Two New Portable GPSs From Lowrance

Since the introduction of the Garmin 196 last year, the aviation portable GPS market has been quiet. Lowrance tossed a rock into the calm waters at AirVenture this week, displaying the new AirMap 500 and AirMap 1000 portables. The 500 has a three-inch diagonal screen with 240 X 180 pixel density, while the AirMap 1000 sports a five-inch diagonal 320 X 320 pixel screen. We got a look at both in Lowrance’s booth and we’re impressed with the screen sharpness. The 500 is already shipping at a suggested retail price of $499 while the AirMap 1000 is expected to be available in September for $799 retail. (Lower prices are available on both from discount sources.) For more, contact Lowrance at www.lowrance.com.