Altimeter/elevation? I am trying to figure out what the 305 offers in terms of instantaneous altitude readings. Garmin's specifications page says it does not have a barometric altimeter...so can it measure altitude/elevation? Altimeter/elevation? I am trying to figure out what the 305 offers in terms of instantaneous altitude readings. Garmin's specifications page says it does not have a barometric altimeter...so... » Read More Altimeter/elevation? I am trying to figure out what the 305 offers in terms of instantaneous altitude readings. Garmin's specifications page says it does not have a barometric altimeter...so can it measure altitude/elevation? « Show Less
1140565
Having used the Garmin 205 as well as a barometric altimeter, often simultaneously in mountains in Scotland and Spain, I was surprised how accurate the Garmin altitude readings were (when 4 or more satellites were in view). The only time it was 'flakey' was when useable satellites dropped to 3 or less.
1140566
I live in Houston which is totally flat. The altitude readings are not accurate enough to reflect the 10 ft changes up and down as I run. However, I used my 305 on runs in the CA mountains and the altitude readings were surprisingly accurate. Using the latitude and longitude location data I compared the altitude to topographical maps and they were spot on.
1140567
I do a lot of mountain running & hiking & I own a Casio Pathfinder (Triple Sensor) which does have barometric altimeter readings, so were I to purchase the Garmin 305 (which seems likely at this point) I would be using them in tandem. Of course I could not upload the real time data from the pathfinder into any of the websites mentioned, but my question is this (and I hope this is not too tangential to the Garmin 305 discussion) - does anyone have any information on the accuracy of the Pathfinders altitude accuracy?
1140568
In theory, satellite triangulation is one of the most accurate way of fnding your position, not only in coordinates (Latitude and Longitude), but in altitudes as well. Altimeters in watches uses barometric sensors to measure air pressure to calculate altitude. I'm betting the 305 will give me the closest, if not accurate, altitude than the best barometer sensor watch in the market. Add the convenience of tracking and recording altitude, with your heart rate, time, pace, position and distance at the same time. Why settle for anything less?
1140569
Forerunner 305 doesn't have a barometric altimeter, but it's still able to "approximate" the elevation/grade. As CompExpert mentioned, it does do the job, but it's flaky. If elevation/grade matters to you a lot you're better off with the Edge unit that has a barometric altimeter; however you won't be able to wear the Edge on your wrist.
1140570
If you're interested in Elevation related data, I would not recommend buying the Forerunner 305. I have been through multiple devices and many discussions with Tech support who basically informed me that this function (along with the calorie functions) are useless on the Forerunner 305. Apparently, it is Garmin's GPS based elevation data which is not as accurate as the barometric data reported by other devices. This was a surprise to me as I had thought the opposite would have been true. Unfortunately not. I run/ride exclusively in the mountains and I'm very dissapointed to say the least. The standard speed, distance, time, and heart rate functions all work fine. Hope this helps. If you're interested in Elevation related data, I would not recommend buying the Forerunner 305. I have been through multiple devices and many discussions with Tech support who basically informed me that this function (along with the calorie functions) are useless on the Forerunner 305. Apparently, it is Garmin's GPS based elevation data which is not as accurate as the barometric data reported by other devices. This was a surprise to me as I had thought the opposite would have been true. Unfortunately not. I run/ride exclusively in the mountains and I'm very dissapointed to say the least.... » Read More If you're interested in Elevation related data, I would not recommend buying the Forerunner 305. I have been through multiple devices and many discussions with Tech support who basically informed me that this function (along with the calorie functions) are useless on the Forerunner 305. Apparently, it is Garmin's GPS based elevation data which is not as accurate as the barometric data reported by other devices. This was a surprise to me as I had thought the opposite would have been true. Unfortunately not. I run/ride exclusively in the mountains and I'm very dissapointed to say the least. The standard speed, distance, time, and heart rate functions all work fine. Hope this helps. « Show Less
1140571
I've heard that motionbased.com adjusts the elevation readings now to reflect more accurate elevations. I don't own one yet, but am looking to buying one and have heard this from a few friends who own the 305. This, from what I understand, is the 305's biggest weakness! However, I still want one above any other of its kind...
254810
It does but it's a little flakey, and that's with good satellite coverage. GPS' just don't work so great when it comes to elevation. The 305 does work 'good enough' though. I do all my runs on mountains so elevation and grades are very important factors. I'm satisfied enough.
1001474
No, this model is the step down. Although it will sync with my bluetooth 4.0 bike computer and show cadence from that, but no altimeter. I didn't get the altimeter model because although it shows you instantaneous gain on a climb or descent, it's not something I would be looking at while working out. When you upload your workouts to the computer it shows your elevation profile which is enough for me.
2281796
Not to my knowledge. The app only allows for photo and video, however, there is a site that you plug the device into the computer while on, and can do readings and calibration. I haven't explored the altitude, but info my be on there.
332935
I have an Etrex Vista HCx. It has amazingly good accuracy except in altitude. I plot all my trips on Google Earth and it is 95% of the time within 6' of the correct location. However the altitude information is so inaccurate compared to previous Garmins that I have owned that I suspect Garmin has deliberately sabotaged the vertical information. For example, I flew Southwest from Austin to Dallas back to Austin yesterday and the Vista never had me more that 1,600 feet above sea level. Believe me, at 450 miles per hour, 1,600 feet ASL would have been quite exciting, even in Texas.
