I have never seen the 196 take more than a few seconds to lock on. I think
there is something wrong with your stick antenna. I would send it back if it
is still under warranty. One thing you could try is to borrow somebody
else's antenna and see if it works any better.

The stick antenna and the remote antenna are basically the same and should
perform the same. The only reason for the remote is to give you increased
flexibility in antenna location.

My own handheld GPS is a 295, which I will keep until a '296' comes out.
Several people here at PAVCO use the 196, though, and they are thrilled with
it. A lot of the students and renters use it, too.