Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - What's the best alternative software for the Garmin 305 Edge?

I read some of the previous threads about software and issues with the 305. I received one for Christmas and want to get the most out of it.

What is the Readers Choice for 2010 for printing maps and planning trips?

Does it still have problems with loosing power on bumpy rides? I didn't like reading that and am concerned.

I read some of the previous threads about software and issues with the 305. I received one for Christmas and want to get the most out of it.

What is the Readers Choice for 2010 for printing maps and planning trips?

Does it still have problems with loosing power on bumpy rides? I didn't like reading that and am concerned.

I am purchasing a refurbished unit from a Serotta forum member (he paid for the upgrade because his several year old battery died and then subsequently purchased a 705 before he used the refurbished 305 so I am getting it new in the box). As a result I have the same questions and here is what I have found so far.

Motion Based and Sport Tracks seem to be the two most recommended alternative software options. Garmin has purchased Motion Based and incorporated it into Garmin Connect. Motion Based still accepts uploaded information to previous registrants but the website will shut down in 6 months and everyone will then be directed to Garmin. All new registrations have to be done on Garmin Connect.

It is my understanding that a refurbished unit may or may not have the old connector and may potentially have the shut down issue. New units have been redesigned. Old units can be fixed if you know how to solder and are willing to open the case and void the warranty. Apparently Garmin is very liberal on warrantying the 305's, at least for now. Obviously that could change when the model is no longer in production.

I know bashing Garmin Training Center is a popular pastime here on BF,
but a new version of GTC was released just last month, and it is a lot different than before. e.g.
- One click to plot the map on Google Earth.
- New types of graphs, (eg +/- grade).
- Multiple graphs are displayed simultaneously.

I doubt that any of the GTC critics have even seen the new version.
And it is still free to download.

I like SportTracks. It has a lot of add-ins that can extend it's usefulness. It can also track your personal statistics (weight, resting heart rate, BP, etc.). And it's free to download. Pay for it if you like it.

Motion Based was purchased by Garmin and the website has been replaced by the Garmin Connect website. I think Motion Based still exists, but is not being enhanced.

I'm going to have to look at the new Garmin Training Center software. I didn't know it existed.

I read some of the previous threads about software and issues with the 305. I received one for Christmas and want to get the most out of it.

What is the Readers Choice for 2010 for printing maps and planning trips?

Does it still have problems with loosing power on bumpy rides? I didn't like reading that and am concerned.

Don't know if it helps you since it is Mac only :thumb:, but Ascent is just wonderful.

montebellosoftware.com

I use Rubitrack and like it. It's also Mac only.

+1 on SportTracks, it's awesome, free and there are a lot of great plugins for it.

Can Sport Tracks be run on a Mac? I have Windows 2K running on a partition of my Mac, so I could probably install it on there if needed, but I'd prefer to install directly onto the Mac if possible.

Looks interested: please advise.

What is the Readers Choice for 2010 for printing maps and planning trips?

Does it still have problems with loosing power on bumpy rides? I didn't like reading that and am concerned.

My choice for route planning and queue sheet production and map printing is http://www.ridewithgps.com

They are very responsive, and the site is pretty intuitive. They do have rudimentary training analysis, which is their next major upgrade area. But you did not indicate that training analysis was you major concern.

Regarding the power issue, I'm not sure, but I think they did address that in their refurbs.

Can Sport Tracks be run on a Mac? I have Windows 2K running on a partition of my Mac, so I could probably install it on there if needed, but I'd prefer to install directly onto the Mac if possible.

Looks interested: please advise.

It's a .NET application, so no. You'd have to run it in a Windows VM, which it does just fine. Ascent is the better product that's OSX native (albeit not free)

I work on both platforms, I prefer Sporttracks, but YMMV.