At this year's Fly-In Shoot-out Debate, the topic was panel-mount vs. hand-held GPS (and here we mean GPS with optional terrain and weather). But there may be something in-between: Aspen Avionics' new Evolution display (below left). It's easy to install because it replaces the two center instruments of the "6-pack" (below center). And it can be upgraded further (below right) by replacing more of the 6-pack instruments. In addition to easy (read: inexpensive) installation, without having to re-design and re-wire the whole panel, Aspen touts a "breakthrough price" for the instrument.
Even the basic (below left) unit is full of features, some going beyond GPS. These include EFIS with airspeed and altitude tapes, altitude alerter, and internal battery backup. Traffic, weather and terrain can be added, as well as flight director and autopilot integration. More details at
www.aspenavionics.com
Ernie