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Handheld GPS hardware is very reliable- the same mass-produced chipsets are used in most civilian receivers. But the firmware that drives the user interface is often buggy in the first release of a new GPS receiver. So it pays to wait a month or two before buying the latest thing, especially for serious backcountry use. While it's true that the GPS manufacturers release firmware updates to fix any problems, do you really want to be a beta tester in the wilderness? When you do buy a new GPS receiver, immediately check the manufacturer's website for firmware updates.

Touchscreens are the hot consumer item, and they do work well on many devices such as tablets, phones, and street GPS. But on the trail, not so much. I've tried touchscreen trail GPS receivers but found they're difficult to use outdoors. Touchscreens are virtually impossible to use with gloves in cold weather and can't be used in a waterproof bag on a sea kayak deck. Touchscreens are harder to see in bright sunlight and get messed up with dirt, sunscreen, and insect repellent from your fingers. Touchsceen battery life is also shorter than button-operated units.