricted areas. Garmin calls this 'Smart Airspace' whereby it highlights airspace close to your position and de-emphasises other airspace.

The map has a higher resolution database too - lines are noticeably crisper and there's also more detail. Obstacles such as masts are more obvious and glow red when close. Visual Reporting Points and private strips are on the database too, a first for Garmin.

The 496 has a faster processor and, though the 296 isn't slow, the 496 is appreciably quicker and smoother. The aircraft progresses evenly across the moving map, and zooming in and out is quicker too

CONCLUSION
Impressive piece of kit, noticeably better than 296, but you're paying for some US-only functions.

WHAT'S IN THE BOX
» 496 unit
» Power cord
» Yoke mount
» Dashboard mount
» Remote antenna
» USB cable
» Rechargeable Li-Ion battery
» AC adapter/charger
» Carrying case
» Manual & Quick Guide

SPEC
» Size 145x81x48mm
» Screen size 97mm
» Pixels 480x320
» Weight 400g
» Battery Rechargeable Li-Ion
» External power? Yes

SCREENS
» Moving Map
» 'Smart Airspace'
» Terrain & obstacle awareness
» HSI navigation

AT A GLANCE
SCREEN *****
Excellent.

DESIGN ****
So good it's hard to fault, apart from lack of a suction cup mount.

MAP ****
The best there is.

PROGRAMMING *****
The standard others aspire to.

EASE OF USE ****
Once you've found a way to mount the unit in a non-yoke aircraft, it's perfect.

FEATURES *****
Huge number of display options including mini glass cockpit. Includes terrain and obstacle awareness, which isn't available for Europe on the 296. Includes car kit too.

VALUE FOR MONEY ***
A high price for just a few performance points over the 296. If the US-only functions worked here, we'd bump it up a point.

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