Our operation in West Africa has 10 Garmin 296's - and we love em' However, this unit is still far beyond your price range. Suggest you just buy something used online as with the economic crisis, there are a lot of them for sale.
One other idea.. if you can get a 296 that doesn't work, Garmin will overhaul the unit and put in the latest firmware, and the map or database of your choice (Atlantic / International) for $250 US... I just sent in two of them and was well pleased with the results and the cost.