I have been reading the 305 thread, and the idea of a gadget really appeals (ok, I'm a geek, but hey from this forum it looks like I have company) However, (excuse ignorance if I'm being really stupid here) it looks like half the fun is logging runs into Google earth. At home I am outside the high resolution area for GE and can't get any decent pics of my house (or running routes). Don't mind if can't get pics, but can the garmin plot route on a road map/ map other than Google earth?
Having stats is good my my inner nerd needs more....

Also would have to budget for and not likely to purchase any time soon (although letter to Santa may help)

Thanks

Don't know about plotting routes into other maps, but if you aren't bothered about the heart rate monitor function you can get a Garmin 205, which is a cheaper. It does everything the 305 does apart from HR. You might even be able to pic one up second hand quite cheaply. On Amazon, you can get a refurbished one for £83.

NO!

Why save? Buy it now and don't eat for a couple of weeks to repay the money

The maps are a nice gimmick, but it is the comparisons which will satisfy you. You also need the HRM for the geek in you.

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0 - 14 Miles in 6 months, 2 hours, 13 minutes and 58 seconds.
Start weight: 18 st 4.. Current weight: 14 st 8.. Current Goal: Duchy Marathon, 8th March 2009

im with hrun.. buy now and basque in the greatness that is the 305.. mine cost £125 and its one of the best £125's ive spent for running..

You run in a basque? No wonder you name your 305

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0 - 14 Miles in 6 months, 2 hours, 13 minutes and 58 seconds.
Start weight: 18 st 4.. Current weight: 14 st 8.. Current Goal: Duchy Marathon, 8th March 2009

yeah... you should try it...the competition is too busy laughing to run

The 305 is a great piece of gear, and you don't have to wear a basque while using it either!!

It's worth checking out the prices online, ie Amazon, as you can save yourself some money. I got mine off of Amazon for about the same price as Beasty.

spoilsport

We might need to start a new club

The basque wearing 305 club.

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0 - 14 Miles in 6 months, 2 hours, 13 minutes and 58 seconds.
Start weight: 18 st 4.. Current weight: 14 st 8.. Current Goal: Duchy Marathon, 8th March 2009

either that or the im sad and not gone out on a friday night club

Ha Ha.

Don't do Friday nights any more. I can't be bothered with the agro and it costs to much. I don't care if I sound old. I am

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0 - 14 Miles in 6 months, 2 hours, 13 minutes and 58 seconds.
Start weight: 18 st 4.. Current weight: 14 st 8.. Current Goal: Duchy Marathon, 8th March 2009

Heinzster - Buy one - Now (or at Christmas if now's not good)

Sorry should have said. Garmin TC maps the run on a very basic map and then you can view it on google. Sport tracks has a better standard map or google or hybrid.

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0 - 14 Miles in 6 months, 2 hours, 13 minutes and 58 seconds.
Start weight: 18 st 4.. Current weight: 14 st 8.. Current Goal: Duchy Marathon, 8th March 2009

motionbased.com also shoves the maps onto googlemaps

ah but the point it there are other maps. The OP explains that the area is low res

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0 - 14 Miles in 6 months, 2 hours, 13 minutes and 58 seconds.
Start weight: 18 st 4.. Current weight: 14 st 8.. Current Goal: Duchy Marathon, 8th March 2009