Garmin Edge 810 Users: Would you advise getting one now?
edhaslam
Posts: 29
Just wondered what the consensus is with the 810 amongst users? I've read a lot on the Garmin forum about issues with the firmware and power measurements. It seems that a lot of people have reported it crashing a lot as well?
I don't plan on using a power meter, at least not in the short term, so hopefully that will be something that gets fixed in subsequent firmware updates. How about the rest of it? Is it usable in it's current form and firmware version?
I can't decide weather to spend a lot of money on something that is (essentially) not finished, or go for an 800 that is reliable but lacks a few of the features that I would really use (iPhone/iPad data upload and live tracking)... :?:
I don't plan on using a power meter, at least not in the short term, so hopefully that will be something that gets fixed in subsequent firmware updates. How about the rest of it? Is it usable in it's current form and firmware version?
I can't decide weather to spend a lot of money on something that is (essentially) not finished, or go for an 800 that is reliable but lacks a few of the features that I would really use (iPhone/iPad data upload and live tracking)... :?:
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Personally, I see nothing to tempt me in either the 810 or the 510 (I use a 500).
Both a lot more expensive, heavier, less battery life, and buggy.
And you have to bring along your smartphone too (another couple of hundred grams).
The only feature I would benefit from is the wireless data upload.
As the 800 is being well discounted, that's the one I'd go for.0 -
personally i would go for the cheaper 800, the new features on the face of it look disappointing when you can pay a lot less for an 800 with performance packAll lies and jest..still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest....0
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Yeah, that's my dilemma in a nutshell.
The weight I can live with, and I tend to carry my smartphone with me anyway (emergencies), but it is the data link and the live tracking that is making me want the 810. I'm not convinced it is worth the extra money though! Particularly if it is buggy...0 -
The live tracking thing is a gimmick really since you need a phone to do it. You can do live tracking with your phone without a Garmin so it's not a feature worth paying for IMO.More problems but still living....0
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Whichever you choose just hope it goes wrong within the twelve month warranty period otherwise Garmin don't give a monkey's.0
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I went for the 800 instead of the 810 too. The new features don't have much appeal to me, and as ama says - I can always use google latitude if I want people to be able to live track me.0
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I dont really get the 810.
wireless transmission of data sounds great but then you want to plug it in somewhere to recharge it aswell - so you may as well plug it into your computer and send stuff the old way. I dont say it is totally worthless but its a luxury you dont really need IMO.
live tracking uses your phone, so your battery will go flat - one of the top reasons for people getting Garmins is that they have tried Endomondo etc on their phone but their battery lasts about 4 minutes (2 1/2 on an iphone!) when running stuff like this.
Most people buy Garmins to navigate or record their rides in a unit with long battery life and keep their phone power for making calls etc. Why would you compromise this?
I am normally the first person to get 'upgrade-itis' but have no interest in changing my 800.0 -
Having used a forerunner before I wanted a nav function in my new device so I gambled on the 810. Overall im really enjoying the freedom to explore without getting lost and pretty happy with the unit barring a few bugs. My unit crashed the other day while live tracking but I hope this will be resolved in the next firmware update as it sounds like a common issue.
I do take issue with this:apreading wrote:live tracking uses your phone, so your battery will go flat - one of the top reasons for people getting Garmins is that they have tried Endomondo etc on their phone but their battery lasts about 4 minutes (2 1/2 on an iphone!) when running stuff like this.
Ive tracked for 5 hours using a newish phone and it used minimal battery power. I assume this is due to the phone firing busts of data over 3g rather than continual GPS activity (GPS location supplied by head unit). The bluetooth link doesnt seem to drain too much. Performance may differ on an older phone with a well used battery - others will need to testify.
I for one have found the livetrack very useful. The missus gets a bit edgy when i'm out on my own for 3-5 hours so this function puts her mind at rest when she can seem me moving on screen (albeit slowly!).
Would i recommend this kit? Hmmm.. hard to say. I suppose it depends if you want to spend the extra few quid over an 800. Dont bother if you already own an 800.
Oh, we're still waiting for an android app update as we're missing some of the advertised functionality. e.g. uploading courses via phone.0 -
Good post, just the sort of info I'm after.
