Advice needed on a new GPS unit

[ringo123]

So I recently purchased a used boat that had a 2004 model Lowrance 104c. This past weekend it worked fine on Saturday, but on Sunday it wouldn't load past the start up screen.

After reading online and trying all of the resets/methods I saw, I took it to Larry Byrd in moss bluff today (extremely nice guy btw). Tried installing the update, and it'll get past the load screen now, but now the screen is completely white. Mr. Byrd says he thinks it's fried.

I guess my first question is, have any of you ever had this issue, and if so, any ideas I may not have tried that could get it working?

If not, what are your guys thoughts/advice on a new unit? I like the lowrance that I had, but as a new boater, I don't have any experience w/ any other makes/models. Would you recommend the lowrance, or go w/ a garmin/hummingbird/etc.?

The size and styles I'm thinking about are the 10" lowrance hds and the 9" lowrance touch screen. Personally, I don't feel like I need the touch screen, but if it's that much better, let me know. Also, Larry brought up structure scan, once again, something I'm not familiar with. Is it worth the extra $475?

Fishing big lake pretty much exclusively if it helps. Thanks for any help guys.