Ron,
Crazy as this sounds, I can use my smartphone as a radar and for all TAFs and all current AWOS/ASOS readings from airorts along my routes. There are a combination of apps that allow me to do this for free.
I even have the power adaptor to keep it charged, and if I am not too busy, can text a simple ETA to folks meeting me simultaneously. (I have also been known to order pizza from the air, and have it waiting at FBOs!)
While not nearly as good as XM weather, and totally unsuitable for any flying in "real" weather, the functions are "good enough" for flying day VFR and have served me well the last year commuting to/from work every week.
Someday I will get a GPS with all the bells and whistles - but not ready just yet! The S+F trip is nearly 2000 miles of flying - 20 hours or so. I will explore some options.
MM
