Handheld GPS Units - Airmap 500 vs Airmap 1000

Dazzler

Dazzler

Well-Known Member
I'm thinking about buying either a Lowrance Airmap 500 or 1000 handheld GPS unit, and was wondering if anyone out there in JC-land has used one or owns one, and what you think of it/them.

I currently have an Airmap 100 and like it a lot, but now it's time to upgrade.

I like the idea of the Airmap 500 being small and compact and only taking 2 batteries.

The Airmap 1000 has some extra features that look really cool, and the thing is BIG, but that can be a disadvantage too (e.g. maybe it'll block some of the instrument panel). Is it worth the extra $$$ over the Airmap 500 too?

Any comments would be welcome. Thanks!
 
I'm trying to make the same decision as you. I like both units' ability to use both Jepp and ground maps by swapping out the mem card. Are there more features on the 1000, or is it simply more $$$ for a bigger screen?
 
We sell airmap 500 and1000 at my flight school and we also sell Garmin handhelds I think that we sell 5 lowrance units to 1 Garmin unit mainly because lowrance is cheaper but everyone including me have been very happy with the Lowrance. The 500 blows the Garmin3 out of the water.
 
I have a question... When you buy one of these GPS receivers, do you have to subscibe to a service and pay a monthly fee, or do you just load the software, turn it on, and it starts right up. Also, about how much does it cost to update the database.
 
I decided on the Airmap 500, which I've managed to get for $250 (not bad, considering retail price is $399)
 
How did you get the $250 price? When I add it to my cart I show $350. I'll be buying one at $250 today if I can get it!
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How did you get the $250 price? When I add it to my cart I show $350. I'll be buying one at $250 today if I can get it!
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Lowrance will give you $100 rebate if you trade in your old Airmap GPS.

Also, I believe http://www.flightessentials.net/ are selling the Airmap 500 for $299, and you can get the rebate on top of that - so you can pick one up for $199 !
 
Awesome! Thanks for the info. I don't have an old Airmap to trade in but the $299 price is definately worth it for the Airmap 500! How do you like your 500? From the reviews I've read it sounds pretty good for the price.
 
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Awesome! Thanks for the info. I don't have an old Airmap to trade in but the $299 price is definately worth it for the Airmap 500! How do you like your 500? From the reviews I've read it sounds pretty good for the price.

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Don't have it yet - just ordered it 2 days ago.

I went with Marv Golden for $250 rather than Flight Essentials for $199 because I have purchased from them previously and been very happy with their service. I'm not familiar with Flight Essentials, and I'm a little dubious about a web-based retailer that doesn't offer any phone number to call for customer service. Anyhow, there are deals out there on this stuff - never pay the full asking price!
 
Received the Airmap 500 yesterday, and it's great. Highly recommended.

The only negative thing was that the unit I received had an expired database in it (expired 9/1/2004). I called Lowrance and they are going to give me a one-time free database update. Can't argue with that.
 
Funny....I got mine on Tuesday and it was defective! The "pages" button and the "find" buttong did not work at all and the other buttons only worked about 50% of the time. So it's back on the UPS truck right now! Sucks!
 
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Funny....I got mine on Tuesday and it was defective! The "pages" button and the "find" buttong did not work at all and the other buttons only worked about 50% of the time. So it's back on the UPS truck right now! Sucks!

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Which merchant did you buy yours from?
 
FlightEssentials.com.....which is probably the reason it didn't work!
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Everything looks legit with the box and packaging. It probably sat in a warehouse baking at 150 degrees for a few months before they shipped it to me. Oh well...live and learn.

I was actually more pissed over the Lowrance support. They're only open 8AM to 4PM CST. I left them 2 messages asking for a return phone call on my cell at work to troubleshoot the issue and still no call backs....after 2 days. I see how much they care about their customers....looks like they have 1 less now.
 
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FlightEssentials.com.....which is probably the reason it didn't work!
smile.gif
Everything looks legit with the box and packaging. It probably sat in a warehouse baking at 150 degrees for a few months before they shipped it to me. Oh well...live and learn.

I was actually more pissed over the Lowrance support. They're only open 8AM to 4PM CST. I left them 2 messages asking for a return phone call on my cell at work to troubleshoot the issue and still no call backs....after 2 days. I see how much they care about their customers....looks like they have 1 less now.

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That sucks that you've had a bad experience. You're probably right about FlightEssentials.com - I'm telling you it's all about Marv Golden !

My experience with Lowrance support has been quite favourable. It's a shame you haven't had the same experience with them.

Ah well, enjoy your Airmap - when you do indeed get a working one!
 
Dazzler,

I bought the 500 over the 1000 for a winter of freight flying. I am REALLY glad I bought the smaller of the two. I know two GA pilots with the 1000 who now wish they had the snmaller one.

I mounted the 500 in front on the yoke in the CE-402. Had I got the 1000, I think that would have gotten in the way.
 
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