Avionics
Garmin GPSmap 696 is a versatile handheld navigator
Garmin’s GPSmap 696 is a capable and feature-filled portable GPS navigator that doubles as a Class 1 or 2 electronic flight bag (EFB) with the ability to d

Garmin’s GPSmap 696 is a capable and feature-filled portable GPS navigator that doubles as a Class 1 or 2 electronic flight bag (EFB) with the ability to display weather, terrain, approach charts and airways. While the 696 displays own-ship position on moving maps and SafeTaxi airport diagrams, potential buyers should know that it does not do so on approach charts.

Garmin introduced the 696 last October, moving away from the usual schedule of releasing new portable navigators seemingly every year at the EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh. The 696 sells for a street price of $3,295; a non-XM Weather 695 version is available at $2,695 for buyers who live outside of the XM satellite coverage area and can’t benefit from the XM features or for those who simply don’t want to pay the monthly fee for XM weather and radio stations.