GPS devices for Drivers and Pilots from Garmin

6th November, 2009 by adina
Tags: , , ,

Garmin recently presented its new series of GPS portable devices destined to be used by pilots and drivers. The aera series include four touchscreen devices combining GPS accuracy and features with well known simplicity of Garmin in-car navigation units and capable to quickly switch between auto mode and aviation mode – aera 500, aera 510, aera 550 and aera 560. The devices have a 4.3-inch screen, a 480×272 resolution and are perfectly legible even in direct sunlight. The four navigators have an identical look but their unique software allows for different features and functions. When used in aviation mode, they show color icons representing map, terrain, position, nearest, direct to, HIS/panel, WPT info, active FPL, numbers, weather, XM Weather radio, and tool functions.

The aera 510 and aera 560 are based on a GXM 40 receiver that provides both XM WX Satellite Weather information and XM Radio. As weather information, aviation routine weather reports (METARs), temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs), NEXRAD weather radar, lightning, winds aloft, turbulence forecasts, icing forecast, PIREPs and other important weather data are included.

The aera 550 and aera 560 have SafeTaxi and AOPA Airport Directory. The former contains geo-referenced diagrams of 950 US airports and more. SafeTaxi can identify runways, taxiways, hangars, and the aircraft’s exact location as well. The AOPA Airport Directory contains data for more than 5,300 public-use airports and more than 7,000 FBOs, including pilot services, lodging, ground transportation, local attractions and restaurants. Users are able to update database information through the dedicated site fly.garmin.com, and can also buy aviation databases, such as terrain, obstacles and SafeTaxi. A year’s worth of updates for the database is included for the aera 550 and aera 560, for AOPA Directory, NavData, SafeTaxi, obstacles and terrain.

Users will recognize the familiar interface from the nuvi and zumo products when using the automotive mode. Street-level maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico are included as provided by NAVTEQ. The waterproof and ruggedized aera devices are compatible with Garmin’s zumo 660 motorcycle mount. Access of XM and XM WX Satellite Weather data, as well as XM Radio satellite stations is allowed in automotive mode. All aera devices can be provided with Bluetooth headsets or phones when in automotive mode.

Prices for the aera 500, aera 510, aera 550 and aera 560, are $799, $1,299, $1,499, and $1,999, respectively and they are now available for shipping.


  • Share

 

Readers Comments