Garmin Edge 900: Things we'd like to see

27 comments
By James Huang, tech editor, in Boulder, USA | Tuesday, Jan 31, 2012 10.28am

Garmin's Edge 800 still sits at the top of the GPS cycle computer heap but given the pace at which technology is progressing, we wouldn't bet against its successor, the Edge 900, to be launched later this year. Whether it's called the Garmin Edge 900 or the Edge 800S or the 800 EVO remains to be seen.

Regardless of the name, here are the upgrades we'd most like to see.

1. A better screen

The Garmin Edge 800's screen is good but not fantastic. The touchscreen works admirably well, even with full-fingered gloves, but the plastic construction is prone to scratching (particularly with those same gloves) and the resolution and contrast aren't up to snuff with Garmin's monochrome Edge 500. The display is legible but the pixels aren't as crisp as we'd like, there aren't as many of them as we'd like, and the colors aren't terribly vivid. 

Apple's iPhone 4S has demonstrated what can be done with a color touchscreen and it'd be nice if the Edge 900 adopted something similar while still retaining the glove-friendly operation. Hold up an Edge 800 next to a cycling-app-equipped iPhone and there's simply no comparison.

Another handy addition would be the option for either portrait or landscape orientations. The Edge 800's portrait layout works just fine in most cases but there are a few instances when landscape would provide a better view of things. The existing quarter-turn mount could easily accommodate this.

Garmin gave the edge 800 a monstrous touchscreen that works well with full-fingered gloves but the resolution, contrast and color saturation aren't as good as we'd like:

Garmin gave the Edge 800 a monstrous touchscreen that works well with full-fingered gloves but the resolution, contrast and color saturation aren't as good as we'd like

2. Built-in wireless connectivity

Connecting the Edge 800 to your computer for downloading ride data and uploading courses is simple enough – plus there's the added bonus that it gets recharged at the same time. However, you don't always need to charge the Edge 800 after each ride and the growing popularity of tablet computers makes the cord more of an issue since most of them (including the upcoming iPad 3, at least according to rumors) aren't natively equipped with USB ports.

Onboard wireless connectivity would quickly remedy that situation. Conventional WiFi would seem the obvious choice, as it's already proven reasonably effective even in devices as small as Secure Digital (SD) memory cards. But the newly announced Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE, also referred to as Bluetooth Smart) protocol seems more likely.

Why BLE? For one, ANT+ may be ubiquitous in wireless devices for the sporting world but it still can't communicate with most mobile phones, laptop computers or tablets. Such connectivity could theoretically open up enormous areas of software development for when you're on the go but in range of some sort of broadband network. More importantly, consider the huge market growth potential when taking into account the millions of mobile phones that could potentially act as 'hubs' to BLE-compatible devices – one can only imagine the sort of apps creative programmers could come up with.

Second, ANT+ may be a readily available standard but it's owned by Garmin, who purchased Dynastream back in 2006. Garmin corporate representatives adamantly insist that members of the ANT+ Alliance are protected by hardwired rules that prohibit the crossover of competitive proprietary information to Garmin's consumer electronics division but nevertheless, prospective members can hardly be blamed for being a little suspicious occasionally.

Garmin edge 800 users have to use a mini-usb port to either charge the device or transfer data. integrating some sort of wireless communication such as bluetooth low energy (also known as bluetooth smart) could eliminate that need:

Garmin Edge 800 users have to use a mini-USB port to either charge the device or transfer data. Integrating some sort of wireless communication such as Bluetooth Low Energy (also known as Bluetooth Smart) could eliminate that need

On the other hand, BLE is a true open standard and has already been embraced by Look for eventual use in their new KéO Power pedals and CycleOps for a new range of computers – even Microsoft are reportedly on board. Texas Instruments have developed a new chip that works with both BLE and ANT+, making dual-mode devices not only a genuine possibility but also an appealing option.

Before you get excited about the prospect of connecting your new Garmin Edge device to your phone, though, be aware that most current Bluetooth-enabled devices won't be compatible. Newer models such as the Apple iPhone 4S and latest MacBook Air, Motorola Droid RAZR phone and MOTOACTV watch, and Casio G-Shock GB-6900 will work but nearly everything else operates on an older Bluetooth v2.1 standard that can't easily be upgraded. The future may be coming but it's not here just yet.

3. Two-way emergency communication

Given its compatibility with topographical maps, the Garmin Edge 800 is a natural choice for exploring the backcountry on your bike, in particular new trails or open areas that don't currently have legal trail networks – but could. Unfortunately, such exploration can also put you out of touch in case of emergency and the Edge 800 can't help you.