How quickly are Garmin dealing with firmware issues?0 -
Lol, not what I wanted to hear!
I wonder if the 800 was plagued with bugs when it was launched, given that Garmin are poor at fixing stuff?0 -
Correct me if I'm wrong, but "Live tracking" requires a 3G signal on the phone.... Most of the best rides are done in places where there is no 3G coverage so unless you're a city commuter and your wife wants to keep tabs on where you commute to each morning I really can't see the point in this!0
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This is bang on the money +10000apreading wrote:I dont really get the 810.
wireless transmission of data sounds great but then you want to plug it in somewhere to recharge it aswell - so you may as well plug it into your computer and send stuff the old way. I dont say it is totally worthless but its a luxury you dont really need IMO.
live tracking uses your phone, so your battery will go flat - one of the top reasons for people getting Garmins is that they have tried Endomondo etc on their phone but their battery lasts about 4 minutes (2 1/2 on an iphone!) when running stuff like this.
Most people buy Garmins to navigate or record their rides in a unit with long battery life and keep their phone power for making calls etc. Why would you compromise this?
I am normally the first person to get 'upgrade-itis' but have no interest in changing my 800.0 -
Unsure about the 800, others will need to answer that.
I had to roll back firmware updates on my old forerunner 405 because they screwed it just before discontinuing that model . It's now unsupported so their last update will remain forever broken.
Its the gamble you take when buying a Garmin I suppose, regardless of the product.junglist_matty wrote:Correct me if I'm wrong, but "Live tracking" requires a 3G signal on the phone.... Most of the best rides are done in places where there is no 3G coverage so unless you're a city commuter and your wife wants to keep tabs on where you commute to each morning I really can't see the point in this!
Well yeah, if you're cycling up a mountain or in the middle of nowhere. I live in surrey and not experienced any major problems. Sure there will be blackspots, but we've all experienced those while using the mobile out and about.
You can make the same complaint about a 'rubbish' mobile phone because it doesn't work in your basement. If you live in the wilderness then dont buy at 810 haha. Keep in mind that wireless comms coverage is improving year on year.0 -
apreading wrote:I dont really get the 810.
wireless transmission of data sounds great but then you want to plug it in somewhere to recharge it aswell - so you may as well plug it into your computer and send stuff the old way. I dont say it is totally worthless but its a luxury you dont really need IMO.
live tracking uses your phone, so your battery will go flat - one of the top reasons for people getting Garmins is that they have tried Endomondo etc on their phone but their battery lasts about 4 minutes (2 1/2 on an iphone!) when running stuff like this.
Most people buy Garmins to navigate or record their rides in a unit with long battery life and keep their phone power for making calls etc. Why would you compromise this?
I am normally the first person to get 'upgrade-itis' but have no interest in changing my 800.
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NewTTer wrote:
This is bang on the money +10000apreading wrote:I dont really get the 810.
wireless transmission of data sounds great but then you want to plug it in somewhere to recharge it aswell - so you may as well plug it into your computer and send stuff the old way. I dont say it is totally worthless but its a luxury you dont really need IMO.
live tracking uses your phone, so your battery will go flat - one of the top reasons for people getting Garmins is that they have tried Endomondo etc on their phone but their battery lasts about 4 minutes (2 1/2 on an iphone!) when running stuff like this.
Most people buy Garmins to navigate or record their rides in a unit with long battery life and keep their phone power for making calls etc. Why would you compromise this?
I am normally the first person to get 'upgrade-itis' but have no interest in changing my 800.
Why the +10000 lol??
I have an iPad. It charges off USB. I have an iPhone. It charges off USB. So do many other things I use. I have no need to unnecessarily mess around on my PC if I don't need to. Kids = less time in my life to use a slow PC. Garmin Connect, Strava et al all use web-based program's, as far as I'm aware, so the less use of a PC the better as far as I'm concerned
From what I've read the live tracking doesn't have a huge impact on you phone as far as I'm aware? (Hence my post). I'm interested to hear some (accurate) feedback from real users though.0 -
Re battery usage - if you're using your phone to do live tracking by itself then each update requires a call to the inbuilt GPS and could conceivably take more power than getting it from a bluetooth attached device. That said, if it's "just" SWMBO doing the checking and you're using the iPhone "find my iPhone app" then a bit of training so she doesn't hit refresh every 5 seconds and you shouldn't get such a hit on your phone battery.
