I have a Lowrance 2000c and really like it for all the reasons already described. My son has the Garman 296 and he really likes it. We both have RV-4's. Each gps unit has it's advantages and drawbacks. Trying to be completely fair I think the 296 is a bit more user friendly and does have a bit more information available about airports and services. It also has an instrument page that is sometimes nice.
The 296 also displayes a bit more overlay information than the 2000c such as ground speed, altitude, ete, and distance remaining. The 2000c does these things just fewer at a time. Seems like I run out of overlay available at 3 items. The 296 displays at least 4 items at a time.
The Lowrance has a big advantage in price. And, I really like it's size of display for my aging eyes (although I didn't have a problem with the 296). The 296 also has a big advantage in battery life. We flew from south of Houston TX to Vancouver, WA on one charge with the 296. The 2000c required airplane power. It's own batteries will probably only go about 5 minutes. Forget buying the external battery for the 2000c as I never would have room for that.
In the end each have advantages and compromises. I can live with the compromises of the 2000c and I am very happy with it. My son loves his 296 and is talking about getting a 396 for the WX.
Either unit becomes a bit of a challenge for room in an RV-4. We both have them mounted down by the fuel selector valve. Out of the sun and seems to work pretty good there. No room on the panel in a -4 for either. At least not on either of our panels. Good luck in deciding.
Ther must be no accessories included or something? what a deal mon!
Linear Mode
