The lower case in the model name says it all: the new a65 is a completely different device to the previous A-series (with a capital letter at the beginning). The external dimensions are smaller, as the new a-series has no buttons and is operated exclusively via the screen. There is only a button for switching on. This is also used to change the display brightness - important if you have accidentally navigated to the dark side of the touchscreen menus.
The a65 is supplied with a Navionics map chip from the Silver series so that navigation tasks can be performed right out of the box. Navionics Platinum+ or Gold maps on a microSD module can be retrofitted for 3D views and overlay with aerial images. A GPS receiver is integrated and additional devices can be connected via NMEA2000 or SeaTalk-ng. An Ethernet interface enables networking with Raymarine digital radar antennas or other plotters from the c and e series.
Bluetooth is also provided for controlling MP3 music playback on the smartphone, as well as wireless remote control using the Raymarine RCU-3. The a67 version is exciting for fishing enthusiasts, as it also includes a graphic echo sounder with fishfinder.
The a65 and a67 will be available from October 2012, with prices to be finalised from September.
Link to the manufacturer: http://www.raymarine.de
