First off...what are you required to have in CA? That may ease your selection process.

We installed an Artex 406ME with the whip antenna. Same unit today is about 35% more $$$. At the time, the 406's were just coming out - may be more options today. Artex also made an improvement in the mount. They once had a web strap to secure it in its cradle - they now have a metal clamp.

It came with a 5 year battery. The replacement battery is good for 7 years and I think that came to about $150 or so US$ at the time.

Batteries for this one are non-rechargeable lithium. Entertainment value as the replacement battery came neatly wrapped in a box proclaiming "do not transport in aircraft"