I've been through this same decision loop recently, having realised that my previous aviation GPS was so dreadful I simply wasn't bothering to use it any more.
I started a thread on this
here, which you might like to take a look at.
When my Aera 500 arrived I had some problems updating the charts, but Garmin's product support were excellent in getting that sorted out.
So far, my total testing has however, thanks to an overseas business trip then horrible weather, been confined to flying my sofa - but there it looks really impressive - including that I can get a reliable satellite fix in my living room, which bodes well for use in aeroplanes. I shall report back once I've had a chance to fly it, but there's lots of informed opinion on the other thread.
G