I've been teaching GPS classes in Oregon for ten years. I don't sell receivers.
I get to see most of the models out there.
I no longer recommend the basic $80 Etrex. It's OK, works great but I find that some of the features/data entry steps is out of date and clumbersome.
The Venture HC is a fine model. Ensure you get the HC version as the older model was only just so so.
The Venture HC is easy to operate, has a nice color screen and you can download Garmin's map software on it.
My personal favorite is the Garmin 60CSx.
Glad to answer questions via my website:
www.outdoorquest.biz