I'm mildly interested, but this is mostly in the interest of keeping things clean, and to help out ccabrales.
What are the pros/cons of going with the 405 vs. 305? I would like something smaller, but am I going to notice a lack of features? Let's not talk about the HRM issue, since that's a given...
They seem exactly the same.
They seem exactly the same. Except one is a sports watch.. The other? bigger foot print but can be mounted. The 305 also seems to only be worn during training... 405 you can use it casually? Is this correct?
ccabrales wrote:The 305 also
[quote=ccabrales]The 305 also seems to only be worn during training... 405 you can use it casually? Is this correct?[/quote]
For those times you gotta know your heart rate eating dinner.
I think the key differences
I think the key differences other than size are:
-The 405 links to satelites MUCH quicker (4-5 seconds for 405 and about a min or 2 for the 205/305)
-Wireless data upload with the 405 (has USB "ant stick" that pulls your workout data from the watch to your PC)
-No MAC support yet for the 405
Last week I upgraded from the 205 to the 405. I loved my 205, but found that I had to wear my old Polar A1 HRM with it, so I had 2 watches. I found a great deal on the new 405 with HRM for $290 shipped, so I had to do it. I would rather have picked up a new 305 if it was under $180.
Just my $0.02...
Other differences are
Other differences are battery time. I'm surprised Garmin hasn't responded to the common forum thread of "I wish my Garmin battery lasted longer" -- instead the life has gotten shorter from 301 to 305 to 405. Plus with the 405 there is no "off". There is a non-GPS/daily use mode, and it lasts longer, but still means you always have to be careful to charge the watch even if not wearing it.
As a girl and with smaller wrists, I wouldn't wear the 405 casually. It is still just too big and a bit clunky looking.
For now I am content with my 301s. Although I might replace one with a 205 since *a certain Mike* swam in it.
Yeah, the size savings with
Yeah, the size savings with the 405 doesn't seem worth the lack of display spave. I've actually been thinking of going from the 205 to the 201, because I want a larger display, but I'm really not sure right now. I've honestly taken to using it less and less all the time.
The only reason I'd want to go to the 405 is it IS smaller, and usually all I want to know from the stupid thing is how far I've gone, and occasionally pace. I'm trying not to keep myself so tied to a pace number these days.
I think whatever you do, you have to consider what the primary reason you want to watch is, and what is going to suit you best.
Do you need HRM w/your GPS?
Do you need to see distance?
Do you want to view a lot of things at once?
Do you want "navigation"
Do you want to have something smaller/bigger, does size matter?
Battery life?
Answer this, and I think that you'll know which one is right for you.
Something to keep in mind
Something to keep in mind with the 205 to a 201 change: 201 has a serial cable attachment to your computer. That can be an issue since not all new computers have those.
Oh great. Serial port. It
Oh great. Serial port. It might as well be a 5 1/4" floppy... Haven't used either in about as long...