I currently have the fenix 3 looking to get the 5 or 5x, do you think the mapping is going to worth the extra price and size? I like how the 5 has the longer battery life, not sure if the mapping function on the 5x will be useful enough.
Coming from the original Fenix which had a base map (and the ability to have custom maps), the mapless F3 was a bit of a step back. Later I've bought an Epix to have maps, for hikes and trail runs only, at least that was the idea. But I'm using the Epix every day, because it's so convenient to always have maps without having to take out a phone. The Fenix 3 was starting to gather dust and my other half is now using it. So if you ask me, maps are worth it, unless you don't mind using your phone or a handheld GPS (bigger screen, easier to use).
Actually since Garmin fixed the screen lock on the Epix (before the fix, you could not use it in the rain, the touchscreen would go nuts), I doubt if I'll get the 5X, because the Epix works great (but in case you are tempted to buy an Epix -not so expensive these days- make sure to head over to the Epix forum to read all about the bugs that it still has, and the functionality that it doens't have compared to the Fenix 5X).
Coming from the original Fenix which had a base map (and the ability to have custom maps), the mapless F3 was a bit of a step back. Later I've bought an Epix to have maps, for hikes and trail runs only, at least that was the idea. But I'm using the Epix every day, because it's so convenient to always have maps without having to take out a phone. The Fenix 3 was starting to gather dust and my other half is now using it. So if you ask me, maps are worth it, unless you don't mind using your phone or a handheld GPS (bigger screen, easier to use).
Actually since Garmin fixed the screen lock on the Epix (before the fix, you could not use it in the rain, the touchscreen would go nuts), I doubt if I'll get the 5X, because the Epix works great (but in case you are tempted to buy an Epix -not so expensive these days- make sure to head over to the Epix forum to read all about the bugs that it still has, and the functionality that it doens't have compared to the Fenix 5X).
Is it comfortable to use mapping functions of Epix with keys, not touchscreen? One of the features I was waiting for F5X was touchscreen but it doesn't have and I don't like zooming/panning on the routes with my F3.
The mapping function on the Epix is really useful, especially when hiking and mountain-biking : a quick look on the watch and you know if you are on the right path. Personally I always use the buttons because the touch screen is really too small to be convenient, and it is useless with gloves !
I reasoned for a while about it and decided it was not worth it just yet. I'll give it to next gen to mature a bit more. I have 5 without the x on pre order.
Fenix 5x has much more RAM then other F models, so it will have more than 1 MB RAM for CIQ apps compared to 128KB with 5/5s versions. It was the same with Epix too, as it has 32 MB RAM chip; why not to utilise it.
CPU may be the same or some cheaper one but running at higher frequency like Epix vs. F3. We'll see when it's released.
Sis651, could you tell me where you got the the data re the CIQ memory differences from? Or could you detail a little bit on that? I mean I do not need the map function of 5X but I wonder what I might loose in the future if I go with 5 re internal CIQ memory etc...
Sis651, could you tell me where you got the the data re the CIQ memory differences from? Or could you detail a little bit on that? I mean I do not need the map function of 5X but I wonder what I might loose in the future if I go with 5 re internal CIQ memory etc...
Thanks,
Meste
Garmin releases ConnectIQ SDK which we use to build ConnectIQ apps, watchfaces etc. for those devices. (Eg. my list of apps. :D ) The device description files in the SDK display such features. This image below displays the data I got from devices.xml. For processor models I disassemble my watch and look other disassembly images. So Fenix 5X will have much more RAM dedicated to CIQ objects so they won't have out of memory errors easily. Also they'll be able to be more colourful as more memory can hold images with more colors, though the screen will be the limit yet. Also to process maps Garmin may enable F5X CPU to run at higher frequencies, as it needs more processing power for maps. For example, in some CIQ benchmark Epix is %50 faster than F3. But F3 CPU can run at max. 180 MHz CPU frequency in hsrun mode while Epix can run in 120 MHz; apparently F3 is running at slower freq. than Epix. So Garmin may do the same with F5X and it may be a bit faster then the other models.
Should you buy it? More memory didn't help Epix sell more than F3, because people thought it was ugly watch. But this time all these models are beautiful. So it can just attract more people and developers; hard to decide at this point. But personally if I'm not going to buy F5X, there is no need to buy F5 series at all as they don't have ground breaking difference for me.
^^^^ looks like a typo in the watch_app memory_limit variable for the 5X (10 times larger ?) so maybe we can't fully believe those numbers ?
No typo there. Fenix 5X has external memory chip while other modesl just only utilize the SRAM on their main processor. Epix was the same, it has 32 MB RAM chip to store maps. ConnectIQ is just utilising 1 MB of the RAM for itself. :D
