Garmin Edge 500 - what's it good for?

[MartinFarrent]

Here's the situation: I use Scout with detailed topographic maps for most of my navigation and only yesterday re-discovered MotionX for the bigger picture (I immediately described my delight here: http://tours.farrent.de/?p=1584).

Problem: Functionality of both iOS apps put together is great, but battery life is a problem... yes, I use all the tricks and also carry an external battery pack, but even so...

Most of the time, I don't need all the functionality these apps provide - especially on sign-posted trails. If I had a minimal solution that ran more economically, I could treat the iPhone as a back up and use it for more complex navigation tasks as required (i.e. rarely). Since I'm packing the phone anyway, additional weight isn't an issue.

So now for the minimal solution. I'd want:

- to follow breadcrumb-style tracks (maps aren't necessary, because I can consult the phone)
- to quickly see whether I'm still on my route and get an alarm when I'm 'lost'
- to install the tracks on the device at home
- preferably having up to 20 tracks of arbitrary length on the device at any given time
- to use the same .gpx format the iOS apps use (exact same routes on both devices)
- reasonable battery life (i.e. about 2 riding days = 15+ hours)
- to recharge the battery via USB (with my external battery pack when needed)

Does anyone have experience with the fairly light and relatively reasonably priced Garmin Edge 500?

Would it meet my demands?

Or is it unsuitable for trail riding (but remember that I have the iOS apps to help out)?

Thanks,

Martin

[kikoraa]

The 500 is just a sports data GPS. Not good for exploration. You can make a track but ya seriously just a black line on a blank screen a you follow your arrow.


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[KenGlman]

Have you looked at the new Garmin Edge Touring (https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/into-sports/cycling/edge-touring/prod134596.html) ?

[MartinFarrent]

I was hoping to get away with a more minimal device, Ken... since I would have all the iPhone stuff for more challenging navigation. kikoraa's post seems to indicate what I expected: just a black line to follow. Question is: Would this suffice (off road) for, say, 90% of the time?

[kikoraa]

I'm guessing if you followed the line. But basically you would need to create the track first then follow it. It's really more geared towards sports data than navigation. There's plenty out there that ate more suited to your needs.

Go dawgs...


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