Casey,

Q1 -- Why should I buy the color system over the B&W?

Many people feel that the different colors add to clarity and decluttering of
the image. If the plane(s) you normally fly have a color GPS (e.g. Garmin 430)
anyway, I would say you can do withou color. If the Lowrance is going to be
your only moving map, I'd prefer color.


Q2 -- Can either the 1000 or 2000c be loaded with the land database and used
to navigate on the ground?

Absolutely. In fact, you can generate land maps for the US of areas that are of
interest to you with the MapCreate software that's included on your PC. You
then transfer those files to an SD card and put that into the Airmap. If you
load a Jepp update onto that same SD card, both will be displayed together. In
that case, you can finely tune what should be displayed and what not. Or you
simply switch SD cards once you want to navigate on the ground. It all happens
on SD card, and both the card reader and detailed customizable road maps for
the US are included with the unit.


Q3 -- Anybody ever time out a set of fresh alkaline batteries?
How long did they last?

What they say on the site is accurate. The 1000 will last several hours,
depending on how much you use back lighting.

The 2000c will last 1 to 2 hours, so you'll want external power.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)