I've used an Aera 500 for years, and quite like it. It is less capable than it's bigger, and much more expensive brothers, but very worthwhile none the less. The roads feature is good too, though not as good as a dedicated drive GPS.
When you get to be really good with it, the other Garmin products will come naturally. I figured out the GTN750 no problem, based upon Aera 500 knowledge.