I was flying with a garmin 12 for around six or seven years I think and it worked out just fine.
I had to pre program the airports and stuff, but since I was flying VFR, with a map and "compass" the GPS was only an extra aid.
Now I´m using the 196 and it's far the best peice I have ever had. What I have noticed is that I use the real map a lot less now and there are good and bad points with that, I'd say it's a very bad habit. If the GPS would fail I would have difficulites with finding myself on the map.
Go for the "One niner six" and be happy for the rest of your life!