Thank you to all for the tips. I got the Garmin 296. Basis for my decision
was...
- excellent advice that as a neophyte, my weather avoidance should be done
on the ground with FSS, not in the air with satellites (hence the 396 not
required).
- portability (battery power on the 296 vs. Airmap et al)
- resale should I need to upgrade in the future should be easy.

Thanks again to everyone for the insight.

Been playing with the 296 today... cool...


"Jase Vanover" wrote in message
. ..
Background... newly minted PPL, looking to ease navigation via GPS. I
actually find it cool to navigate via maps, compass and timepiece, but I
realize there is a lot more capability out there.