I am a happy user of the 300XL. From a cost standpoint, installation is
an issue (yes, an annuciator panel is needed and a Nav head - not worse
than anything else, just not cheaper). Only the unit is cheaper.

While it would add value to your use of the a/c, it wouldn't add any
value in a market sense. I think market value starts at the 430...

If I were doing it now, I would have to put a 430 in - perhaps used.

From a flying utility standpoint, since you have a minimal panel you
have flown with, perhaps the handheld would be the best value right now
just for the weather. The $30/month aviator lite package provides the
bulk of the value and a great value I expect it to be in my everyday
flying.

I guess I'm suggesting a critical look at the flying you do and
comparing that to the options. Where I live (SE US), being able to look
down route, see the storms, and strategizing to avoid them is 80% of
summer flying.

Oh, and remember as soon as you go certified panel mount, you need
refereshed data. About $50 a month to stay absolutely current. Garmin
makes it hard to save money for those willing to be less than current.

three-eight-hotel wrote:
hmmmm... I think I'm starting to come around, full-circle. Maybe
spinning around in circles is more like it... ;-)

I'm hearing a lot of valuable feedback, and it's got me leaning back
towards the IFR certified panel mount. It seems like that would
address the main weaknesses of my current configuration, and would be
in line with where the technology seems to be going.

Some other key factor to my current position "on the fence" a
1. Installation costs of something like a GNC300XL, as a few have
mentioned
2. Do I really plan to weave my way through serious T-Cells (not at the
moment)
3. One of the biggies - could I justify or afford the $50/mo. XM
subscription to take full advantage of the 396 (not at the moment ;-)

I really like the idea of having the handheld, and would probably be
happy with the features "out of the box", but at that point, it's
still, really just a "backup". Going with a GNS type of configuration
would add value to my plane and give me a much more current (looking
and functional) panel.

I'm still on the fence, and am not ready to pull the trigger just yet,
so I'll keep monitoring the discussions, as there seems to be a new
thread popping up every day!

Thanks again for the feedback!

Best Regards,
Todd