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If you think there is any similarity between the two units aside from the color, the fact that they are both GPS, and both made by Garmin, then you have obviously never used a 530 (or a 430). I would tell you to download the 530 simulator, but it still does not illustrate just how powerful it is in an airplane.
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In a nutshell, you're wrong. I've flown a number of times with a GNS 430, and have spent a not insignificant amount of time with the 530 simulator. Of course the 296 doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the 530, but most of those differences stem from the fact that the 296 is not permanently installed and it's not a transceiver. This means a) no IFR approval, b) no connectivity to autopilot, HSI head, transponder, and c) no means to receive transmissions of NEXRAD or TIS/ADS-B data. Take what's left (and I'm talking a stock unit, not all of the extra add-ons and features only gained by pairing the 530 up wit a GTX 330, for instance) and I think you'll find SUBSTANTIAL overlap in the core features, operation and interface between the two units. With the addition of terrain and obstruction data, the 296 has a more comprehensive database than the 530; the 530 will happily fly you into a 2000' tower or mountain with nary a peep, while the 296 will display an alert for both obstacle and terrain conflicts with your flight path.
In hindsight, perhaps I should have characterized the GPSMap 296 as a "poor man's 530", instead of a "portable" one. Nevertheless, the comparison is a valid one and I suspect the 296 will do quite well in the marketplace, despite its price point, for the ability to carry a somewhat sophisiticated navigation system to whatever plane you happen to be flying that day. (Ever seen a Super Cub outfitted with EFIS? Me neither. The 296 will change that.)
I think I saw a cell phone tower once....ONE!!!!