We'd like to see some sort of emergency two-way communication a la Spot. Not only would that make the next-generation Edge more versatile and add some serious safety credentials, it'd improve its already-significant appeal to the out-of-bounds crowd. In theory, such an Edge computer would not only be able to inform your loved ones that you're alive and well but also where you are, similar to what Garmin already offer with the GTU 10 tracker.

We'd like to see some sort of emergency two-way communication on the edge 900, similar to what garmin already offer with the gtu 10 tracker:

We'd like to see some sort of emergency two-way communication on the Edge 900, similar to what Garmin already offer with the GTU 10 tracker

4. Refine the physical dimensions

Naturally, we'd love for all of the above features to be incorporated into a package that's both lighter and smaller than it is now. Though the Edge 800 is hardly a brick, there's still the potential to shrink the bezel around the current screen size – or conversely, push the edges of the screen outward to fill the current case.

Likewise, the Edge 800 isn't terribly heavy as it is and it's heaps lighter than any of the iPhone-based bike computers on the market. But if no one cared about size and weight, Garmin wouldn't have needed to introduce the Edge 500. Regardless of whether you care about weight, there are others that do – and they're often willing to pay to keep it at a minimum.

Even if the size and weight don't change, we hope for a revised mount location. Centering the quarter-turn tabs on the back of the case makes a lot of sense from a design standpoint but it isn't always the best thing for modern bikes' increasingly shorter stems. Moving those tabs rearward on the back of the case would still let riders keep the Edge 900 center-mounted on the stem but the computer would be slightly cantilevered over the faceplate where it's somewhat protected instead of being precariously exposed on the handlebar.

5. Longer battery life

GPS devices are notorious power hogs and while the Edge 800 offers an impressive 15 hours of run time, that still doesn't suffice for multi-day adventures in the backcountry or even a single 24-hour solo endurance race. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have increased their power densities since the Edge 800 was developed so we're hoping for at least a few more hours of use from the next generation device. Couple a longer run time with the aforementioned wireless connectivity and that's one fewer cable lying around to clutter our desks.

The garmin edge 800 is by no means heavy but we still hope for its successor to be smaller and lighter without sacrificing display size:

The Garmin Edge 800 (right) is by no means heavy but we still hope for its successor to be smaller and lighter without sacrificing display size

6. Better desktop software

Garmin's own GarminConnect desktop software isn't bad at all. The basic functions are easy enough to use and there are enough ride analytics on tap to satisfy most tech geeks. However, the proliferation of third-party software suites has highlighted several chinks in GarminConnect's armor.

In particular, Strava has exploded as an online resource not just for logging your GPS data but also sharing that information with others and instantly comparing ride and segment times for a sort of web-based pseudo-race. It's simple and intuitive to use, there's an associated mobile app, and it also uploads data from your device heaps quicker than GarminConnect. Think of it just like your modestly competitive group ride, only now you're racing everyone – pro riders included.

Strava's appeal falls short in the ability to create and upload courses, though – something that GarminConnect includes, as do others such as Bikely. However, in none of those cases is the process as seamless as it should be, and in many cases the Edge 800 still won't generate turn-by-turn directions, even for courses created on Garmin's own site. The obvious solution would be to integrate all of that functionality into GarminConnect but refined in such a way so as to be elegant and highly intuitive – like, for example, the ability to drag-and-drop courses on to an icon of your connected GPS computer. 

A company the size of Garmin could simply buy their software competitors but we're unsure how likely that would be. Ultimately, the existence of third-party GPS-based sites still promotes the purchase of the company's devices so it's hardly a losing situation. GarminConnect is fine as it is but it certainly could be much better.

The garmin edge 800 offers full-fledged turn-by-turn navigation abilities when you choose a destination on the device itself. when uploading courses from your desktop, though, the results aren't quite as consistent:

The Garmin Edge 800 offers full-fledged turn-by-turn navigation abilities when you choose a destination on the device itself. When uploading courses from your desktop, though, the results aren't quite as consistent

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User Comments

There are 27 comments on this post

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 comments

  • how about a cadence sensor and HR strap that dont require batteries? Surely the use of electro-magnetic fields to power these add ons would be worthwhile. putting coin batteries in these constantly is a real annoyance and cost!

  • If you are struggling with turn by turn directions on your Edge 800 use ridewithgps.com

    Plot your route there and export as .tcx Then use Garmin Training Centre to upload the tcx to your Edge.

    I get consistent turn by turn directions using this method - just remember when you start the course go to the settings and turn on the "turn by turn" option!

    Ridewithgps also shows elevation profile for plotted route which Garmin connect does not.

  • Better screen protection yes it needs

    Better mounting option, I am not happy with 2 stretched O- rings holding a £300 tech, ripping down a bumpy trail, cable tie option and attachment for stem please.

