Looking for a GPS

cyclenut64
cyclenut64 Posts: 154
edited January 11 in Social Groups
Looking at the Gamin Edge 800 is it worth the money? Or are there better options?

Replies

  • TheBigYin
    TheBigYin Posts: 5,686 Member
    I've got a 800 and I'm very happy with it, though as the 805 has just been announced, Garmin will be doing their usual trick of ceasing development / bug fixes on the 800 and leaving us stranded. That said, I don't actually have anywhere near the amount of problems with the 800 as I had with the 705 - off hand I think I went through something like 13-14 different stages of firmware until they finally gave up and launched the 800 instead!

    Lets just put it this way, I bought a garmin 800, not because it's brilliant, but because it's better than anyone elses product. The extra options of the 805 are nice enough, but not enough to entice me to upgrade - I'll wait until it has the inevitable catastrophic failure and contact Garmin, maybe they'll do a reduced price on the 805 :shrug:

    I don't know what the "bundling" agreements will be with the 805, but personally, I'd get it without any mapping, and preferably without the HR chestband - instead purchase a Cycleops Powercal HR strap - a little more expensive, but much more reliable (and doubles as a reasonable "steady state" powermeter if you don't alreaddy have a SRM crank or suchlike!) For mapping, google up "Open source mapping garmin edge 800" check out the links, and install the OpenStreetMap appropriate to your location.
  • Cyclink
    Cyclink Posts: 517 Member
    If you want to be able to see the maps or want to have lots of data fields visible all at once, it's really nice. I use my 800 with a PowerTap and I want the extra data fields (unlike some, I don't think it's a good idea to be scrolling screens on the road)

    If you want tracking and just "turn here" directions, then te 500 series is probably enough and a lot cheaper.
  • uboom
    uboom Posts: 69 Member
    I have the 800 and it is awesome, best GPS ever from Garmin. I would buy the new 810 if I was in your shoes. Just the 800 with new upgrades
  • TheBigYin
    TheBigYin Posts: 5,686 Member
    ah yes - its the 810, not the 805. I get confused easily with these numeric names.
  • TheBigYin
    TheBigYin Posts: 5,686 Member
  • Thanks for all the advice guys, looks like 810 is in my future.
  • goonas
    goonas Posts: 205
    I just bought the 800, was thinking about the new 810 - but I don't think I would take advantage of the Bluetooth etc, so saved the £100 and am very happy with the Edge 800 at the moment.
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