Garmin aera 796 Reviews
Product reviews for this Garmin item
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donkaye.... December 2nd, 2011
Garmin has Updated the System Software, but it still needs more improvements
I've been a long time user of the Garmin handhelds and had been using the great 696 since it came out. So I bought the 796. Initially I thought about sending mine back for a refund because it had so many system problems. It's now on System 2.3 and most of the bugs have been worked out. The flight plan recording and flight data logging still don't work properly and the screen occasionally freezes and requires a reboot (certainly not acceptable when having to wait for the weather to come back), but I understand that they are working on the problem.For the positives, the touch screen enables the pilot to move around the screens at lightning speed compared to button pushing. The VFR and IFR Charts are a nice addition as is the 3D vision. Plan on spending a fair amount of time at home with the take home holder becoming familiar with the new menu system. Otherwise you will be "situationally challenged" in the cockpit trying to find desired menu items.
I would love to be able to recommend the unit over the 696, but until Garmin fixes the remaining bugs, ones that as a flight instructor are important to me, I would recommend delaying on the purchase. While I'm giving the unit a 3 star, it really is a 2 star for me, but will be a 5 star when the bugs are fixed.
mhangen.... November 12th, 2011
Start Up Issues
Just out of the box...couple of things to note AC power transformer worked for a bit but has now failed. Needs to be returned.Tried to sign up for XMWX. Gave them the radio ID...comes back unknown brand. XMWR IT has to fix but of course they arent in on the weekends...so no XM 48 hours
Garmin Telephone support if M-F 8-5 Of course no pilots fly outside those times.
The little things will kill you (or your rep)
Looks like it will be a nice product.