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Thinking of dropping £400 on the Garmin 800. Currently have a 305 which would be sold. Am i wasting my money? It looks like a nice gadget (and having read the "how old are you" thread i feel i can justify it cause...well im 50 next year so i just can) just wondered if anybody has used it and what there thoughts were.
Would be used on and off road.
Thanks.
Don't have one myself, but [url= http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2010/08/garmin-edge-800-in-depth-first-look.html ]read this[/url] to justify your purchase and make sure to check [url= http://www.handtec.co.uk/section.php/343/1/cycling-gps/3ead5579ee99c8a56cfa8feed8d675cb ]Handtec for pricing,[/url] as they always seem to be the best deals on Garmin stuff.
I've had one since they first came out and love it. The screen could be easier to read for mapping but it's a very powerful bit of tech. Jamie's link has a very detailed review of it.
I'd buy a good screen protector straight away though if you're going to use it off road - its pretty hard wearing but can still scratch.
Just replaced my 60Csx with a 800 and love it. Brilliant bit of kit!
Second what fbl said, get a screen protector immediately, the screen does scratch reasonably easily.
Unless you're using the training stuff the Oregon maybe be better though - much bigger screen.
Had mine for just over a week after going from the 305 the same as you. Liking it so far, and I only got the basic model without mapping. I have downloaded the OSM maps for free though, and they work just fine. May find that local trails won't be on there, but then that's your job, to update the OSM maps on your return from a ride.
Not got a screen protector yet though, still to find one that looks any good, if anyone has recommendations.
I've got a 305 too and when I bought it I wasn't convinced I needed a GPS to 'show me the way' but now I've done a few routes by following others being guided I quite like the idea.
I too bought mine from handtec and it was only when I got the box in my hands I realised it was a reconditioned unit, still fully warrantied and unless it said so I would have never know, just check for any small print near the description on their website, an example [url= http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.php/1446/garmin-edge-305-bundle--heart-rate-monitor---cadence--noh ]HERE[/url]...
But to be fair in three months used four to five times per week it's been faultless and would have another from them, good service too.
Mrmuddybum - I got one of [url= http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vikuiti-ARMR200-screen-protector-Garmin-edge-800-/170627815020?pt=UK_CE_GPS_Accessories_Software_ET&hash=item27ba35d66c#ht_1220wt_1139 ]These[/url] - they sell through amazon and their own website too if you'd prefer. German company but I got mine in 2-3 days. Seems really hard wearing and the Matt, anti-reflective finish seems to help in bright sun.
They were doing 3 for 2 when I got mine too 🙂