Prior to my r/t flight from Florida to Californian, I upgraded from the 196 to the 296. I knew the screen was much more visible (which I needed) but thought I was just getting a 196 with color.
Wow was I wrong. It is much faster and has much more for the pilot than the 196. I decided on the move after I found myself about five miles from an airport with my head inches from the 196 trying to see what was on the screen instead of looking out the window. With the 296 you can see it all even in bright daylight.
Don't get me wrong, the 196 is a great machine but I'm just too damned old to see the screen clearly any more.
Couldn't justify the weather option of the 396. Most of my flying is not covered by radar anyway.
Harry
