iFly GPS Forum

Here is my opinion of 700 vs 720 screens.....

Side by side, indoors and up close while flight planning, the 720 is brighter but it looks more like 10-15% at best. The the new transflective screen also creates a bit of (for lack of a better term) crystallization effect under these conditions. I honestly was a bit disappointed when comparing indoors (granted it was overcast that day)....

Then I got a chance to fly with them.......

The 720 came to life, so much so that there really was no comparison. It's hard to explain but it's not just a brightness issue. It's more about being richer, fuller, warmer. The display has a completely different presence in the cockpit - it seems to absorb the sunlight and everything on the screen pops. There is also less of a cloudiness (even when off). The 700 screen looks like a very dark grey while the 720 is virtually black. This is very apparent when viewing on an angle and again makes the 720 feel like a different unit. Also, the crystallization effect is completely unnoticeable once the unit is at least 1-2' away from you.

I've flown many times with my 720 and it really is a great display. Does it mean I was not happy with my 700? - No. The 700 is still a great unit and works well under most lighting conditions. If $$$ were a deciding factor I would be completely comfortable sticking with the 700. The 720 has the advantage of wifi but Skyradar needs power so running a USB with the power chord is really not an issue (perhaps in the future we will benefit from wifi updates but for now there is no significant gain).

Conclusion.....720 definitely has a better display - especially in direct sunlight - but is considerably more $$$. Once you use the 720 you will most likely want one but if you are budget conscious the 700 is still a great asset.

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Dave K

Details? Cost?

Can you tell me if the port for the external GPS antenna and the USB port are located in the same place on the 720 as the 700?

Chad