🚀 go-pugleaf

I haven't used my Airmap 100 nearly as much as I want to, but let me give
you my opinion on the unit anyway....

Even though it's monochrome and the display is smaller than the current
state of the art, it is exceptionally clear and easily read in just about
any lighting condition.  The data base seems very complete and the
obstruction feature is wonderful.  Every screen is user-changeable, so you
have essentially a dozen or more screens that you can tailor as you see fit.
If you get them hopelessly screwed up, reverting back to the default is a
snap, too.  In short, I wouldn't think about flying without mine anymore.
Even if I'm just doing pattern work, it's fun to go back after my flight and
see how the tracks line up on each other (rarely).

Here's my biggest grief about the airmap and the reason that I would think
long and hard about buying one if I didn't already have it.  The database
update prices are outrageous.  One time updates are $75 each.  You can
subscribe to a 28 day update (13/yr) at the vastly reduced price of $65/per
(smell the sarcasm?).  What this means is that a year's worth of data will
cost you a fair amount more than the unit itself!  I have major heartburn
about this.  I think I saw on Garmin's site an update price in the order of
$35 for their handheld gps's.  Didn't look long, so I could be mistaken.

I know the problem is 99% in the fact that Lowrance uses Jepp for it's data,
and that Jepp has a virtual monopoly on that sort of thing.  But there's no
way in hell you'll convince me (with a background in software development
and telecom) that the price charged for the data is anywhere in line with
the costs.

So the bottom line is that the unit itself is great.  I have nothing but
praise for it.  The few things I'm not crazy about are still probably useful
to someone.  I get one, maybe two updates a year, but don't rely on it for
freq's and don't completely trust the obstructions.  I figure roads and
rivers don't move all that often.

Bruce

"John" <nospam@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:f9ZR9.195912$F2h1.143046@news01.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com...
> Hi All,
> I'd be pleased to read your opinions on the Lowrance Airmap 100.
> I'm looking at buying a portable GPS in the spring and am giving this one
> serious consideration.
> Does anyone know what the Customs Duty would be if I bought this unit on
the
> Internet from the
> US and had it shipped to Canada?
> Thanks in Advance, John.
>
>