1968040
Not on the watch, but in the Run Details it shows the altitude, i guess from the GPS
44989
it doesn't have an altimeter. as of now, it has a pedometer, and tracks exercise such as running, walking, cycling or hiking. It needs to link to your Samsung device that has GPS for distance accuracy, especially for cycling.
1277099
Altitude is part of the position calculation, and almost all GPSs can report it. Altitude error is about twice location error, so not too accurate. An altimeter/barometer greatly improves this accuracy, by correcting for oscillations in indicated altitude. They figure out the barometric pressure, so the slow weather changes are corrected out. Plus you can predict weather from the barometric changes, if you study them carefully enough.
1000795
I hope someone replies to this post cuz I have the same question. I'm eyeing the 205 and 305 too. I'm not a marathoner or bike enthusiast, just a runner who might like the HR function added to my data points. I wonder how many use the HR monitor with the 305 consistently or does it end up in a drawer after a while.
1401495
I don't know about the TomTom, but the Garmin 255W will give you altitude information if you touch the vehicle icon on the map screen. This is also how to bookmark your location and see your longitude/latitude coordinates.
1567531
I am also looking for the best unit; especially for rural areas as we do a lot of hiking. We have been depending on cell phone GPS navigation but it sure doesn't work well in the Far West nor on a recent hiking trip to the Great Smokys and Blue Ridge Mountains. I am thinking of the Garmin nvi 2797LMT 7-Inch or the Garmin nvi 3597LMTHD 5-Inch. Not sure what one I will pick but there are 100's to choose from and reviews are all over the place. Wish Amazon provided for comparisons. Try Best Buy for details, they do a much better job of showing all features and allow comparisons. Then search the web for that unit and get the best price (not always on Amazon).
2094634
That seems to be some basic stuff they've taken away. I emailed Garmin as well as Amazon to see if I can get someone to say they are wrong, or maybe amazon can fix their description. A lot of money to spend if it is false. After reading reviews, some say they have the features, and some say they don't. Maybe they are more "previews" than "reviews." I was in particular looking forward to the garmin locate feature, as well as the routing features. I also like the new size of the 1300 series. Thank you for posting this info, I hope to find some answers from Amazon or Garmin.
2085861
The manual that it came with was pretty basic, but no mention of heart rate monitor, and I checked and did not see this feature in the settings. No App market support. Said to be waterproof by manufacturer in ad, but upon receiving, indicates that it is not waterproof, and to not allow exposure to moisture.
808868
there are several different models. the premium model has everything including an altimeter. I think mine has a compass that shows a heading to a waypoint, but we are in Mexico right now and I don't have it with me.
1473401
I do not know if the Garmin has a feature that provides elevations. I purchased this for my son and he had no problems with finding the various locations. The Garmin would only be able to give the information from a database that works in conjunction with the program that comes with the GPS. Hope that helps.
39703
I have not tried this... but you can't calibrate it to barometric pressure (aside from resetting your altitude to 0) so as the weather changes it will be less accurate. This also doesn't start recording altitude until you go up 50 feet from when you start recording. Furthermore the battery only lasts for 12 hours of continuous use. I think there are better altimeters for the price for your purposes. You can read the user manual here: http://www.jollylogic.com/http://www.jollylogic.com/www/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/AltimeterOneUserGuideV2-0.pdf
2083606
The 765T has compass and elevation. You choose what function is displayed on screen. I like this feature a lot. Do not believe the 855 has elevation feature........unless it is buried
1521542
My Legend HCx Garmin eTrex Legend HCx Personal Navigator worked great in the plane as long as I was quite close to the window. A Cx might not. My GPS said we were a few thousand feet higher than the captain said we were but maybe he was wrong! It tracked very well. I could look down at a town and recognize it from the map on the gps as we flew over. Very cool!! On the ground my elevation is quite accurate with my topo maps loaded. IF you have the Vista you may need to calibrate it to the known elevation and air pressure any time the pressure changes much. I don't know this for sure as I haven't read the manual but other altimeters that use pressure need to be calibrated. My Legend HCx Garmin eTrex Legend HCx Personal Navigator worked great in the plane as long as I was quite close to the window. A Cx might not. My GPS said we were a few thousand feet higher than the captain said we were but maybe he was wrong! It tracked very well. I could look down at a town and recognize it from the map on the gps as we flew over. Very cool!! On the ground my elevation is quite accurate with my topo maps loaded. IF you have the Vista you may need to calibrate it to the known elevation and air pressure any time the... » Read More My Legend HCx Garmin eTrex Legend HCx Personal Navigator worked great in the plane as long as I was quite close to the window. A Cx might not. My GPS said we were a few thousand feet higher than the captain said we were but maybe he was wrong! It tracked very well. I could look down at a town and recognize it from the map on the gps as we flew over. Very cool!! On the ground my elevation is quite accurate with my topo maps loaded. IF you have the Vista you may need to calibrate it to the known elevation and air pressure any time the pressure changes much. I don't know this for sure as I haven't read the manual but other altimeters that use pressure need to be calibrated. « Show Less