Differences between Garmin Edge 605 and 705? Maps?

[oxford_guy]

Hi - I'm tossing up between getting a Garmin Edge 606 and 705, I don't really need the heart-rate monitor and cadence, though the barometeric altimeter on the 705 would be nice. However, if that is the *only* really difference between the two, then I will get the 605, as want it mostly just for touring.

Do they both handle maps in the same way? Can both use maps copied from DVD to microSD card or is the 606 only compatible with MicroSD card? i.e. can the 605 use the maps found in the Garmin City Navigator EUROPE NT 2010 Maps Mapping DVD or the Topo Great Britain V2 ?


Thanks!

 

[ausalex]

The maps are exactly the same. I have the maps loaded from the DVD onto my 605.

 

[andrew_s]

The only difference is cadence/heart rate/altimeter,

If you want it for touring, you are better off with an Etrex Legend HCx or Vista HCx on account of better battery life.

 

[oxford_guy]

The only difference is cadence/heart rate/altimeter,

If you want it for touring, you are better off with an Etrex Legend HCx or Vista HCx on account of better battery life.

Assuming battery life is not an issue (as will likely charge the device from my Schmidt hub dynamo using a Zzing charger) are there any actual differences in navigational abilities (e.g. number of waypoints) between the Edge 605/705 and Vista HCx? Thanks!

 

[andrew_s]

The Edge is limited to 100 user waypoints, the Etrex gives you 1000.
The Edge will use saved routes from the SD card, the Etrex will only use saved routes loaded into its internal memory (10,000 point limit).

That Zzing looks like a pretty big and chunky object to have on your handlebars next to the GPS

 

[oxford_guy]

The Edge is limited to 100 user waypoints, the Etrex gives you 1000.
The Edge will use saved routes from the SD card, the Etrex will only use saved routes loaded into its internal memory (10,000 point limit).

That Zzing looks like a pretty big and chunky object to have on your handlebars next to the GPS

It could go in my bar bag, which I always have with me when touring...

Am still trying to toss up between an Edge 605/705 and an eTrex Vista Hcx - the latter does seem to be a better GPS unit overall, but I'm a bit put off by the lack of a decent off-the-shelf stem mount...