    Garmin basemaps is crap, I want to cut and paste individual trails to make up my own route easily. So better editing functions on their site.

  • Bike Radar Writer:

    If you want a display like that in an iPhone, pony up the dosh. AMOLED and similar displays are going to drive the price up. Adding two-way communication is not only going to drive the price up but will also shorten the battery life. Yes, you do want a bigger battery or more amp-hours, but at the same time you want a smaller overall package. You're going to have to give up something in your wants list.

    Garmin could consider using Gorilla Glass, but that might compromise the computer's function with gloves on. A better option would be to include with the computer several display protectors, i.e. some film that can be applied and when damaged can be removed and replaced with something new. Gorilla glass is marginally more impact resistant than glass, but there are enough smart phones (and there are other companies beside Apple that use Gorilla Glass) phones with cracked displays to know that it's not impact proof. I'd rather have plastic and more impact protection.....accompanied with a screen protector.

    Increased contrast could be had with backlight modulation, but that might also come at the expense of lower battery life. It could also be achieved with some better quality LCD's (that have polarizers with higher extinction ratios), but that also might require more backlight and result in lower battery life.

    As a move to straddle two different camps, Garmin likely should (I'm betting they already are) look into having BLE and Ant+. Your theorizing about about concerns in the Ant+ member community about tech transfer are unfounded and not real concerns. Tech IP protection is a primary concern not only to companies with sensitive IP but also to companies who interface with the aforementioned companies. Garmin would be ruined if they were caught using illegally obtained IP. You can be assured that there are all manner of very restrictive, legally binding agreements signed.

    To guity: the e-field generated by the human heart is very weak. Very weak. It's so weak it's highly unlikely it could power its own ANT+ or BLE transmitter.

  • how about

    being £200 :D

  • How about Garmin wait until they've fully sorted the 800 before they even think about a new model. I hate beta testing expensive products such as the edge 800 that have been prematurely brought to market. Quality control and subsequent customer support and warranty is shocking too (experience with 2 headunits and 3 chest straps).

  • putting distance/ time ahead of virtual partner on the same screen as all your other training data ( HR, speed, time etc) I cant understand why this is not there its just annoying!

  • in general I like my 700, but some points...

    - why has the browser plugin to be closed source? I want a linux version. i'd do that myself.

    - can't it beep different for turning left/right?

    - why does it have to beep when plugging into the computer? annoys my office mates.

    - there are ant+ usb sticks, garmin watches can transmit their data via them, why not the 700?

    - a way to add a second heart rate monitor for the tandem stoker ;-)

  • Agree: I'd like a bigger display with more contrast. Mine's a bit better to see now I've put on an anit-glare protector

    £3.49 from http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0042VQD5E

    Agree danDNA: I couldn't get turn-by-turn working at all until finding ridewithgps.com

    wobbem: Have a look at http://openmtbmap.org for better free maps

    I like the mount, certainly for road use I've never thought it might fall off. I mount mine on the bars not the stem. 800 on one side and light on the other.

  • @dothebart, shouldnt you be doing your job at work rather than playing with your garmin, civil servant/teacher i assume :)

    better mounting agreed, sharing software, a garmin social netwoork is all mine is missing

  • Christ, there's some p*ssing and whining going on !!!

    Turn by turn nav works fine, just RTFM.

    Garmin connect DOES show elevation.

    Do you really need the high contrast and backlight ? If you do you're spending too much time staring at your 800.

    Yes, basemaps are crap, but Garmin isn't a charity, do you think that the OS give the rights to their mapping away for free ?

    It annoys people at work........... do you really need a solution to that !?!

    As for batteryless transmitters...... really, have you thought about that ?!?

    I'm sure that Garmin could provide everything that people have asked for, but then the price would go up and you'd all be p*ssing and whining that it's too expensive.

    How about just waiting for Moore's Law to take effect ?

  • How strong would this electro-field be? would you have to carry batteries to make this field? :)

    I brought a phone screen protection film and cut it to size and it protects the screen just fine.

    I use Bikehike.co.uk and I'm able to upload my routes to the Garmin OK with the Turn-by-Turn instructions. As long as i remember to turn on the Turn-by-Turn option :)

    The Garmin 800 is a fantastic bit of kit and I don't know if I would upgrade just yet.

  • I use the 800 with a screen protector from http://xoskins.com I am glad they use plastic because I don't want a shattered screen when a go heels over head. The screen protector stops fingerprints and keeps all the little scratches from building on it. It already had some when I installed it and it hid them. You should review one.

