I have had my 396 since last September. I have used it to make far
more informed decisions in the cockpit than I could have made
otherwise. What you see on the screen is what you'll see outside
regarding buildups and precip. Armed with this I have been able to
navigate around buildups and pick my way through weather that I would
not have done otherwise. That alone has saved me flight time that
would have been spent performing lengthy diversions.

Informing FSS on accurate info is helpful when giving a pilot report.

The combination of the 396 with XM, and a stormscope provides me with a
lot of information. Last month I arrived at an airport in stormy
weather. I had been watching it for the duration of the flight and was
planning to use an alternate but the weather appeared to be breaking
up. There was a narow but clear corridor along one of the VOR
approaches to the field. I shot the approach and landed in light
precip and good visibility.

Bob