Stew63 - I don't have it yet, but check out the Garmin forums on the Epix.
https://forums.garmin.com/forumdisplay.php?493-epix There are some Aussie posters there who have it. As with most new Garmin devices there are still teething issues, but it has been a while since it was released.
I'm worried about the slowness of firmware update releases, and wondering if Garmin are going to retire it for lack of sales, or release an upgraded version soon. The last software update came out in Feb this year, 3.20 but some people still report bugs.
The competing device (Fenix 3, Quatix 3, Tactix Bravo) are a bit more mature and have more stable firmwares but seem to get updated quicker (a number already this year up to V7.00). To my mind,
The positives for the Epix:
- Larger square screen - can display more fields at once
- Easier to navigate
- More memory (8Gb vs 32Mb), and maps
- Touchscreen functionality
Cons for the Epix:
- Lower screen resolution
- Heavier
- Fewer user generated watch faces
- No Wifi
I saw some posts that people in the US were getting the TOPO version from REI (inclusive of the REI membership) for around USD$350 a few months ago. This worries me as it might be a sign it is being discontinued. I was tempted to make the jump at that sort of price.
I want to like this device, but the issues probably stop me from getting it. Until they get resolved, I fear buying this might mean it sits at home more than it gets used.