Garmin is launching a new line of dual-boot GPS units that will work equally as well in the car as they do in the air. The new aera line of portable GPS units can be booted in Aviation mode or Automotive mode (which simulates a Garmin Nuvi). One of the biggest features on this 4.3 inch-screened unit include touch screen to drive the normal Garmin aviation screens such as Map, Weather, Terrain, DirectTo, HSI/Panel, Active Flight Plan, Numbers, Nearest, Waypoint Info, position, XM radio and Tools.
MSRP on these items should be as follows:
- aera 500 - $799
- aera 510 - $1299 (same as 500 except it includes XM receiver for weather)
- aera 550 - $1499 includes advanced auto features including Navteq traffic compatibility over 500 and 510 model. Aviation mode improvements over the smaller models include high-res terrain database, SafeTaxi charts, AOPA director and one year free aviation database updates.
- aera 560 - $1999 (same as 550 except it includes XM receiver for weather)
If anyone is at the AOPA convention this week, we'd love to hear your comments on this product!
Tags: garmin, aopa