Garmin Edge 705 Hands-On Preview (GPS Magazine)

It's still in pre-production, but GPSmagazine already got its hands on a Garmin Edge 705 and has the first hands-on preview walkthrough available.

Trainer, Navigator, GPS-enabled cycle computer: Garmin's Edge 705 has high ambitions, and promises to deliver heart rate, cadence, turn-by-turn directions, power data, and more. You can even share core data with other Edge 705 buddies after the workout/ride. It's still only a preview, but so far things are looking good for the Edge 705.

As you read through this exclusive hands-on preview, please keep in mind that this is a pre-production unit and some features may be different on the production unit.

Specifications:

Dimensions: 2" x 4.3" x 1" (5.1 x 10.9 x 2.5 cm)
Display: 1.37" x 1.71" (3.48 x 4.36 cm); 2.2" diag (5.6 cm)
Display Resolution: 176 x 220 pixels
Weight: 3.7 oz (104.9 g)
Battery: rechargeable li-polymer, 15 hours life typical
Waterproof: yes (IPX7)
GPS Receiver: High Sensitivity
Maps: Preloaded Basemap, upgradeable via microSD card slot
Lap history: 1000 laps
Waypoints: 100
Routes: 50

Features

Heart Rate Monitor
Bike speed/cadence sensor
Garmin Connect compatible (online community where you analyze, categorize and share data)
Garmin Training Center software compatible
Virtual Partner (train against a digital person)
Courses (compete against previous workouts)
Auto Pause (pauses and resumes timer based on speed)
Auto Lap (automatically starts a new lap)
Auto Scroll (cycles through data pages during workout)
Multi-sport (automatically changes sport mode with a press of a button)
Advanced workouts (create custom, goal oriented workouts)
Quick workouts (input time, distance and pace goals)
Pace alert (triggers alarm if you vary from preset pace)
Time/distance alerts (triggers alarm when you reach goal)
Interval training (set up exercise and rest intervals)
Barometric altimeter
Unit-to-unit transfer (shares data wirelessly with similar units)
Power meter compatible

What's in the Box

The pre-production unit Garmin sent me only included the unit itself and an AC adapter. The full retail version will include the following items in the box:

Edge 705
Depending on the model, one of the following:
- Heart rate monitor
- Heart rate monitor and speed/cadence sensor
- Heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor, and data card preloaded with City Navigator for U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico street maps
Bike mounts
AC Charger
USB cable
Owner's manual on disk
Quick reference guide

One Edge, Three Versions

Figure 1: Garmin Edge 705, Front

Garmin's Edge 705 will ship in three different configurations:

Edge 705, Heart Rate (SKU 010-00555-20) - $541
Edge 705, Heart rate & Speed/Cadence (SKU 010-00555-30) - $595
Edge 705, Heart rate, Speed/Cadence & Data card (SKU 010-00555-40) - $710

Figure 2: Garmin Edge 705, Front

The overall design of the Edge 705 is similar to previous Edge units, but the screen has been enlarged and is now in color.

Figure 3: Garmin Edge 705, Back

The back of the Edge looks to share the same basic mounting system used on previous Edge devices.

Figure 4: A protective rubber flap conceals the USB port

Figure 5: Garmin Edge 705, Right Side

The right ride of the Edge is home to the Menu button, as well as zoom in and out buttons.

Figure 6: Garmin Edge 705, Top

Figure 7: Garmin Edge 705, Left Side

The left side of the Edge 705 is home to the Power and mode buttons.

Figure 8: Garmin Edge 705, Bottom

The entire Edge 705 casing is sealed to protect the unit from the elements (the Edge 705 is waterproof rated to IPX-7 standards, meaning it can be completely submerged in water for up to 30 minutes).

Figure 9: Edge 705, Front

One minor issue I noticed is that the glossy portion of the Edge 705's exterior case is fingerprint prone. Notice the fingerprint above the lap key in the image above.

Using the Edge 705

Figure 10: Powering on the Edge 705

The Edge 705 is powered on by pressing and holding the Power button for ~2 seconds. When first powered on, the Edge 705 searches for satellite signal and displays estimated remaining battery life.

Figure 11: Main Menu