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Sunday, January 13, 2013

D.O.A.

So, my Garmin died 4 days ago.

Just died. For the past 6 months, I had a feeling it was on its last legs since it had to be on the charger all the time, except when in use, but it didn't give me any other death rattles. Wednesday, I used it, it was fine; Thursday, it was dead. No sign of life. No resuscitation.

Now what?

This is my 3rd Garmin, 2nd one to die in the last 3 years. Yet, I feel compelled to stick with Garmin, mainly because it's what I know.

What I want is pretty straight forward: I want an easy to read display, I want the screen to display time, distance, and pace, I want it to have quick, strong satellite reception, but I don't want to feel like I have a computer strapped to my arm, which is what both the 205 and 305 feel like.

Of the two, I prefer the 305, and of the various Garmins I've owned, I think the 305 is the best. I'm kinda tempted by the pretty and sleek Forerunner 10, but reviews aren't favorable about it, especially two major things: How it calculates and displays pace as you're running, and the fact that you can only display 2 pieces of info at a time.

I could probably, maybe, live with the first drawback, but I think the second is a deal breaker. So, I think the 10 is out if consideration.

Which basically brings me back to the bulky, and expensive, 305.

Ultimately, I'm still weighing the options, but it feels like I'm running blind without a Garmin, so I want to replace it pronto. Without a Garmin, I finish a run and wonder: Did I really run?

18 comments:

Aka Alice said...

Hey Jess! I had a 305, then a couple years ago, got a 310XT and I love it. It charges quickly, holds a charger for along time, and it fits really nicely.

Jessica said...

I have had the Forerunner 110 for almost 2 years and really like it. It displays time, distance and speed and has seemed pretty accurate most days! :) There are days I wish the satellite would connect sooner, but I think it only lost the signal during a run one time. Only recent problem is getting it to sync to my computer, but I'm thinking it may be an issue with the USB cord rather than the watch itself.

TNTcoach Ken said...

Been there done that! I too didn't want to spend the money on another 305, so I opted for the 210. It gives me the data that I need but not the multi-display of the 305.

Lisa Jennifer said...

I had a 305 (for 4 years) that I loved even though it would conk out like that everyone once in a while. If you Google it I guarantee you'll find the series of buttons to press that will resuscitate it.

I went to the 610 eventually. But you know what? It's the same as the 305 except it picks up satellites more quickly. Not really worth it.

Stick with the 305. It was my precious work horse and I still pull it out when my 610 is dead. And it works every time.

Christina said...

Best Buy has the 305CX on special for $129 today only:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Misc/null/pcmcat248000050016.c?id=pcmcat248000050016&ref=167&loc=01b
Also have you called Garmin? I have a 110 and it froze- I called tech support and they had me send it in and sent me a refurbished one in a couple of weeks. I didn't even have the receipt or the number for it, they were still super cool about it.

Alice said...

I have a garmin 405 and LOVE it. It looks pretty and has lots of data on it. I've had it since I started running in 2010 and it's still going!

Anonymous said...

Do you have a smartphone? There are apps

Kathee said...

I shed a tear for your 305! I have had mine for at least 4 years and it is a total work horse. I can charge it, go run a 24 hour Relay Race and not have to worry about charging it. I always pick up a satellite and it doesn't time out like some of the newer ones.

I'd try to fix the 305 like the comments stated. I will hold mine close tonight....
hehehe - GOOD LUCK! I feel the same way when I run without!

Anonymous said...

Yes, yes you ran - Garmin or not.

Erin said...

My Nike watch does what you need except the multi-display (or it may and I just don't know how to use it). Your attachment to your Garmin is much like our attachment to our Cannon camera. We go through them every couple years but are too lazy to try another brand because we are used to it.

Leah said...

not interested in the Garmin 610? I just got it for my birthday and it's awesome. smaller than the 305, i could wear it as a regular watch) picks up the signal almost immediately (even in chicago where I live). very accurate. I love it.

Carolina John said...

I've had the same 205 for several years now and the battery life is starting to run down on me. i couldn't get by without it.

Tiffany said...

I am assuming you tired to re-set it. My garmin acts like it has died twice now but I do a re-set and it fires up and works great.

B. Kramer said...

My phone does the trick. Seems like a lot of money to shell out for something that dies in a year or two. Cheers!

runner26 said...

i have the 10 (just as of a few weeks ago). i'm still getting used to it. i liked having four pieces of data on the screen too (with the 305, or whatever huge one i had before), but this one is much lighter .. and it's green :)

as a side, I HATE when electronics just up and die. it's like they are programmed to just bite it one day. i think they do that on purpose so you buy new ones. my iPod nano from a few years back died tho - i'm not quite used to the newest one.

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