On September 14, 2011 Garmin announced its two newest additions to the Garmin aera family:
Garmin aera 796 & Garmin aera 795
The aera 796 and 795 are already being dubbed “iPad Killers.” Suffice it to say, it is only meant to express that it is going to kill the iPad as it pertains to aviation. The iPad is a montster that shows no signs of slowing down.
The Garmin 796 incorporates the popular features of the Garmin 696, while also adding new capabilities such as a touchscreen user interface, pilot-selectable screen orientation and 3D Vision – AKA Synthetic Vision. The Garmin 795 has the same features and functionality as the aera 796 minus the XM satellite weather. Everyone familiar with Garmin’s G600 or G1000 units knows that the synthetic vistion technology is nothing short of awesome. I don’t know if the 3D Vision in the 796 and 795 will perform and display identically to that of the G1000 and G600, but based on the screen shots I’ve seen, it’s really close.
I’ll be getting my hands on both of these units within the next few days and I will be able to post my thoughts at that time. In the meantime, for detailed manufacturer descriptions and information, including a video of an in-flight demonstration of the Garmin aera 796 and a video comparing the 796 to the iPad, use the links below.
Lastly, if you know you’re going to want one of these units soon after they’re available (Garmin is stating mid-October), I highly recommend pre-ordering. My experience is that most, if not all dealers sell their entire inventory before they even receive their first shipments from Garmin. Ordering on the actual “release date” could put you into a back-ordered situation where it could take weeks to receive your unit. By pre-ordering your unit, you’re assured that your unit will ship to you on Garmin’s release date.
Garmin aera 796 description and information
Garmin aera 796 in-flight video and iPad comparison
Garmin aera 795 description and information
Google+
When this the 796 be available for purchase?
Jeff – the 796′s have been “trickling” in since November 4th. We’re optimistic that the frequency of shipments and the quantities of units in the shipments will increase starting this week (November 14th). All units we received were immediately re-packaged and shipped to those who pre-ordered. The fastest way to receive a 796 is to pre-order a unit. When your unit arrives, we will turn it around and ship it for free the same day.
Click Here to purchase a Garmin 796 (www.banyanpilotshop.net/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=garmin_aera_796)
Thank you for contacting us and let me know if you need anything else.
Chris