For me, I'd like the 810 for the ability to wirelessly upload my data/download courses - assuming you can do this via iPhone/iPad? This would save me having to get the laptop fired up ... or take it away with me when going for cycling holidays. I know it won't currently link to Strava, but I'm sure there is an easy way to achieve that.
Charging doesn't have to be via the computer - it can be via any USB power source - and you don't have to do it each ride so the argument of firing up the computer is null there for me too ...
I'm not about to go out and buy an 810 as I already have the 800, but I wouldn't say no if the 800 broke or went missing ...0 -
I sold my 800 and bought an 810 as the most important thing to me was the battery life and with claims of 17 hours, it had to be worth it, what absolute rot, no where near 17 hours, more like 7!
So full of bugs, that mine has been sent back to Garmin and I'm just waiting the replacement to see if they sorted it.
1 Hour of tracking used 47% of the battery life.
Constantly forgets the Cadence sensors on my bikes, and once even forgot the HRM and Cadence after restarting after a cafe stop.
I leave mine constantly attached to my computer as I use it every day, after a few hours you have to disconnect and reconnect as it loses the connection.
An absolute pile of rubbish...currently, all this happened after their latest software up date, it was all OK up until then.
Garmin are aware. but they are doing themselves any favours.
I will probably buy another 800 and use that as an emergency backup as I really can't trust the 810.0 -
Velonutter wrote:I sold my 800 and bought an 810 as the most important thing to me was the battery life and with claims of 17 hours, it had to be worth it, what absolute rot, no where near 17 hours, more like 7!
So full of bugs, that mine has been sent back to Garmin and I'm just waiting the replacement to see if they sorted it.
1 Hour of tracking used 47% of the battery life.
Constantly forgets the Cadence sensors on my bikes, and once even forgot the HRM and Cadence after restarting after a cafe stop.
I leave mine constantly attached to my computer as I use it every day, after a few hours you have to disconnect and reconnect as it loses the connection.
An absolute pile of rubbish...currently, all this happened after their latest software up date, it was all OK up until then.
Garmin are aware. but they are doing themselves any favours.
I will probably buy another 800 and use that as an emergency backup as I really can't trust the 810.
That's definitely not good! Sounds like its software related but I wonder if its a dud unit as well? I'd be interested to hear what your replacement unit is like. Can't believe Garmin aren't busting a nut to sort these issues.0 -
A couple of interesting things there:Dezza wrote:Unsure about the 800, others will need to answer that.
I had to roll back firmware updates on my old forerunner 405 because they screwed it just before discontinuing that model . It's now unsupported so their last update will remain forever broken.
Its the gamble you take when buying a Garmin I suppose, regardless of the product.junglist_matty wrote:Correct me if I'm wrong, but "Live tracking" requires a 3G signal on the phone.... Most of the best rides are done in places where there is no 3G coverage so unless you're a city commuter and your wife wants to keep tabs on where you commute to each morning I really can't see the point in this!
Well yeah, if you're cycling up a mountain or in the middle of nowhere. I live in surrey and not experienced any major problems. Sure there will be blackspots, but we've all experienced those while using the mobile out and about.
You can make the same complaint about a 'rubbish' mobile phone because it doesn't work in your basement. If you live in the wilderness then dont buy at 810 haha. Keep in mind that wireless comms coverage is improving year on year.
1) what problem have you had with your FR405? I've updated mine every time there's been a new firmware update and it's worked faultlessly for 5 years now. I run perhaps 20-25 miles per week using it so I would have expected a problem to have made itself known by now.
