The GPSMAP 96 has a four-level grayscale display and 23 megabytes of internal memory, while the GPSMAP 96C boasts a 256-color transflective TFT display and 119 megabytes of built-in memory - enabling users to store map data from a variety of optional MapSource CD-ROMs. Both units have a mini-USB port, which allows rapid transfer of map data from a PC.

"These products provide a level of utility, simplicity, safety and affordability that should appeal to a wide variety of pilots," said Gary Kelley, Garmin's director of marketing. "With the GPSMAP 96 and GPSMAP 96C, we've integrated several key capabilities, including full-featured GPS navigation and a comprehensive U.S. database of obstacles, and are offering these products at attractive prices."

The GPSMAP 96 and GPSMAP 96C depict Jeppesen airport data overlaid on an electronic map, localizer-like runway extensions, a GPS-derived horizontal situation indicator (HSI) and one-touch access to see information on nearby airports (including identifier, bearing and distance to each).

Like all of Garmin's new aviation portables, the GPSMAP 96 and GPSMAP 96C also provide advanced navigation capabilities on the road or out on the water. Both units have a basemap that depicts highways, major roads, lakes, rivers, railroads and state and national borders.

They also provide automatic-route generation, off-route recalculation and turn-by-turn directions with audible tones to alert the driver of upcoming turns. When coupled with optional MapSource City Select software, the GPSMAP 96 and GPSMAP 96C enable the user to locate and route to more than 5 million points of interest, including hotels, restaurants, service stations, ATMs and more.

For pilots who also like to captain a boat, these units have a Marine mode. Using optional MapSource BlueChart or Recreational Lakes with Fishing Hot Spots software, users can navigate the high seas or nearby lakes with ease. An added bonus: The GPSMAP 96 and GPSMAP 96C are not only waterproof, but they also float.

GPS mapping is especially helpful when combined with the detailed database of nearby obstructions like radio towers and high-rise buildings. Symbology depicting an obstacle along the flight route provides pilots with a visual cue, alerting them to potential hazards ahead.

Garmin also built features into the GPSMAP 96 and GPSMAP 96C that will appeal to the competitive hang-gliding and paragliding community. The units boast GPS-derived rate-of-ascent/descent indicators, as well as glide-ratio and glide-ratio-to-target features, to assist the pilot in goal assessment. In either the GPSMAP 96 or GPSMAP 96C, users get a full-featured GPS unit for competition or recreation.

The GPSMAP 96 and 96C are expected to be available later this month for $499 and $699, respectively. The units will first be sold at the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture Fly-In at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisc.

Both products will ship standard with a yoke mount, 12-volt adapter, USB cable, wrist strap, two AA batteries, an installation CD with USB drivers and Trip & Waypoint Manager software, an owner's manual, and a quick- reference guide.

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