At 17:32 09 December 2012, wrote:
Anyone in US flying with LK8000? Can you compare its friendliness to SYM,
XCSoar, or WinPilot Pro?

Not in the USA, but have used WP (a long time ago), then XCSoar, and since
it arrived LK8000. I have had a look from time to time at XCS, but seen
nothing to persuade me to change back. There is only one problem with
LK8000, it develops so rapidly that the manual cannot keep pace. As soon as
one is available, it is out of date. Over a dozen beta updates since the
last stable version. Next stable version 4 due out soon.
It may seem very complicated at first glance, and it is touch screen, menu
driven, but once set up, you need do very litle in the air.
One of the brilliant newish features is MultiMaps, where as well as the
normal map screen, you can have a split screen with a top(map) view, and a
side (airspace) view together, and a sonar for when you get near airspace.

Costs nothing to try, other than a bit of time. Any problems there is a
very good forum, in English, where someone will answer any problem you may
have. There are modes for power, gliders, hang and paragliders, and
walking/trecking. You can practice on yourPC, or in your car. Do not ask
for an Android version though!!!!

Dave