I have seen quite a few new and used Garmin III Pilots available on E-bay for about half the original price. They have most of the features of the 96 series except for WAAS, but you really wouldn't use that feature in a handheld since it can't be used IFR. New ones have been at the $350 area.
Thats the GPS that I use, it has everything you need at great deal! Most can be picked up for about $300.
