GPS Choice
applebyca,
I am at the same position you are.
I have recently re-validated my PPL after a break of 40 odd years. I now want to start extending my flying skills with a lot of longer cross country flights. For this, I want a GPS to back up my D/R based navigation.
For the time being, all my flying is going to have to be on club aircraft which don't even have a cigar lighter socket. Later, I hope to buy into a decent aeroplane, that may well have GPS built in, but that will be later.
One thing I have realised is that every single one of the GPS units available has its own peculiar advantages but at the same time one or more serious downsides somewhere or other.
For example, Lowrance 2000, good though it is, only seems to have two hours battery life. Avmap EKP IV, also good though it is, seems to have very poor support from the manufacturer. Bendix King Skymap IIIc, also good though it is, doesn't have its own power supply and needs to be plugged into the aircraft's electrical system or be linked to a seperate battery. I could go on.
The one tip I would pass on to anybody is, don't just buy on recommendation or after a demo in the pilot shop: you might get an unpleasant surprise. Get the full spec from the manufacturer and READ IT CLOSELY. Then choose the GPS that best suits your particular circumstances.
As for me: I'm still looking!
Broomstick.