I'll admit, I still tend to use a Garmin E-trex, it's an "antique" in todays market. but sometimes "old" is still good. I just have a personal attachment to my old beat up E-trex. I've abused it to the point that I'm supprised it still even comes on when I push the button.

With that said,

It's all in the "sensitivity" of the unit.

I often have difficulty getting a good "fix" when I am in deep brush or surrounded by ridges.

However, I have used just about every Garmin unit that there is.(Thats what I do) With the newer models, you just turn 'em on and they get a signal, it has never been an issue....Turn 'em on and you have a signal.Period. The same statement holds true for the newer other models of Garmin...They just work.

I don't care much for magellan as purely a personal choice. BUT...If you can figure out how to use one, they have just as good a reception as a Garmin.

The key (to both) is to have something that was manufactured in the last few years. In fact, I will ammend that to say "Something that was manufactured in the last TWO years".

They both offer pretty much the same "Stuff" and they both are good units...But just like some folks prefer a Ford over a Chevy, there will always be disputes.

For what it's worth, I prefer Garmins AND Fords.