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New Garmin model this spring? (Read 254 times)

JackJ


    My 3.5 year old Garmin 405 is ready for retirement--the battery life is down to just a couple of hours.  I don't want to refurbish it, since the touch bezel is such a poor design.  I'd like to get a 610, but since that model is now a couple of years old, I'm wondering if a new model will be released soon?  Anyone heard any rumors to that effect?  (Google didn't help.)  I think in the past they've sometimes released new running watches to coincide with Boston.

    Nakedbabytoes


    levitation specialist

      DC Rainmaker says that he hasn't been asked to test anything new watch wise from Garmin, and he usually gets unit to test pre release for their watches. I flat out asked him via Facebook if anything was in the works and he said this year/spring, he thought all their focus had been on releasing new bike units(just released at CES a few weeks ago), so he doesn't think they will release a new Garmin FR until 2014's Boston. He thinks they will do an updated 610 type watch(running based, dabbling in bike mode) and then another 910xt type tri watch.

      So that's the word I got from the man who seems to know before we do.

      JackJ


        Cool--thanks for the details.  I avidly follow Ray's (aka DCRainmaker) reviews, but assumed he would be bound by non-disclosure agreements when asked about upcoming product releases.  Looks like I'm shopping for a good deal on on a 610.

        Nakedbabytoes


        levitation specialist

          Boston is less than a month away, you could just wait a few until then to be safe if you wanted. But the lack of net rumors, leaks, and even word from the man himself implying there is nothing pending, leaves the pretty safe bet that a new FR is not this year.

          flarunner


            There's actually a guy on these forums that works for Garmin. Joe something. Maybe he could chime in.

            Wing


            Joggaholic

              Have you tried doing a full charge and discharge of the 405? That fixed my 405's "low-battery warning after only a few hours" issue.

              JackJ


                Yeah, my last couple of bike rides with the 405 have been full charge -> full discharge.  The battery just doesn't hold a charge like it used to.  Plus, I had the watch freak out on me before a race last year--wouldn't respond to any button presses.  Honestly, after 3.5 years, I'm not expecting much better.  Li-ions are usually expected to start degrading significantly somewhere around the 500 cycle neighborhood.

                 

                Besides, the problems with the touch bezel (have to lock it before every run) plus the form factor (too big to wear as a daily watch--won't slide under my shirt cuff) have been turn-offs from the start.  I'm looking forward to replacing it.  In fact, I recently bought a used 110 so that I can wear one watch to work, and go for a run with it afterward.  With getting kids and all their accessories out of the house in the morning, I'm hard pressed to remember whatever I need for a post-work run, and I'm lucky to remember to throw a pair of shoes in the car.  Having to remember my running watch is a challenge.  But the 110 loses a lot of functionality compared to what I'm used to.

                 

                Two years seems like a long time between upgrades for Garmin.  Yeah, they've added a lot of new models since the 610 came out--910xt, FR10, fenix--but all aimed at different markets than what I'm after--a high-end running watch.

                 

                And the 610 really does suit my needs very well, from what I know of it.  But ideally I'd like to get better water resistance and longer battery life in the same form factor.  And the price puts it well beyond a casual purchase--I'll be unhappy if a model that better suits my needs is released in the next 6 mos.  But of course, that's a risk with all gadgets these days, and at some point you just gotta take the plunge.

                JackJ


                  Was just looking through the comments on DCRainmaker's review of the 610 and found:

                   

                  <cite>Rhett</cite>

                  January 22, 2013 at 9:41 am#482

                  I was talking to a Garmin rep at a marathon expo and he gave me the wink-wink/nod confirmation that a FR610 update is coming for the fall marathon season and will be fully waterproofed like the FR10. I was going to go with the 910 for the waterproofing, but I think I’ll stick it out with my android phone for six more months and then decide.

                   

                  Ray later chimed in to say, "I don’t expect to see a FR610 replacement this spring, but in line with the previous comment above years – expect to see something more aligned to the fall."

                   

                  Along with what Nakedbabytoes posted above, I'm now convinced that nothing new is on the immediate horizon.  I appreciate all the useful feedback!

                  joescott


                    There's actually a guy on these forums that works for Garmin. Joe something. Maybe he could chime in.

                     

                    Joe something sadly cannot comment without endangering his current employment.  As much as I would like to help.  Wink

                     

                    MTA:  I cannot comment on this kind of question regarding plans for future products.  There are lots of things I can comment on, but that's a pretty sensitive topic.

                    - Joe

                    We are fragile creatures on collision with our judgment day.

                    spoonerweb


                      I have a 310xt and have looked at the 910xt when it is time for an upgrade. However, I am hoping something comes out to replace the 910xt (920xt?) that can go for 25hrs, is half as thick as the 310xt, and I think it would be great if one button could be made customizable as to what it does. I could almost wear my 310xt as an everyday watch if I could quickly turn the GPS off and back on when I go inside of buildings.

                      xhristopher


                        My 3.5 year old Garmin 405 is ready for retirement--the battery life is down to just a couple of hours.  I don't want to refurbish it, since the touch bezel is such a poor design.  I'd like to get a 610, but since that model is now a couple of years old, I'm wondering if a new model will be released soon?  Anyone heard any rumors to that effect?  (Google didn't help.)  I think in the past they've sometimes released new running watches to coincide with Boston.

                         

                        Jack, If I were in your shoes needing a new Garmin but wanting to wait until the 610 replacement I'd go out and buy a Lithium CR2025 Battery ($2.35 at Amazon)  and then replace it using some of the many instructions found on the internet such as this video.

                         

                        Yes, the watch has other problems but this inexpensive solution may limp you along for another six months. If the watch surgery goes bad it's essentially a nothing ventured, nothing gained situation.

                         

                        MTA: Not sure the exact battery model number.  If Jack does this perhaps he will report.

                        zonykel


                          If you're looking for battery replacement for the 405, just go to ebay and look it up. I think the cost I saw was $35 plus shipping (just over $5).

                           

                          If you're looking for the latest garmin, you'll pay premium for it (and that means the older models will be cheaper). I would not discount a model just because it's been out for a couple of years. Sometimes newer does not mean better.

                          xhristopher


                            If you're looking for battery replacement for the 405, just go to ebay and look it up. I think the cost I saw was $35 plus shipping (just over $5).

                             

                            I saw that too. I think that's for full service, not just a replacement battery. You send your watch to the guy and he swaps the battery and sends it back. If you aren't squeamish you could do it for $5, not $40.

                            JackJ


                               

                              Jack, If I were in your shoes needing a new Garmin but wanting to wait until the 610 replacement I'd go out and buy a Lithium CR2025 Battery ($2.35 at Amazon) and then replace it using some of the many instructions found on the internet such as this video.

                               

                               

                              Hadn't even considered replacing the battery myself--I'll look into this.  I've got just enough experience to really to really mess this up!  As you say, though, even if I ruin the watch I won't feel much loss.  One point for anyone else considering this: I'm pretty sure the battery linked to above (CR2025) will not work--it's a lithium primary, and not a Li-Ion rechargeable.  I've found a few places that seem to be selling the right battery, but want to research more.  Li-Ions can be dangerous if not handled correctly--just ask Boeing!

                              xhristopher


                                 

                                One point for anyone else considering this: I'm pretty sure the battery linked to above (CR2025) will not work--it's a lithium primary, and not a Li-Ion rechargeable.  I've found a few places that seem to be selling the right battery, but want to research more.  Li-Ions can be dangerous if not handled correctly--just ask Boeing!

                                 

                                I've edited my post in case anyone uses it as an instruction. When/if you figure it out let us know which one to get.

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