GPS Garmin Edge 705 learning

[Larry Parker]

Jack suggested I post this to the listserve. I guess he is right, it may
help some other GPS tyros, and maybe garner me some more tips
As I state below, I like the unit quite a bit, but have a gripe or two.

I await feedback!

Larry, muddling toward competency (and fitness, too, dammit!)

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Larry Parker" <Lparke...@fuse.net>
> To: "Jack_McC" <jac...@embarqmail.com>
> Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 10:28 PM
> Subject: Re: 1031] Re: 1029] Re: Garmin Edge 350
>
>
>> Short (well it turned out NOT so short) update.  I really like this
>> thing!  I have been struggling to get into decent shape, so I can not
>> report on any big rides or battery life, but I love having the HRM
>> printouts, along with the "breadcrumb" trail, Cadence, speed, elevation,
>> etc.  I can waste a LOT of time looking over this stuff. Don't know if I
>> can utililze it yet to help me get into shape faster, but it is FUN.
>>
>> My gripes center arount the mapping. The map included is just a "base
>> map" main roads, but not local streets or the backroads I like to pedal
>> on.  I used the discount they give when you register online and bought
>> the download of their N.American Cities NT.   I had trouble on my end
>> downloading, I finally did it at work, but now the Edge will not
>> recognize what I downloaded onto the MicroSD.   Garmin wants me to try a
>> different card and download it again.  I will try that soon, maybe
>> tomorrow.
>>
>> I don't like that they are great at all the stuff I could get from Polar
>> or maybe Timex, but they short me on the Map stuff they are supposed to
>> excel in. Weird. Delorme has a great deal on a PN40 and Topo if you just
>> want the GPS and mapping.  I have had to learn
>> http://bikeroutetoaster.com  in order to Pre-plan and load a ride into
>> the Edge.  I like "the toaster", in fact I REALLY like it,  but WHY don't
>> they provide a way to do that with the unit?   Why sell a bike unit that
>> has maps with fewer bike roads than the car units do?  The maps on my
>> wife's Nuvi are WAY more detailed and it was a LOT cheaper.  One last
>> gripe here; the manual is clear and good, except for one item that I see
>> on the screeen and cannot find a reference for (what the heck is zero averaging? do I want it on or off?), and the fact that it only
>> takes you so far. There are no instructions on loading maps, or other
>> extras.
>>
>> BUT  the Training Center and the Garmin Connect both rock.  I like the TC
>> for some things, and the Connect for others.  Connect takes the bread
>> crumbs and puts them on a map that shows the roads that are missing on
>> the unit. NICE.  but no way to make new ones, hence
>> www.bikeroutetoaster.com

>>
>> All in all, I am happy with the purchase.  If I can get the detail map to
>> load I will be happier so I can figure out how to get from here to there.
>> THAT would have been nice this past Sunday when one of my buds was just
>> worn out and we were trying to figure a re-route better way home - from
>> memory.
>>
>>
>> SUMMARY:
>> 1.    Great unit, great post ride software.
>> 2.    If you want detail maps, order their microSD or CD, don't download
>> 3.    find www.bikeroutetoaster.com  and learn to use it. FREE, it is set
>> up to be used with Garmin units, easy maps and very easy downloads, saves
>> things for you.
>> 4.     Allow "play" time with the analysis software.
>>