Recommended GPS Receivers?

vergere asks: "Christmas has come and gone and I've got the go-ahead from the SO to make one of those big once-a-year electronic purchases. I've decided to get a handheld GPS receiver, so I'd like to draw on the collective knowledge of Slashdot and ask for recommendations. I'd like a good set of features (nothing too basic) and mapping capability - the more bells and whistles I can get for my budget of $350 the better. I'm currently looking at the Garmin GPSMAP 76S - any user experiences with this particular model would be welcomed."

I have one - like it

[Foredecker]

I have a Garmin GPS Map 76S. I've used it to navigate cross from Biscayne Bay FL to Bimini Bahamas and surrounds. A GPS with WAAS is dead nuts accurate. I took marks on my way out and navigated my way back too them on the way back. In every instance, the 76S was spot on. All my marks were verifiable by simple ded reckoning.

I've also used in the colorado mountains and in Puget Sound. Accurate in all cases. By accurate I mean that all marks and the electronic maps matched up with paper maps using simple ded reckoning or orienteering techniques.

Other notes:

The 76S will run about 8 hours reliable on a set of AA batteries - be sure to keep one new set of batteries in reserve for emergencies. It will run only 4 to 6 hours on rechargable batteries.

The unit does float :)

The on-screen mapping function is usefull, but you must scroll frequently. Be sure to take paper charts/maps with you.

The UI is easy and relativly intuitive to use. I found no mamor problems.

The tide table feature is really usefull! It always matched the navigation softare I use on my laptop.

The unit works well with the various laptop based navigation and mapping software I've used including The Captain and Microsoft Mappoint.

The Garmin downloadable maps work well and are worth the cost, but don't expect a lot of detail for the Marine (Blue Chart) maps - the do a good job of augmenting good paper charts, but never rely on them by them selves.

Note that with the 76S you are paying for three tings: 1) more flash memor 2) a barometic altimiter, 3) a magnetic compas. Here are some notes regarding each:

The flash memory holds a LOT of map information, way points and tracks. You probably really don't need the ammount of memory in the 76S.

I've never used the barometric altimeter - it must be calibrated and this is a pain. Do you really need it?

The magnetic compas is the relativly usefull and seemed to always be accurate enough. However, it is no substitute for a god hand held compas or a ships compass.

All in all, I've been very happy with my Garmin.