2) Mobile coverage. You are right that the coverage in improving all the time but I can assure you that across the country as a whole the coverage is very poor away from major towns. 18 months ago I did a 1400 mile JOGLE over a 14 day period and I was broadcasting my position every 10 minutes. Looking back at the positions that were collected (i.e. the points that were successfully broadcast and received by the web service) it shows a pretty amazingly sparse coverage of data-carrying mobile signals. Perhaps in Surrey where there's a huge amount of wealth and hence incentive for the mobile providers to invest in infrastructure you are fine, but that certainly isn't representative of the whole country. The "live feed" page that shows this on the blog I created at the time isn't working at the moment, but I'll see if I can get it back up and you'll see what I mean.0 -
the +10000 because everything he said is absolutely true, however you go buy an 810 mate and stay away from slow PC's.edhaslam wrote:NewTTer wrote:
This is bang on the money +10000apreading wrote:I dont really get the 810.
wireless transmission of data sounds great but then you want to plug it in somewhere to recharge it aswell - so you may as well plug it into your computer and send stuff the old way. I dont say it is totally worthless but its a luxury you dont really need IMO.
live tracking uses your phone, so your battery will go flat - one of the top reasons for people getting Garmins is that they have tried Endomondo etc on their phone but their battery lasts about 4 minutes (2 1/2 on an iphone!) when running stuff like this.
Most people buy Garmins to navigate or record their rides in a unit with long battery life and keep their phone power for making calls etc. Why would you compromise this?
I am normally the first person to get 'upgrade-itis' but have no interest in changing my 800.
Why the +10000 lol??
I have an iPad. It charges off USB. I have an iPhone. It charges off USB. So do many other things I use. I have no need to unnecessarily mess around on my PC if I don't need to. Kids = less time in my life to use a slow PC. Garmin Connect, Strava et al all use web-based program's, as far as I'm aware, so the less use of a PC the better as far as I'm concerned
From what I've read the live tracking doesn't have a huge impact on you phone as far as I'm aware? (Hence my post). I'm interested to hear some (accurate) feedback from real users though.
Why on earth did you bother quoting this nonsense back to me?
I use an 800 and the perceived upgrades are not worth it, for all the reasons already given.
PS having children never stopped me using a PC, you clearly have other issues, how on earth do you manage to find time to go for a ride if you cant download onto a PC due to parenting time constraints.0 -
NewTTer wrote:the +10000 because everything he said is absolutely true, however you go buy an 810 mate and stay away from slow PC's.
Why on earth did you bother quoting this nonsense back to me?
I use an 800 and the perceived upgrades are not worth it, for all the reasons already given.
PS having children never stopped me using a PC, you clearly have other issues, how on earth do you manage to find time to go for a ride if you cant download onto a PC due to parenting time constraints.
Why on earth did you quote +10000 in the first place? The irony is that you were the one doing all of the re-quoting! Your post added nothing of value to the conversation whatsoever. You clearly do not know what you are talking about because most of what was posted in that reply wasn't true. It was clearly corroborated by another reply for god's sake, who incidentally is an 810 user!! If you'd bothered to read the first post you'd have noticed that I was asking for the views of 810 owners, not the speculation and hearsay of 800 users...
Please do not comment on how I choose to spend my time and conduct my parenting. And please do not speculate on my 'issues' mate. You clearly have a few of your own by the sound of it. After a 2+ hour ride the last thing I want to do is fanny around with a PC. I'd far sooner spend the time with my family. If there is a button I can press to upload it to a web server, then all the more better tbh. It can be done and dusted by the time I've put my bike away in the garage. I can then use my mobile device to view the data at a more convenient time.
I agree that if I was an existing 800 user asking whether it was worth upgrading then it would probably be a no-brainer not to. But I'm not. What I'm asking is: what state is the current 810 unit in and would you advise buying it?0 -
rich164h wrote:A couple of interesting things there:
1) what problem have you had with your FR405? I've updated mine every time there's been a new firmware update and it's worked faultlessly for 5 years now. I run perhaps 20-25 miles per week using it so I would have expected a problem to have made itself known by now.
2) Mobile coverage. You are right that the coverage in improving all the time but I can assure you that across the country as a whole the coverage is very poor away from major towns. 18 months ago I did a 1400 mile JOGLE over a 14 day period and I was broadcasting my position every 10 minutes. Looking back at the positions that were collected (i.e. the points that were successfully broadcast and received by the web service) it shows a pretty amazingly sparse coverage of data-carrying mobile signals. Perhaps in Surrey where there's a huge amount of wealth and hence incentive for the mobile providers to invest in infrastructure you are fine, but that certainly isn't representative of the whole country. The "live feed" page that shows this on the blog I created at the time isn't working at the moment, but I'll see if I can get it back up and you'll see what I mean.
