[Paddlewise] GPS purchase

Ok, if I were a better Paddlewiser, I'd keep better track of recurring 
GPS discussions to keep the duplicate discussions to a minimum, but 
hopefully you can tolerate another inquiry....

The screen on my old GPS (an older Garmin Summit) has faded badly 
(probably because I used to routinely carry it tucked into a little tab 
on the shoulder of my PFD, facing up towards the sun) and Garmin wants 
$89 to repair it.  Given that it uses the old chipset (slow to load and 
less sensitive reception, no map capacity), I thinking of buying a newer 
model and giving my old one to my sharp-eyed son who can still read the 
screen.

The one I'm considering is the Garmin Vista HCx (for around US$230 on 
Ebay).  The reasons for choosing it is that it's (sort of) waterproof, 
lighter, cheaper and better battery life than the GPSMap 76CSx, has a 
color screen, and uses the newer chip.  Apparently there were some bugs 
on this model that Garmin recently fixed (as of May 2008).

I usually don't keep it on while paddling (mostly use it to check my 
bearing), although sometimes I'll keep it on while hiking.

Anyone want to comment on this purchase or suggest an alternative?  
Anyone think the 76CSx is worth the extra cost and size?

Thanks for any help!

Evan Dallas
Woodinville, Washington
USA
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