Get the cheapest widescreen Garmin you can find, unless they make ones with a faster satellite lock now. I think I have the Nuvi 255 or something like that. It freezes up in a two spots in Pottstown, PA for some reason (I just googled it, and other people have a problem in the same spot lol). Other than that, works flawlessly.
As for Garmin's updates, they're only updated when the city/township updates their maps, which is probably every 30 years outside of major cities. And they're very easily pirated, if that's the kind of thing you're into. But whatever comes loaded on the thing will be fine for the lifetime of the device. No need to pay the $60 or whatever - you won't see your money's worth.
The Magellan I've used kinda sucks - the Garmin is easier to configure and navigate through menus. I'm told TomToms are useless inside the US, but are quite nice for Europe. Dunno if they're any better yet.
