hdman

Folks, sorry to say, but GPS units ARE radios to some degree. ANY device that receives signals use components such as beat-frequency oscilators (BFO) and they do generate a low level fix frequency that is TRANSMITTED. It is very low power, but it is transmitted all the same. There could be several reasons why planes don't want them used from this "possible" interferance issue to the fact that since they don't know/understand it, it should not be used. Simple truth is, if they ask you to shut it down, do so in RAPID fashion or you may just be escorted off by an air marshall. I take mine with me and use it in flight as long as they are cool about it, but if they tell me to shut it down, I shut it down. These days, even if they are stupid, don't argue with them. Take care.

I don't think these units are comparable. Not to know Garmin as a whole, but the Venture is not a "mapping" unit and it has 1/6th the memory of the SporTrak Map. I would compare the Venture to the regular SportTrak, but pricewise it is about the same as the SporTrak Map. I have the SporTrak Map and I was not happy that they left off some screens that the 315 had, but they released a firmware upgrade that gave those screens back and I am in LOVE again. Tracks fast, tree cover does not seem to bother it, and it FLOATS which I insisted on for use in the boat. Good luck in your decision.

There is new firmware for the Magellan SporTrak Map at www.magellangps.com. It is hidden, or misplaced, under the SporTrak Pro, but it clearly states that it is for both. It adds a few screens and helps this already great unit lock on faster and average better. I was a user of Garmin 12 units since they came out, and I went to the Magellan 315, and now this unit. It is better than any other unit I looked ot for ease of use, etc. I am an engineer and none are that difficult to use, but the others in my house like how easy it is to use this one. Good luck!! HDMan