The 190/190cs wasn't a bad machine, but it was really a cheaper 68k-based alternative to the 5300. Personally, I'd rather have the 500 series because it had: dual batteries, stereo speakers, integrated modem, integrated ethernet, and optional PC Card capabilities. It too maxed at 40MB of RAM, but unlike the 190 series, it could also be quickly and easily upgraded to PPC (the 190's "upgrade" consisted of replacing the entire logic board with that of a 5300, whereas the 500 series used a processor card with later models reaching 180MHz).

The factory displays on the 190 were passive-matrix b&w or color with optional upgrades to 640x480 active-matrix panels, though I'm sure nowadays you could easily swap in an active matrix panel from a 5300, maybe even one of the 800x600 panels from the 5400ce.

Like I said, the 190 wasn't a bad machine, it was just sort of 'meh'. Also, the 190 and 5300 series were released concurrently; the 190 wasn't the 5300's predecessor, just a low-end companion.

If I had to choose one 68k machine, I'd probably go with the 540c.