Garmin 305 or 705?

CodeMonkey
CodeMonkey Posts: 5
edited May 2008 in Workshop
Sorry if this has been done already, but search didn't turn up anything. Anyway, I was thinking of getting a Garmin 305 (+HRM and cadence) as a training tool, but i'm wondering if it's worth spending the extra to get the 705. I don't really need the moving map bit of the 705 - usually cycling routes I already know - so does it do anything else extra?

Anybody used http://www.handtec.co.uk/ ?

Comments

  • pingpong
    pingpong Posts: 97
    Personally I have purchased a garmin 705 and a TomTom from Handtech and can recommend the service.As far as saying you don't need the "moving map" of the 705, what if you fancy it later ?(and I am sure you will. if you are like me)...just a thought :)
  • willbevan
    willbevan Posts: 1,241
    305, one £100

    705 without maps aprox £270

    what do you get?

    Colour screen, compatbility with power monitors, wireless syncing and sharing if routes

    Add an extra 40 quid and you get the maps (which besides he power metere compatblity i would say is the only real reason to get one)

    Now if my 305 broke tomorrow, without hesitation i would buy another garmin, and i would buy a 705 (even if there are some problem reported on the forums) as okay its a lot more expensive but the mapping and power sold it
    Road - BTwin Sport 2 16s
    MTB - Trek Fuel 80
    TT - Echelon

    http://www.rossonwye.cyclists.co.uk/
  • magliaceleste
    magliaceleste Posts: 748
    Almost all training/mapping software currently talks to the Edge 305. Significantly the mapping software on the market.

    The training data you'll get from both is the same AFAIK. The exception being that some power meters are supported on the 705 (or have forthcoming support). You'll almost certainly have to use third party training software since the Garmin supplied software is poor (it's the same for both). Check for compatibility.

    You can also use the the same cadence sensor on a 305/705, if you upgrade later.

    It all depends on the how significant the price difference is to you and whether you'd be happy to buy the old version of kit.

    I've never had navigation problems on a 205/305 using courses but there you go.

    Don't get me wrong, I'd probably like to get a 705 in the future, but not until it's been out for a while and has better support (and more stable firmware).
  • JWSurrey
    JWSurrey Posts: 1,173
    I'm more than happy with my 305, and would buy another 305 if it broke in a crash/was stolen/got left behind/got water inside it (although it's very water resistant) etc.
    The same reason I wouldn't want to spend the extra on a 705

    I use memory-map and upload from my PC - which means I also get to print the map out to stuff in my back pocket.
    memory-map's map detail is superb.
  • Gazs XC70
    Gazs XC70 Posts: 77
    willbevan wrote:

    705 without maps aprox £270

    I thought you got a base map with the 605 and 705? What does base map really mean, is it a full street map of the UK?

    Cheers
  • JWSurrey
    JWSurrey Posts: 1,173
    I'm led to believe that it is not very detailed, so not terribly useful - though I don't own one so hopefully an owner will be along in a minute to tell me how wrong I am!

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