Mike Spera wrote:
snip
Final nit, it has a PROPRIETARY RECHARGEABLE BATTERY! It needs the
special charger to juice up. Opinions vary, but I prefer standard
double A's. I don't want to get fleeced for $200+ in a year or so
when the rechargeable craps out. Yes, I know it stays charged while
on external power, but I still don't like it. On the plus side, the
battery will last 6+ hours with a fairly high backlight on. Something
like 16 hours with the backlight off, but the unit is almost
impossible to see with the light off.

Mike,

Good review. I share many of your observations, including your concern
about the proprietary battery.

However, if I may point something out -- the 396 runs for a VERY long
time on that relatively tiny and lightweight battery. In order for NiMH
to provide the same energy density, the entire back of the unit would
need to be dedicated to battery storage, and it would weigh a ton.
While I hate the thought of a proprietary battery like everyone else,
I'm willing to trade that off for the higher energy density and lower
weight afforded by the LiIon battery technology.

If you want to talk nits, I'm more ****ed that they used a proprietary
flash card. I mean, com'on! We have 2GB+ SD cards now that could hold
road maps for the entire US...and what do they provide with the auto
kit? 128MB(!) Hey Garmin...1998 called and wants its flash technology
back!

And speaking of the auto kit, I don't want to rub any more salt in that
open wound of yours, but if you had bought the unit by the end of last
year, you would have received the auto kit for "free".

Dunno if you've seen my review of the 396, but you might find it
helpful. Click through Aviation-Articles-Reviews-Garmin 396.

Safe flying,

-Doug

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Doug Vetter, ATP/CFI

http://www.dvatp.com
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