iFly GPS Forum

AdventurePilot probably doesn't have as much control over the form factor as you give them credit for.  I'm sure they selected a commercial off the shelf Panel PC device that best matched their requirements.  As long as the vendor continues to supply a model device in that form factor that meets AP's requirements, then they'll probably continue to stick with it.  That's good for them, because the fewer different platforms and the fewer differences between platforms that they need to code to and provide customer support for, the easier for AP.  And it's good for their customers, because as you point out, folks have become accustomed to this form factor, so upgrades are easiest if it's a simple swap-out and all the dimensions, power requirements, and port locations are the same.

But if the vendor ever retires that form factor or makes changes to the port layout on the bezel, well, AP may not be able to control that.

Example Panel PC vendors and parts:
http://www.ewinsonic.com/New/Chassis-...php?classid=103
http://www.emacinc.com/products/panel..._guide-middle-3
http://www.cincoze.com/goods.php?cid=59