Electronics - FF and GPS

[Blue_Runner]

It looks like I'm in the market for new electronics. I've ran the Garmin 172C GPS for a little over 15 years and really liked it. For FF I've been using a Garmin 250 DC. I chose to go with separate units in the event of failure of one or the other I'd still be able to use either or.

Recently both units are acting up and I'm thinking after that many years it is probably time to get something newer and hopefully better. I would like to keep with separate units for GPS and FF but not opposed to a combo unit. Cost is definitely a factor. I'd like to stay below $500 if possible. That alone pretty much limits me to a combo unit. Not opposed to moving away from Garmin either.

So I'd like to hear what people consider the latest and greatest in Garmin units and other brands. I admit i've not followed the technology for many years but still managed to pile up fish on my deck regardless, so there's that. .

Lets hear it, what do you recommend?