I don't suppose your friend wants to trade? I'm about to buy an analog compass to accompony me on my ventures and if I had a digital compass in my merigold, I'd probably just get the cheapest compass possible as a backup.
I should point out that the only time I've ever really needed a compass was when the signal dropped out in some very think brush. I was no longer able to see the sun before the signal wasn't strong enough and even then it was intermitant so I could still get my position and heading every 10 seconds or so.
Which brings me to what I think is one of the best features of the Meridian line. The quad helix antenna ownz, hardcore. I routinely leave mine in the console of my car (between the driver and passenger seats) and have no problem keeping a signal with it there. From what I've heard, many people have to leave their GPSr on the dash to keep a signal.