696 or 496---is the extra cost worth it for the

[Philip Poeppelman]

I recently purchase a 1965 S35, and am looking for a backup GPS unit.  The airplane is equipped with a G430W and I have an I-Pad with fore flight app.  Do you think the 496 or 696 is the better option to display XM weather and provide backup GPS capability?

[Ron Hensley]

While the GPS496 is a good value, I'd still get the GPS696 due to the size of the display, features, and overall capabilities.  Also, much easier on the eyes and you can find some good deals on them as well.  

In either case, have it wired into the planes power, mount it with a Angerole mount, and you're pretty much good to go.  I also have mine wired to receive cross-feed from the panel mounted GPS.

Regards,

Ron

[Don Lawton]

Better look at the costs to update the various databases. AIUI, the 696 is rather pricey.

[Ron Hensley]

Don is correct in that the GPS696 database updates are more expensive than those for the GPS496 IF you update the GPS696 databases that the GPS496 doesn't have.  Otherwise, the cost of updates will be the same.

I got the Garmin database bundle for my GPS696 as I wanted the approach plates (FliteCharts) readily available that I either don't have, or they're not handy.

Sadly, as is the case with all electronics these days, they become obsolete or unrepairable all too soon.....

Regards,

Ron

[Keith Gleason]

I have used the Anywhere Map for weather and back up GPS (4 years) and the Garmin 496 over the last 3 years. I decited to go with the 496 because I could panel mount the device rather than have exposed wiring and yoke mount. I have a 530 but still went with the 496 because of the higher resolution. The Garmin 696 would  nice if I had the room to panel mount the device. I would have to give up my glove box Ha!