I've used a 296 since passing nearly 3 years ago and clocked up over 500hrs with it now. Had 2 failures with it both being the antenna coming unstuck. So all in all seems pretty reliable to me.
I think they are fantasic bits of kit. I must admit I can use the 296 to it's full potential, well almost. But even if I couldn't and had never used it before then just leave it on the map page, plenty of info on there to show what's around you and where you are.