Garmin announced today that it was bundling database update packages on the GPSMAP 496/496 and GPSMAP 695/696 that could save consumers 50% annually.
Three levels are available for customers in the U.S. and Europe. The full U.S. update package for the 695/696 includes the NavData, obstacles, terrain, AOPA data, FliteCharts and SafeTaxi diagrams for $699.99; the same package without the NavData, called U.S. Lite, is $499.99. Packages for the 495/496, which doesn’t have the FliteCharts, range from $299.99 to $499.99 per year. European database packages for either unit are $399.99.
“The GPSMAP 296 was our first portable GPS to have multiple databases that could be updated. It was introduced in 2004 and was a breakthrough product at the time because it had terrain and obstacle data,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. “As technology has improved, we’ve been able to offer customers additional information like FliteCharts®, SafeTaxi® and the AOPA Directory. We recognize that many customers rely on these databases for safety of flight and convenience, and the new bundled pricing packages make it easier for budget savvy pilots to keep all databases up to date.”
In other Garmin news:
• Pilot My-Cast℠ by Garmin is now available in the Android market for smartphones running on the Android™ platform. Pilot My-Cast by Garmin is a premium mobile phone aviation weather, flight planning and flight filing application exclusively for customers in the U.S. and Canada. It is also available on popular phone models such as BlackBerry, iPhone, and Windows Mobile.
• G600/G500 PC training software is available at Garmin.com for free. The G600/G500 PC software includes Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT™) and FliteCharts®, and is designed to help customers gain familiarity with their avionics before take-off.
• Up to $6,000 in bonus purchase rebates are now available with the purchase of a new G600, G500 and other avionics. Purchases must be made between now and June 30, 2010.
• Limited time rebates are available for the GTS 800, 820 and 850 traffic systems.Customers can save $750, $1000 and $1250, respectively, on purchases made between now and June 30, 2010.
For more information, visit Garmin’s web site.
