GNS430W What makes them hold value???

[lr172]

Originally Posted by Captain Avgas

, it’s unlikely that Justin can answer this question because Garmin don’t know when suppliers of crucial components will pull the pin.

You are making an assumption that Garmin orders each necessary electrical component every time a 430 is sent in for repair. Smart companies know that they must keep large inventories of parts at high risk of MFD. I trust Garmin is smart enough to do this and why they are not a risk of waking up one day and halting support of the 430 due to component obsolecence.

Further, VERY FEW component manufacturers will "pull the pin" as you say, without offering customers the opportunity to place large orders to stock for the future. Not doint that is a good way to destroy your customer loyalty.

I am not really a garmin flag waver here, just want people to have good data and not run away scared due to fear mongering.

The issue raised by Capt is a real risk and it must be evaluated. However, clear thoughtfull research and evaluation is required. There are many levels of "risk."

Larry

[lr172]

Originally Posted by n82rb

the limiting factor in this case will be the screen, and I have heard rumors that the supply is getting very low. custom LCDs are not something you order a few thousand of. the cost is ungodly in small batches. i would guess that garmin ordered a number they thought would run the expected life of the unit plus spares, at one time, and when those are gone they are gone.

bob burns
RV-4 N82RB

The fact that Garmin is happily accepting upgrade work from the 430 to 430W, which typically includes a new screen (mine did) tells me that they have solved the display supply issue they supposedly faced some years ago. If they truly were in short supply, it would be relatively foolish to squander them on upgrades instead of saving them for supporting the 13000 units still in the field.

Larry

[donaziza]

Gotta wonder if Garmin (besides Justin) is reading all this, and laughing themselves silly.

[Captain Avgas]

Originally Posted by lr172

You are making an assumption that Garmin orders each necessary electrical component every time a 430 is sent in for repair.

Sorry Larry but I never assumed "that Garmin orders each necessary electrical component every time a 430 is sent in for repair." Nor did I make any such statement (because it would be ludicrous).

[jeffsvan]

Also guys, lets not forget its "cuteness" factor.

My girlfriend says:
"It has such a tiny little color screen with the little white airplane. It's so cute"

Actually I sold my 430W for about $200 more than I paid for it.
It was less than a year old, and I had saved all the packaging.
A man who owns a small fleet of commercial craft bought it to
have on his parts shelf so there is a fresh 430W on hand when one in his fleet failed.

I upgraded to the GTN650. The screen on the 650 is much better IMHO.
It is easier to navigate the menus as well. Not sure I will move into the newer 650 they just came out with. I'm quite happy with what I have.
Perhaps there will be new features in the software that could change my mind.