Garmin 305 vs. 405 revisited...

[buckeyegirl]

I know there was a recent thread regarding these GPS units. I am seriously considering purchasing one for me and DH to use. From all of the research that I've done, it does appear that some have not been happy with the 405 and all its various glitches that can occur (sweat/rain causes it to "freeze" up, bezel sensitivity issues..) DH likes the fact that it is more compact, but I went to Dick's today and the 405 looks huge to me. They didn't have the 305 to see...I really wanted to try on each to help decide. DH doesn't want something huge and distracting on.

For you 305 owners, have you been happy with it? Do you get accustomed to the size?

I just don't know if I can justify DOUBLE the cost for limited added bells and whistles and the potential issues that the 405 has.

Thanks for any help!
Heidi

 

[Dela]

Have you looked into Tom Tom? I love mine, it's kind of old and big, but it works really well, it was stupid expensive when I bought it (I bought it about a year before they all went to a flatter screen style), but they have a brand new one for $280 on Amazon, which is a great price, before Christmas it was selling for $350. I'm thinking of upgrading to this one soon...

http://www.amazon.com/TomTom-GO-730...?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1230516546&sr=8-14

 

[Dela]

Oops you meant a GPS for running, sorry

 

[buckeyegirl]

LOL, yeah the TomTom looks a *bit* too big, lol...might have to pass on that one, but thanks!

Heidi

 

[Mckmain]

I have had a 305 for a couple of years. I love it and have not had any issues. I have only heard static about the 405 so I really would not consider and upgrade at this point. The 305 fits fine and yes, it is bigger than any other watch I have used for running but it was very easy to get used to. I like being able to download my workouts to my PC so I can keep track of everything that way. I run a lot of trails and have not had the 305 loose the satellite and it has worked very well....

 

[RunninTeach]

I'm also a happy 305 owner, after upgrading from the 201 which had PC compatibility issues. I get great satellite reception, the data screens are easy to read, and the battery life is quite decent. Yes, it *is* bulkier than regular watches, but you get used to it very quickly and it does not feel cumbersome.

I don't plan to upgrade until my 305 dies, but what I do like about the 405 is the fact that, with a foot pod (purchased separately, I believe), you can use it for indoor running, too. I have read about some issues with the bevel, but I think there are ways people get around that[FONT=&quot]—[/FONT]like adjusting its sensitivity or using a scrollbar.

 

[jennifermaria]

The 405 is much sleeker than the 305, so if you thought the 405 was bulky, you may not be happy with the 305's size .

That said, I LOVE my 305. I honestly don't mind the size anymore. It feels comfortable while it's on, and I just love the functionality, so it's become part of my arm at this point .