Garmin offers budget model of popular handheld GPS
By Dave Hirschman
Garmin’s new handheld GPSMAP 495 is a budget version of the company’s top-of-the-line 496.
The 495 is Garmin’s first new handheld aviation GPS since 2006, and it has the same look, feel, and external dimensions as the 496. It also carries some of the same popular software including SafeTaxi airport diagrams and AOPA’s Airport Directory database. The two features the 495 lacks compared to its pricier big brother is XM Satellite Radio that provides weather displays and a built-in automotive database.
“Those familiar with our aviation handheld product line will see the GPSMAP 495 as a cross between the GPSMAP 296 and the GPSMAP 496,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. “It provides some of the advanced features found on the GPSMAP 496, but it’s closer to the GPSMAP 296’s price point.”
The 495 carries a retail price of $1,595, and Garmin is offering $100 rebates April 8 through 13 at the Sun ’n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Fla.
The 495’s retail price (excluding the rebate) is $1,000 less than the 496 and $300 more than the 296.
March 26, 2008
Dave Hirschman
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