The Lowrance screen redraw is quicker, but the software and support for Lowrance in UK can best be described as cr*p. Whoever sells it must live in a cottage somewhere with a permanent answerphone, so it's difficult to get your waypoints on unless you key in every one. As a result I ebayed by Lowrance and went with Garmin.
If you want a basic non-aviation one, I can recommend the 76S, because it also has an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter, in case you are away from base. Disadvantage of that and the 96C (they have the same case) is that they don't lie flat with the power plug in.
The 296 is worth every penny.
G