Garmin is surprising the aviation crowd with the GPSMAP 696. The aviation GPS unit seems to have everything pilots would want in a portable GPS unit: huge, 7-inch screen, victor airways, XM Satellite Weather, jet routes, MEA and major visual references like points of rivers, state boundaries, highways, and railroads. Generally, Garmin announces these aviation models in the summer months, but the company must feel this $3,295 unit is going to make its way onto some pilots holiday wish lists and wanted to capitalize on the sales. 

PR & Garmin Blog