Garmin Aera vs Anywhere Map Quadra
Anyone considering a handheld GPS will most certainly take a look at the Garmin Aera. After many years resisting the touch screen interface, Garmin has finally yielded to customer demand for this type of device.
The Aera comes in two flavors, the 500 series and the 550 series. The specifications of the Aera 500 series are a nearly perfect match for the rudimentary features of the AV8OR.
| Screen Size |
4.3" |
4.3" |
4.3" |
4.3" |
| Price |
$850 |
$750 |
$1,650 |
$595 |
| Resolution |
Blocky
WQVGA (480x272) |
Blocky
WQVGA (480x272) |
Blocky
WQVGA (480x272) |
Sharp
WVGA (800x480) |
| Orientation |
Landscape |
Landscape |
Landscape |
Portrait or Landscape |
| Touchscreen |
 |
|
|
|
| Terrain |
|
|
|
|
| Street Maps |
|
|
|
|
| Obstacles |
|
|
|
|
| Private AP |
|
NO |
|
|
| Airways |
|
NO |
|
|
| WiFi |
NO |
NO |
NO |
|
| Flight Planning Weather |
NO |
NO |
NO |
|
| Sectionals* |
NO |
NO |
NO |
|
| Approach Plates** |
NO |
NO |
NO |
|
| Enroute Charts** |
NO |
NO |
NO |
|
| Taxi Diagram |
NO |
NO |
|
|
| HighRes Topo |
30 arc-seconds
1 Kilometer |
30 arc-seconds
1 Kilometer |
9 arc-seconds
270 Meter |
6 arc-seconds
180 Meter |
| Airport Dir |
NO |
NO |
|
|
| HSI |
|
NO |
|
|
| VNAV |
NO |
NO |
NO |
|
| VILS |
NO |
NO |
NO |
|
| E-Landing |
NO |
NO |
NO |
|
| Fuel Prices? |
NO |
Limited |
NO |
|
| Cones Safety |
NO |
NO |
NO |
|
| XM Upgrade |
NO |
|
NO |
|
| |
(Aera 510=$1495) |
$523 |
(Aera 560=$2200) |
$695 |
| Lifetime Subs |
NO |
NO |
NO |
|
| Annual Updates |
$495 |
$229 |
$495 |
$115 |
* Feature of Quadra MAX and Quadra EFB models
** Feature of Quadra EFB model
 Obviously the lower end Aera 500 and AV8OR lack many of the standard features of the Quadra and cannot be upgraded with sectionals or plates. The closer match to the basic Quadra configuration is the more advanced Aera 550 but it's cost is $1155 more than the Quadra and is not upgradable to weather. So if you're looking for XM WX you'd have to go with the 560 which is $2200. There are no Aera models offering scanned sectional charts, approach plates or enroute charts.
One thing that should also be pointed out is the hidden cost of data updates for the Aera. Many customers find out too late that keeping data up to date will cost $495 a year. We often hear of pilots who forgo updating the data on their Garmin units due to the expense. It makes little sense to fly with outdated navigation data and we hope there aren't too many pilots doing this. In contrast, Anywhere Map data/software annual subscriptions are just $115 per year and lifetime subscriptions are also available.
 Also See the Anywhere SST Duo
• 7" Touch screen
• Built-in GPS
• Pocket Plates 3
• Built-in street navigation
• Optional with XM weather
• Optional UltraTAWS
* Features of this product are protected under US Patent numbers 6,804,585 and 7,167,782. Other patents may be pending. |