Well everybody will recommend their favourite GPS - because they are used to it and it works for them.
I fly behind an IFR panel and use it on every pre-planned flight. I also have a Garmin 496 which was chosen for its "EGPWS" feature with spoken warnings of terrain conflict which can be wired to the aircraft intercom.
It's a nice unit but within a 1k budget I would probably choose the 296.
For use as one's primary GPS, I don't like the form factor of any of these Garmins, much preferring the leg-strap format of say the Avmap EKP IV, but this choice comes down to personal preference.
I suggest, GtE, that you have a play with the Avmap and the 296 and choose. Both are very good but in different ways.