Garmin Questions

Monkeypump

I'm thinking of investing in a Garmin GPS, and am in the lucky position of being able to claim up to £400 for it from my employer (£200 now, £200 in January).

I have two questions (one obvious), but can't find any specific answers - either on BR or elsewhere.

First (obvious) question is “Which one should I go for?” – options being EDGE 705 or EDGE 800. It seems the 800 isn't available yet, so I assume there are no users on here, but current opinion seems to be that 705 owners probably shouldn't bother upgrading whilst new buyers might want to splash the extra cash to get the touch-screen interface and additional functions.

Thoughts?

Second question is to do with mapping and, more specifically, which format maps I should buy. Info on the Garmin site suggests that mapping functionality on my PC is only available with DVD maps (not direct download or SD-card). So, will only DVDs give me the functionality that I need? I’m not sure how comprehensive (or useful) the included basemap is.

The device will be used primarily for navigation - I want to be able to plot routes on my computer and ride new routes without constantly stopping to check maps. I'd also like to be able to head out on a “wherever the road takes me” ride and then navigate home easily.

It will be used primarily on a road bike, with occasional MTB use. I will use the speed/cadence for general training, but the other functions are really a bonus. It’s a bit of an extravagance that I wouldn’t normally go for, but with the cash injection from work it seems an opportunity not to be missed.

Finally, Handtec have been recommended as one of the cheapest retailers. Is this still the case? (sorry, sneaky 3rd question).

John Stevenson

We have a pre-release Edge 800 on test at the moment, with OS 1:50,000 maps. For your use I'd go for it over the 705.

There will be a bundle available with full UK OS maps for £400.

can't answer the DVD question I'm afraid, but will try and find out

Monkeypump

Great - thanks!

I thought the 800 might be the one to go for, but didn't want to get sucked into my usual "must have the latest thing" mentality.

Any idea on release dates? Garmin info seems a little vague, and I need to buy this year to get the first £200.

StillGoing

You can directly download maps to the 705 and store them either on the device or on an SD card. Garmin have had a few problems of late with a firmware upgrade that has sent many a 705 to the device land in the sky. They have given refurbished ones back although mine was only 3 months old when it died and in much better condition than the one I got back. The firmware upgrade has been withdrawn because it was causing so many problems and 705s returned to version 3.1. I'd be worried the 800 has the 3.2 firware and what is likely to go wrong with it.

A lot depends on what you want the device for. If it's mainly for route following then yes the 800 gives you a bigger screen because of the touch screen capability. If it's as a training device alone then I'd go for the 500. If it's a combination of them both it's going to be down to personal choice. I certainly won't be upgrading to an 800 from the 705.

rickwiggans

First off - you definitely need some maps - the Garmin base map is next to useless! If you go for maps on SD card, these are locked to the card - but you can move the card from unit to unit. However - you are correct in that you then don't have the "plan on the PC" functionality. However - you don't need it - you can plan on Bikeroute toaster, or one of the other online route planners, and download from that. If you buy on DVD, then, yes, you get the PC planning capability - but once you transfer the mapping to the device, it becomes locked to that device. You can't then use the mapping on another device (not strictly true - you can purchase another unlock code). I'd definitely go for the SD version, and use one of the on-line applications for planning.

FWIW, I am in the "I've got a 705, I won't be upgrading" camp. I do like to have the latest geekery, but I can't see what the gain would be for me. (That said - I already have OS mapping on another GPS unit). My main concern would be using the touch screen in winter gloves. I have it on good authority (from Garmin) that the screen type is one which will work whilst wearing gloves, but I'm not sure how accurately you need to hit the screen to control it. I can see this being fine in fingerless gloves - but I'd want to try it in winter gloves. The buttons on the 705 are fine in bulky gloves, and I know just where they are without looking. I'm not saying it WILL be a problem with an 800 - just that I'd want to try it.

JohnnyAllez

Get the mapping on DVD, defo. You can copy it (or just parts of it if you want) to the unit or SD card afterwards, but it`s very useful to have it on your PC and use Mapsource.