I got checked out in a C172 SP with a G1000 recently. What really helped me prepare were
Cessna NAVIII Trainer v12.00
- runs on windows platform, has PFD and MFD for dual monitor setup.
- can "fly" flights using control devices like joystick, ch pro, etc.
- $25 or so
- it helped me a lot!
Simionic Simulator for Garmin G1000
- iPad platform
- only has the PFD
- ~$10
- great when I wasn't near a PC.
in flight the G1000 was 'captivating'. VFR flight in a busy weekend so the traffic forced me to keep my eyes away from the G1000. Otherwise, I would've been tempted to just fly the G1000 instead of flying the plane (yes, very bad). I told my instructor I needed a copilot to do the "buttonology" and fly the menus while I would fly the plane.
Anyways, the applications above helped me a lot before the checkout flight.
This one had traffic alert as well - kind of neat.
I think the G1000 would spoil me so I now alternate rentals between it and another C172 with the steam gauges (that model also has greater useful load).
P.S. what airplane did u fly with the G1000?