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Which Garmin sofftware?
Hey All, I've just taken delivery of a Garmin Edge 705.
Two downloads are mentioned in the manual - Garmin Connect and Garmin Training Centre. The choice seems to be expressed as an either/or - use one but not both.
Is this correct? If so, which is the better choice?
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This is how I use it...... But I started with Training centre as default.
I have T/centre on my PC - when I connect my 305 it downloads all the events and I can upload any changes to settings, courses, training options. If I wish to share info on my rides then I can login to Connect and upload. I tend only to upload a few rides (proof of a time) and keep the bulk of data in T/C.
You could live with either but conect doesn't seem to allow me to alter settings like T/C does.
To complicate matters there are better sites than Connect like training peaks that include diet and calorie counters but you have to be dedicated to your cause to fill in your meals each day
IMHO the supplied Training Centre software is pretty much useless. For off-line alternatives (non-internet based) SportTracks seems to be often mentioned:
http://www.zonefivesoftware.com/SportTracks/
For internet based, there seems to be a heap of new sites popping up, all built around recording logs of your activities. I use Garmin Connect simply because it's the default choice, but there is probably something better out there. If you're into social networking, there are plugins that will automatically link in Garmin Connect activities (yours and your friends) which might be a plus for some.
I'm sure others will be along shortly with a list of other options.
P.S. There was a comparison in one of the magazines at the race (the Mont) this weekend. Can't remember if that was a freebie or the one Whisperer brought along though.
SportTracks has many more functions & flexibility that Garmin Training Centre.
I especially like that you can import lots of different data from different devices & merge them into a single activity.
eg - I use a separate HRM & Etrex GPS when riding my bike, but take my HRM & Nokia GPS enabled phone when jogging (it plays mp3s...) & can combine any of the separate pieces of data into a single activity within SportTracks as long as the timestamps are the same.
montebello's ascent is awesome, but you need a mac.
Thanks Rob for the tip - just downloaded Sportstracks and its very good - waaay better than connect.