Given the (tiny) size of the battery in the F3 the odds of a 500ma supply (standard USB off a computer port) being unable to charge it at the full rate the watch can support is zero.
High-rate chargers may in fact turn off before they should; I have a power bank that repeatedly does this, and cycles -- and thus charges the F3 very slowly. Plugging it into a "standard" (not "intelligent") USB charger or my computer results in the "best available" rate; it takes about 2ish hours to charge from the 'red zone' (~20ish% remaining.)
Reasons?
1) Better display
2) More processing power (I'm hoping this translates into smoother/faster menu operation - though with the higher resolution display, thats still to be seen).
3) Longer battery life.
4) I know the OHR takes more samples, but I dont know if the OHR sensors themselves are improved? Couldnt find information on this anywhere, but I do hope they are for better accuracy.
5) Last but not least, quick-release straps. I love my metal strap too much; so end up sacrificing some accuracy because the fit isnt perfect. Not only will the 5 have QR straps so I can swap for a rubber one for activities easily - but even their metal strap finally (appears to at least, from pictures) have "fine adjustment" holes on the latch which should allow me to have a perfect fit anyway!
Since you have other reasons for upgrading this won't really effect your choice but the QR straps for the F5X will work on the F3 line.
I'm thinking of waiting for the Black Friday sales later in the year before getting an F5 so I'm going back and forth trying to decide whether or not to pick up one of the QR bands for my F3.
Could you tell me what cpu have f5? I know f3hr has a Freescale Kinetis K66 CPU. It has 2MB flash and 256KB RAM inside it. It can run at 180 MHz in high speed run mode.
It has 256 Mbit (32MB) Micron flash storage for storing activities etc.
Better OHR
Better display with more colours
Much improved battery life
Slicker looks especially with the new slate grey metal bands
Maps
I do not need it, I want it. The above reasons are a just bonus! Just been honest!
Plus I got 10% of at Cotswold outdoors (£567) and the metal band from Amazon at £144 free delivery on launch. Expected March 17-21st but I think it will be much later. Watch this space!
It does not at this stage (remembering software is still being tweaked) the OHR is better than the Fenix 3 HR. That may change. However, all the other changes are still significant.
DCRainmaker has reported no significant changes in GPS or OHR at this stage, but he has also stated it is not the final software release. Hopefully it will get a little bit better, although it was already quite good. Maybe not as good as Tomtom, but still quite acceptable.
Better OHR
Better display with more colours
Much improved battery life
Slicker looks especially with the new slate grey metal bands
Maps
I do not need it, I want it. The above reasons are a just bonus! Just been honest!
Plus I got 10% of at Cotswold outdoors (£567) and the metal band from Amazon at £144 free delivery on launch. Expected March 17-21st but I think it will be much later. Watch this space!
I believe f5 could be faster.
I think there are some film on youtube how fast is f5
