Rating  - Don't buy this SD-card version
I've had one in hand for a few days now, and the one thing I would have done differently is to buy the 705 WITHOUT the SD card, and instead have bought the maps on CDROM (or DVD or whatever they are). The SD card does NOT work on your computer. I believe (but cannot positively confirm) that the CDROM (DVD?) will work on BOTH your computer as well as your 705, that will save you over $70.
That said, the 705 is better than 3-star -- I'd give it at least 4 stars. The hardware is pretty cool, the software is pretty lame. The second day I had the thing, it seemed to perform flawlessly on my bike. Brought it home, and the history file was corrupt, I couldn't get any information off my 47-mile ride. Bummer. Since then, the history has stored OK however for 4 much shorter rides.
The Owner's Manual is miserable, doing little more than showing you how to attach the unit to your bike and hinting at some of the features. You'll learn much more about this thing by surfing the Internet than you will from any guide.
The software is the worst. No way to edit or truncate data (and note that you will get some erroneous spikes in your data indicating superhuman speed and heart rate). The base map for your computer shows little more than highways and rivers -- who takes a bicycle on a highway or river? You can get more detailed maps for your computer, but at about $80 a pop, too bad the SD card won't work on your computer, only in the unit (once again, you've been warned, DON'T buy the SD-card based map!).
I do really like this unit. Autorouting home after exploring during a 47-mile ride was VERY nice and gives you a great deal of confidence while riding. But, I feel like a chump for buying the SD-card version. Hopefully software fixes will come along for the PC.
Hope this helps.
Rating  - Edge 705 - A cycling supercomputer...
I've logged close to five hundred miles on my Garmin Edge 705 after upgrading from an Edge 305HR that I used for nearly two years. Here's a quick review of my experience...
Display: The new, larger color display is gorgeous. Improvements include removing the "title bar" present on the Edge 305 and using every pixel of this larger screen for displaying data fields that you select. The display is easy to view, without backlighting, during the day. For early morning or night rides, just a click or two to engage the backlight provides plenty of clarity while providing long battery life.
Battery: So far, it's handled 2-3 hour rides with very little battery drain (including about an hour of riding at night with the backlight set to "stay on"). I see no reason, at this point, that the unit would not meet its stated battery life of 10-15 hours.
Maps: Let's say that again. Maps! The ability to see where you are and to actually navigate using the Edge 705 continues to impress me. It provides detailed routing optimized for bicycles. It does this by optimizing the route to avoid major streets and other hazards. On a recent ride it routed us as far as possible on low-traffic side streets before taking us to the main street in town where we only had about 1/4 mile of riding in traffic before arriving at our destination! Very impressive and a powerful ally for bicycle commuters.
Size/Weight: The Edge 705 is physically larger than the 305 and a tad heavier. Kudos to Garmin for making the 705 compatible with the 305 mounting system.
Usability: Usa...what? This is a measure of how intuitive and user-friendly the device and its internal software is. Here the Edge 705 scores BIG. The inclusion of a "joystick" type input device makes entering information, changing data, etc. much easier than the 305. Nice touches include customizing the color scheme of menus and having the ability to actually NAME your various bike profiles (instead of just "Bike 1", "Bike 2", etc.).
Garmin has a solid track record of releasing firmware updates that correct software glitches and/or adds features to the unit.
If you want the ultimate cycle computer and a robust navigation aid for your bicycle commutes, look no further.
If you don't need the color screen, detailed maps/routing, etc. - the Edge 305HR remains a solid option.
For more detailed, real-world use of the Edge 705 you can learn more by visiting my cycling blog. [...]
Rating - Incredible evolutionary step for Edge
I've owned several Garmin sport GPSs (Forerunner, Edge, etc.). The Edge 305 was OK, but you couldn't really "use" the GPS until you got home and downloaded your data - after the fact. The new 705 offers a FULL North America streetmaps SD chip which takes this model to the next level and beyond. The number of options are vast, and the display, battery life, etc., are beyond belief. The 305 is still a good model, but I would not hesitate to move up to the 705, but you MUST get the North America streetmaps (deluxe bundle) or you won't fully appreciate what a great device this is.
Don Montalvo, NYC
Rating  - Great! but, I have discovered a problem.
I have had mine for just over 2 weeks now. I have explored most of it's capabilities. Had to call tech support twice,so far. They are wonderful but the wait time is long. The first issue was a problem with my computer's drive letter assignment which they fixed for me remotely by taking control of my computer...very strange watching someone else control your computer.
The second problem has not been resolved as of yet but, I'm sure it will be. It seems as though I've discovered a bug. When I created and scheduled workouts in Garmin Training Center and then download to my 705 the dates get offset by one day. That is to say the workout I have scheduled on the computer for tomorrow has been placed in todays schedule on the 705.
They had me export my tcdatabase.tcx file to them as an attachment and they tried it in their 705. They got the same result. It is not a problem with the 605 however. They are not sure at this point if the problem is in the TC software or in the 705. If you have one,watch for an upgrade to resolve this problem.
All in all...absolutely wonderful unit especially if one utilizes it's full capabilities. I'm having a blast with it!
Go to the Product Information page
Customer Reviews for Garmin,Edge 705 Bundle,753759075439,0753759075439,B000VRHPS2, |