  • I would like a GPS that wasn't overpriced came with decent maps (this doesn't seem to be an issue for car based ones?) and didn't need to you jump through hoops to get it to work, (just upload baah here, convert to blah here and then copy ect etc). Until then I shall stick with my phone, a couple of apps and a bluetooth hrm.

  • just make it cheaper and its all good if not the best product ever made.

  • Great article IMO, the 800 is nowhere near as good as it could and should be. I've had a 705 for ages and was looking forward to the 800 for OS mapping etc and what I thought would be a better screen, 2 minutes playing with one though and I decided to keep my 705. The 800 screen is just rubbish and given the abundance of high quality screen options out there there's really no excuse for it.

    The whole experience is pretty dire to, wired uploading, crappy software, limited characters to routes etc. it doesn't stop a a 500/705/800 being very useful but they could be so much better. I'm all for Garmin dragging themselves into the 21st century and doing a 900 that costs £500ish and make it pretty much how the article suggests (I know I'd buy one). Given they don't have much competition other than smartphones I can't see it any time son though which is a shame, maybe Bryton will surprise us and not just try and make a Garmin clone.

  • #1 is the big issue - that laggy low-contrast display is a shocker. You don't need to compare it to the latest iPhone. Any touchscreen phone with google maps from the last 3 years will show it up.

    Wifi would be a nice bonus, if it includes an API for data exchange with phone & tablet apps.

    But none of this will happen until Garmin have some real competition for this segment. Someone bigger than Bryton needs to get in the game.

  • @ fluff - I think this is to do with volume nothing more. The car ones are cheap becasue millions of people buy them where as only a few wierdo cyclists like us by edge's

    I'm a new user and I was pretty impressed with the device at first but I have to say I think the software avaialble is atrocious, Partly it just looks bad, the options are very limited and they re frustratingly slow. I ve not had much success with Garmin Connect either. Why, for example, do i have to load files into other freeware software to upload them to Connect when THEY RE GARMIN's OWN FILE TYPES (!!!!)

  • One do it all software solution would be better than the 4 programs and 5 web sites that I am trying out at the minute.

    @ddrawer You can upload all activities direct to Garmin Connect easily straight from your device. Post on the Garmin Forum for more advice.

    I think the edge 800 is already an amizing device with very few niggles, but if this wasn't the internet age then you wouldn't get very far on the instructions provided. Thank god for forums.

  • Personally, as a 705 user, think technoilgy is pretty amazing as it is; soon you`ll be asking for a GPS brain implant ???

    Certainly improvements can eb made but soem of BR suggestions seem to be extreme, what`s wrong with a plug in connector? too much effort??

  • @XR600 - yes, but not the other way round. e.g if you re planning routes, or taking routes from Bikely etc.

    At the moment, using Garmin software alone, I have to download it off the site, put it in Training Centre, Upload to the Edge, ride the course, warts and all, upload it into Connect, edit it so that it works properly (right side of road/no wrong turns etc) and then finally save it to the device. That's way too much for what should be a simple process.

    Ok, so I can put the Bikely file into TCX Converter and THEN put it into Connect but I should nt have to use another bit of software for this...

    I read and Follow TFM too, but I still am 50 50 on getting turn by turn directions!

    It's 95% Perfect, unfortunately that 5% contains a lot of the useful stuff!

  • For simple custom offroad navigation prompts, I am now using bikehike.co.uk to create routes from imported recorded rides.

    Also, Garmin Basecamp is necessary for viewing the routes on the PC with 1:50,000 OS map on the internal card while the 800 is plugged into the PC with the USB.

  • The biggest change that Garmin could make to the Edge series is to make it possible for third parties to develop their own software for the devices.

    Then, set up an app store.

    I don't expect that it will be anything like as profitable as the iTunes app store, but it would be an ongoing moneyspinner and would make the devices much more useful - consequently, they'd sell a lot more devices and help to stave off (at least temporarily) the threat to their business from smartphones.

  • Iphone 4S ?

    If your gunning for a better screen why not go for the best? There are better screens out there than that phone.

    But i´m pretty sure it won´t happen, it would simply become too expensive.

  • Something to be able to transmit the cadence, power, etc data to my TV screen, so I can see the data on the TV screen when I am doing my turbo sessions. Some sort of ANT receiver shoudl be able to do the trick, which you then plug into the TV USB port.

  • Oh, FFS. a 5-year-old version of TomTom gives better routing than the Garmin Edge 800.

    It costs a bloody fortune, I bought it primarily for routing, and it DOES NOT DO THE JOB adequately.

    All of the six points ignore the fact that the Garmin does not do basic, on-road, routing properly, and five minutes testing would show this.

  • Routing works perfectly with Garmin city navigator and it's very easy to plan routes on the pc with it.

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