Garmin Edge 705 GPS Bundle w Street Maps

Price Paid:  $550.00 at eBay

Favorite Ride:
Rockvale

Bike Setup:
Merlin Extralight Dura ACE group and wheelset

Summary:
Much has been said about the value of this device along with its flexibility. I would advise anyone considering the 705 to be sure to get the deluxe kit, i.e. with the maps data card. the GPS is quite lame without it. I would say embarrassing from Garmin's perspective. Kind of like, ok you bought a GPS for $500, oh and you want it to tell you where you are??? Well in that case you need to buy the deluxe edition that makes the thing actually work. Hmmm, I personally dont like those marketing approaches. So if you want it to be usefull, get the data card...

Strengths:
Functional very nice device.

Weaknesses:
Manual, worthless without the data card, I would like to see enhanced customization capability.

Price Paid:  $550.00 at Rock n Road

Summary:
First off, this is my first GArmin unit, so I'm coming in with no background at all, thou I have a gps in my car. Using the unit itself is easy. All the data it provides is awesome and fun. Getting it to sync with Motion based and Fitness Center was not problematic for me. However, these is a lot of confusion with regards to uploading courses and gpx files, though I am slowly piecing together the mystery

Strengths:
great data, fun nav, light.

Weaknesses:
expensive, HORRIBLE manual, especially with regards to file extensions (.gpx, .crs, .trx) and where they go, where they differ, and where you find them on the unit once you get them in. ESPECIALLY weak for the mac. 4 stars, only because of the poor resources on how to get the most out of it