I want to get a cyclecomputer for my bike. Instead of getting the Garmin 510 . I want just get the Garmin Edge 500 one. Now being a older model, would I run into any issues with data updates from Garmin? would the software get discontinued?

or would i be ok for 10 years of using this model?

Thanks

I expect that Garmin will stop issuing software updates at some point, but that you'll still be able to use your 500 without any issues for many years to come. I bought my Garmin eMap back in '99 and it's still what I use on my bicycle and for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. It was discontinued by Garmin many years ago, but I have no problem using it to connect to the usual websites that support GPS data such as everytrail, ridewithgps, mapmyride, etc. And its performance has steadily improved over the years as the old dithering of the GPS signals (Selective Availability) was eliminated, the number of GPS satellites was increased, and the newer satellites were equipped with better transmitters.

I still use my Garmin Edge 350. Don't remember how many years ago I bought it. It still works fine, except that battery life is decreasing (can't do century rides with it any more). Garmin issued a couple of updates for it back in the day, but they were pretty minor and I've never had an issue with the software anyway.

Ironically, smartphone battery life is increasing to the point that if the Garmin ever bites the dust, I probably won't replace it and just use my smartphone GPS instead.

You can replace the battery on some (at least) of the units for about $25.

Based on my experience with my now-discontinued Edge 705, Garmin will at some point (soon) stop making firmware updates. Maps will still continue to work, or you can use OSM (OpenStreetMap) maps instead, which are free and you don't keep getting nagged to buy map updates.

The OSM maps seem very good to me.

As long as it still works with Windows 98, I'll be fine.