More offerings from Garmin

[tastrax]

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=447&pID=107272

But I do wonder how you would keep it charged on a long trip? Sorry Ent, but it cant take maps!

[Ent]

Hi Tastrax

It is not a replacement mapping GPS by any means but getting close to replacing the Sunnto Core watch. Battery life is the killer. I wonder of the 15-50 hour claim what is the real life. Still it is better than a few of their earlier fitness products that had eight hour battery life. Being USB there is a chance that it would recharge from the battery packs used to keep the iPhones alive.

It is interesting gadget for a backup role. I like backups to the backups. Let me see, Garmin 62s, iPhone (in Lifeproof case) and now this. Yeap it would work The wireless with Garmin 62s might be interesting as all you want is a route or a few way points most of the time.

Actually rather amazed by some of Garmin's less serious GPS for accuracy. My bike Edge 305 is very impressive and kills my iPhone. I like data logging features as it appeals to the inner geek in me.

Now what to do with the Sunnto Core.

Cheers

[wayno]

battery life is always going to be problem on gps watches,, GPS's are thirsty on power and theres a finite size you can make watch batteries.... you'd really need a rechargeable watch.

[Greenie]

A hands on http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/10/garmin-fenix-gps-watch/

[slparker]

Ent,
Can you get a Grid Reference on your Edge 305?

[Ent]

Hi

The Edge 305 being considered by Garmin as a fitness product does not give 84 or 64 grid references. It can give the "standard" East / South references. This is a pity as the Edge as a GPS is remarkably accurate.

Also it can route.

Cheers.

[forest]

I just spotted this site and got all excited..... $45, I'm getting one !!
http://www.highlytunedathletes.com.au/Garmin-fenix.html

Then I realised that $45 was just a 10% deposit....awwww.

[corvus]

Needs to be Solar powered like my Casio Pro Trek Watch.
corvus

[phan_TOM]

Wow, they're not going to be cheap, you can get most of the full feature handhelds for a similar price, I guess its a niche market they are aiming for.

I see they are also releasing a new wireless temperature sensor https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=107335. Not a lot of info about it yet but for some reason I love knowing what the temperature is doing. I've been on the lookout for a decent 'bushwalking' thermometer for ages but haven't the right thing, this may be it. I wonder if basecamp will be updated to display the temperature somewhere in the track log?

I like data logging features as it appeals to the inner geek in me

Me too. I like to use the GPS when I'm out walking but get just as much satisfaction loading the track later on, checking the waypoints I've added in relation to the topography, distances, elevation, loading the track into Google Earth etc

Now what to do with the Sunnto Core.

A true gear geek would wear one on each wrist

[Ent]

Yes with many navigation devices I could create quite an argument with myself!

Actually being interested in a while for a watch GPS as like with a camera ease of access governs larger how much you use it. The hidden joys of a mapping GPS is learning names of features and when back home reading up on the reason for them.

Though this device is as mention a very expensive miniaturized basic GPS.

Corvus sadly as GPS devices are a power hog solar powered is not as yet an option as the solar panel would have to be very large.

Interested to read if anyone gets one. I am trying to go cold turkey on my gear freak buying behavior. Instead concentrating on getting the most out of the existing stuff.

Cheers