6 Replies
Last post:
Apr 13, 2008 3:31 PM by
x_39_and_holding_x
1,336 posts since
Aug 15, 2007
Apr 13, 2008 9:32 AM
Stupid Garmin?
I'm procrastinating so I was looking at Garmin's. I thought I was going to get the 405 for my birthday (it comes out around that time) and I just assumed it would be a solid upgrade of the 305. It seems that they made it look sportier, but removed pretty key features like altitude and courses. I've never had a Garmin, but I'd imagine those would be the two of the main features I'd use. Then tack on another $50 for the heart rate monitor, it doesn't seem to make sense to get a 405, especially when there are 305s on Amazon for like $200. I've gotta be missing something, right?
2,128 posts since
Aug 21, 2007
1.
Apr 13, 2008 9:59 AM
in response to: DCtoPgh
Re: Stupid Garmin?
I'm very happy with my 305 and I got it at Costco for $159 or something like that. They had a huge sale and then a rebate. I saw the new one and it looks smaller and sleeker, but I can barely read the screen on this 305 and it's huge, so I'm not interested in anything smaller, +especially with less features+!
382 posts since
Jan 18, 2008
2.
Apr 13, 2008 10:46 AM
in response to: DCtoPgh
Re: Stupid Garmin?
I'm procrastinating so I was looking at Garmin's. I thought I was going to get the 405 for my birthday (it comes out around that time) and I just assumed it would be a solid upgrade of the 305. It seems that they made it look sportier, but removed pretty key features like altitude and courses. I've never had a Garmin, but I'd imagine those would be the two of the main features I'd use. Then tack on another $50 for the heart rate monitor, it doesn't seem to make sense to get a 405, especially when there are 305s on Amazon for like $200. I've gotta be missing something, right?
I have enjoyed using the Garmin 305...had it about 2 and half months now for under $200, and it includes the heart rate monitor. I am only beginning to use all of its features, like tempo runs and creating courses for tempo runs.
I have a much better appreciation for my running heart rate, where i run fast and where i run slow. when you download it, you can see you rates on a map too...some really neat features.
You need to watch out about becoming a slave to it. i've seen others glance at it all the time. You can customize it to show 2, 3, or 4 'windows'. i don't have all the time i need to be tending to it...it's enough that i can get out there and run, look at results and contribute to MCM message board!
happy running!
848 posts since
Feb 4, 2008
3.
Apr 13, 2008 11:16 AM
in response to: DCtoPgh
Re: Stupid Garmin?
When I first got my Garmin 205, I tried the altimeter feature. It kept saying I was going up then down then up sometimes with swings of up to 30 feet in less than a minute when in reality where I was running was virtually flat. I soon just gave up on that feature. I never use the routes feature; there are some "maps" that are really just connect the dots with no streets or anything useful (until you upload the data at home), it's very possible someone else here uses that feature in a way I haven't found yet (anybody, feel free to chime in on this part, I'd be interested  ).
That said, I think the main advantages of the 405 are size, style, auto-sync with pc, and allegedly stronger GPS signal. The 305 wins on price, features, and readability (note that I'm going by what I've read; I've never tried the 405). I just keep the connector always hooked up to my pc, so I'd gain nothing really from auto-sync. I like having time, distance, ave pace, and time of day all visible and the 405 seems to max out at three at a time. If you haven't tried on a 305, I'd recommend doing so and see if you think you would mind the size. If something happened to my 205 after the 405 is released, even if they were the same price (they won't be), I'm not sure which I'd choose; it would probably depend heavily on the degree of GPS signal improvement (mostly only a problem when running near the heart of a city while on vacation, it's extremely rare that I have an issue near my home area).
2,188 posts since
Jan 19, 2008
I've had my 305 for 13 months now and I run EVERY run with it. I forgot my hat, gloves, Gu, and money on my runs before but never my Garmin. (I did forget the heart rate strap once -- believe it was Disney!)
Given the choice between the 305 and the 405, I'll take the 305. I like the big display. Weight is not an issue. It is bigger but lighter than my Citizen watch. I'm not trying to make a fashion statement with it and I don't need to wear it to work.
One other upgrade I think they're doing is moving away from MotionBased to another service. MotionBased is the web version of the Training Center software that comes with it. I upload all of my runs to there but the "free" version only lets you look at the last 10 activities (unless you go in as no one and your runs are marked public). Go figure.
If/when my 305 breaks, I'll look for another one.
848 posts since
Feb 4, 2008
One other upgrade I think they're doing is moving away from MotionBased to another service. MotionBased is the web version of the Training Center software that comes with it. I upload all of my runs to there but the "free" version only lets you look at the last 10 activities (unless you go in as no one and your runs are marked public). Go figure.
Garmin Connect ( http://connect.garmin.com) is supposed to be available for 205 & 305 as well in May.
2,188 posts since
Jan 19, 2008
One other note about the elevation calculation. I think someone told me it used barometric pressure and ambient pressure to determine elevation. I'm not sure how accurate that is beyond a general gauge of altitude since weather can effect barometric pressure.
Honestly it wouldn't be the end of the world if they got rid of this feature (and dropped the price accordingly) since it doesn't seem that accurate.
Jimmy... weather guy?
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