1. The watch would crash out and give me the 'black line of death'. The battery would also empty to 0% inexplicably, leaving it resetting/bleeping mid-ride. Very frustrating and lost lots of ride data due to this. Seems to have improved since I rolled back to firmware version 2.20. Looks like you're lucky!
2. I don't know what the argument is here. Sounds like you are blaming Garmin for patchy 3g coverage... they can only use whats available! The point I was trying to make is if you cycle in a well supported area (which is based on topography and population density, not perceived wealth) then an 810 is beneficial. If you live out in the sticks then purchase an 800 and don't bother with a 3g mobile either.
I'm no Garmin fanboi... their kit annoys me and its a bloody poor show releasing a product in a unfinished state. However, i'm a little puzzled by all the 810 hate when it's obvious that the unit at a debugging stage. These will be ironed out in time. It does seem that most of the mud slinging originates from existing 800 owners? Its a tad frustrating when statements such as 'it kills your phone battery' are thrown about when in my experience this isn't the case.0 -
It's the repeated loss of Ant+ devices on the 810/510 that puts me off upgrading. It seems to be a common problem and completely unacceptable in a retail release in my opinion.Regards
Pip
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Dezza wrote:I'm no Garmin fanboi... their kit annoys me and its a bloody poor show releasing a product in a unfinished state. However, i'm a little puzzled by all the 810 hate when it's obvious that the unit at a debugging stage. These will be ironed out in time. It does seem that most of the mud slinging originates from existing 800 owners? Its a tad frustrating when statements such as 'it kills your phone battery' are thrown about when in my experience this isn't the case
Agreed. I can't understand it either. I wonder if it was the same when the 800 was release. Going on what people have said about the 810, I imagine there was the same 'debugging' period when that was released...iPip wrote:It's the repeated loss of Ant+ devices on the 810/510 that puts me off upgrading. It seems to be a common problem and completely unacceptable in a retail release in my opinion.
This is the main thing that is putting me off that the moment. I hope this, and the crashes, get sorted out in the next (hopefully soon) firmware release. Otherwise I'll be holding off for a while or considering the 800.0 -
I read a really in depth review on DC Rainmaker and have gone from being almost ready to push the 'buy button' to maybe going down the 800 (or even 500) route.
The clincher for me was his summary around the Bluetooth technology Garmin have employed, which according to the review is the older style technology and not the latest Bluetooth 4 which would make it compatible with future devices.
I really like the idea of live tracking but if I'm going to pay a significant premium over the 800 for something that is not going to run seamlessly and likely to be superseded in a fairly short timescale, I'm not sure it's money well spent.
I've been using a Forerunner 405 but have reached the conclusion that while its great for running, from a battery life and convenience point of view it's not ideal for longer bike rides.
This thread has been really useful in making me question my buying decision but still leaves me unsure which GPS to buy!0 -
Go for the Mio Cyclo! Had mine since October & I have nothing but praise for it! (Touch wood) I've never had a problem, sat nav routes are clear as anything, battery life easy 12 hours & an excellent function for uploading/downloading routes & data! Durable also, as been dropped a couple of times!0
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SoSimple wrote:This thread has been really useful in making me question my buying decision but still leaves me unsure which GPS to buy!
Just get the 800 or 500.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it......0 -
I've had an 800 and now have an 810.
Pros:
I find the layout etc easier to navigate
The screen seems easier to read in bright sunlight (not that we've had much of that).
When live tracking works it is pretty cool, the wife certainly approves!
Cons:
The battery life is significantly worse than the 800, even with bluetooth switched off
The unit will randomly shut down mid-ride which is intensely irritating.
Live tracking tends to fail mid-ride - perhaps if the phone loses 3G signal
It has frequently picked up the end of the route as the start and then gone nuts. This only happens when I've route mapped via Garmin Connect which I no longer do.
I'm hoping for a firmware update to sort these issues. I'd rather not send it back as I use it 6 days a week and would hate to be without it for a weekend. IMHO the Edge 800 was brilliant. The 810 could be too if Garmin sort it out.
Finally - Garmin connect is a load of to$$. I'm sticking to BikeRouteToaster. Garmin should be embarrassed by the quality of their software.- 2023 Vielo V+1
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