So I've got a Forerunner 305 and it's fine for what I use it for but.....
I'm thinking of upgrading to one of the newer Garmins, about which I know very little.
I use the 305 distance/pace/HR roughly:
I should be using pace or heart rate more in my training and almost will while training for the Chester Marathon.
I don't mind the chunkiness of the 305 but wouldn't mind something I could wear all day if, for example, I was going for a run at lunchtime.
I find the 305 charging a faff, particularly having the dedicated charging cradle. I've just been for a long weekend away and was planning to use the 305 for three runs so made sure it was fully charged. Arrived to find it must have been switched on in my bag and was therefore flat. I'd like something that I could charge using a 'standard' lead like the microUSB that I use for both my phones.
When I plug it in to charge it downloads my runs to Garmin Training Centre and I'll have a look at them but the mapping is very basic and I really don't use the information in any meaningful way - it certainly doesn't aid my training.
So... a number of questions for the wise and knowledgeable (or anyone else really):
Sorry for the long post - blame the espresso! - and apologies if this is a subject that's been done to death. If it has I'm happy to be just pointed in the direction of the relevant threads.
Comments
To answer a few points all Garmin Forerunners use a cradle or clip to charge.
Basically all forerunners log the same GPS information, the difference in models is how much of this information is displayed on the watch itself. Some of the newer models have a touch screen (610) some are truly waterproof and have a vibrate function useful for allerts and intervals when a speaker just doesn't cut it (310) and someof the models are 'normal' watch size.
The newer models are supposed to get a GPS fix quicker than say the 305 although I've never have a problem with mine.
You mention navigation functionality, the 305 has exactly what you describe( i use it to explore new routes) most of the newer models have a dumbed down version or none at all.
If I was you Unless you had money to burn I'd stick with the 305 and learn how to us it to it's potential and maybe download it's nformation to a different program than Training Center, maybe give Sportstracks a try.
Have just uninstalled GTC and set myself up with Garmin Connect and impressed with the difference. So I think I'll stick with Garmin for now. Maybe they'll move awat from cradles and clips in the future?
Now to work out the best way to load routes up to the device to follow. I'll have an experiment locally first.
I think I've just found that out.
I can save from mapmyrun as .gpx but when I try to upload it in Garmin Connect I get (i) a green tick and (ii) a message saying 'some of the activities couldn't be loaded' and no evidence of the route being uploaded.
Hopefully I can re-install GTC from the web - not sure where the original disk is.
Hmmm...... reinstalled GTC but same result - a message saying that the .gpx file doesn't contain any activities.
Will have to dig into this a bit more over the weekend.