Huh, I've been using Garmins for a long time now - maybe 10 years or more - and I really like them ... and ALL of them still work like the day I got them.
Let's see, I have a Garmin GPS III+, a Gecko 201, a Gecko 301 (actually my son's), and my wonderful GPSMAP 60Sx.
My son still uses the III+ when he wants mapping.
The Geocache forum seems sold on Garmins, especially the 60CSx (not the latest fanciest GPS, but a rock solid performer that has yet to be equaled).
My recommendation is to get a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx or a 76CSx (the same "guts" - just a different form factor).
Ken K.