Garmin 96c with external antenna as an extra. 9 sat's minimum every time.
Never let me down in the year I have had it as "just a back-up".
Thought I would only use mine in UK as well, but have just come back from a flying holiday in Oz. Loading Pacific database was simple and only cost twenty quid.
Definition could be a bit sharper, but OK. I do not consider myself a "techie", but after the first five hours of use, I felt really competent. Battery life very good. I was getting a real 25 hours from two AA. If your aircraft has a working "cigar" lighter all the better.
The Wombat