On Sun, 03 Apr 2005 14:34:45 -0400, Roy Smith wrote:

Overall, I like the box, but it definately has a steep learning curve, and
some UI warts. It really could have been a lot better with some better
usability testing before it shipped.

There is definitely a learning curve in the box, just like there is
one in the 530 box, but I think that you could learn the functions
fairly quickly on a long VFR flight and just playing with it. That
seems to work best for me. I have both the GNS 480 and a 530 in two
different airplanes, and there are features that I like about each and
there are features that I dislike about each. I have both there
simulators on the computer here at home and try to navigate through
the system sitting at the desk, but the process is slow and painful
when you try and dial something in. I see way too many people use
just the direct button on their GPS and go. I think it is such a
waste of technology when you have something sitting in front of you
and you don't use it. My biggest grip about both systems is that I
cant pre-program a flight plan on the home computer and then download
it into the plane. It would sure save a lot of time in the cockpit
IMHO.


Scott D

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