Just as an update, picked up my Edge 800 today, configured it, and will be going on a short ride with it tomorrow. So far I am liking the touchscreen, and the fact that I can set it to store the recorded data onto the memory card instead of the internal memory. In addition it is a bit easier to change some settings with the touchscreen interface. I have found though that the screen is a bit hard to read with the backlight off, but I will report back tomorrow once I've had some time with it on the saddle.

Also on the manual, it mentions something about an accessory battery... supposedly can get 20 hrs vs the 15 hours on the internal. I have yet to hear/see this accessory battery, but 15 is still plenty.