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Forerunner 945 LTE released

RichardB
over 4 years ago

Details here:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/698632

I'm curious to find out which countries are supported for the LTE connections. Can't find anything after a quick glance. 

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to C.sco

    Exactly. They don’t even specify which physical network are using in their product, yet they announce emergency messaging everywhere, which is especially false in a country like USA where a LOT of areas do not have GSM coverage, let alone LTE.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Labronico

    I think most sensible people will realise that it will only work where there is cellphone/LTE coverage.

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 4 years ago in reply to Labronico

    discover.garmin.com/.../

    Labronico said:
    They don’t even specify which physical network are using in their product

    They're not using "a network". They're using coverage from all the major carriers; AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.  DCRainmaker has a good review that explains it in more detail. 

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    While I like how Garmin approaches the LTE side of the watch and I think it has a great potential, this release also crushes my dreams in regards to Fenix 7 a bit: it does make me feel like the 7 or 6 plus will be the same thing with just a new v4.0 sensor and a couple tweaks, but I was and still am expecting a lot of new stuff like dual gps, bigger and better screen among a few things. I, honestly, rather Garmin take more time with Fenix 7 and release a true newly updated watch than do a plus version like the 945 LTE. 

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    Pointless if you ask me, only serious athletes will want these LTE features but most of us want an updated 945. Personally I want a 745 with Maps or a 945 with a screen that fits the whole of the watch (Fenix 6 is too heavy) and if that comes with the latest OHR (v4) then bonus.... I know, they could call it a 955!! Looks like a few more months to wait now - at least!!

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Duggs
    Duggs said:
    Pointless if you ask me, only serious athletes will want these LTE features but most of us want an updated 945.

    Never quite sure I understand comments like these that purport to understand the market. Fortunately Garmin know what people want and provide products to meet their needs.

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    Just noticed something else. The Connect IQ API level is 3.2.0, not 4.0.0. I would think that was a factor in calling it a 945 not a 955. 

    8 months since they announced 4.0 and there is only the Venu 2 out there supporting it. Watch releases have to be behind schedule.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Dr Phil

    I think I suggested it was my opinion and I have seen a number of threads where people dont like the size of the watchface compared to size of watch and that the 945 is now dated etc... I know they have upgraded the internals but as a UK resident why would I want to pay more money for a LTE watch that has no cover my country?? Why release another version of a watch that is already 2+ years old when they could have released a new model with an LTE option for those that want/need it?

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member
    The cheapest InReach subscription is $11.95 a month with 10 text messages and then additional charges after that. I don't understand why anyone would want to carry an additional device and pay that fee. :) 

    You don't understand why an Iridium device might be worth paying a monthly fee for?

    It does something that a phone cannot do - it works anywhere on the surface of the entire planet.

    The LTE watch service, for 5.99/6.99 per month, does absolutely nothing that a phone cannot also do.

    Granted, it's clearly worth it to some people to pay $6-7 a month to leave their phone at home, and that's fine. But paying for that luxury subscription is a bit of a stretch to compare to a satellite communicator that works anywhere on the planet.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to C.sco

    Iridium is a true wilderness/middle-of-the-ocean service. It's definitely something unique/specialized. IMO, $12/mo is a steal for those who actually need it.

    The 945 LTE strategy is both more limited, and way more broad. Yes, it doesn't help folks looking to IM/SMS from their phone or who are out in the wilderness orienteering/backpacking outside of cellular range. But for the "average long distance runner," I think it's more useful than you suggest. Someone urban/suburban running 5-10 miles from home probably doesn't want to be weighed down by carrying their phone, and if you run early in the morning/late evening, or just on light trails/access roads, you can't always rely on someone else being around with a phone to borrow. If you're on a country road and some jerks in a pickup truck start following and catcalling you (apparently a very real thing that happens to a number of female runners), being able to trigger emergency assistance or send a "come get me" message to your closest contact would be really welcome.

    For me, that's all I really need. Leave my phone at home, have peace of mind for the 1-5% of times I may run into some issues, including emergency help. I'll pay $6 a month for that. Maybe I'm the only one, but we'll see.