[QA] system check on 2X Solar

I've never had any issues with things not working with 3 garmin watches.  Have you had previous issues?  And to test all those functions, you'd have to take it out of the box and then register in the garmin connect app.  Then you'd have to actually set the whole thing up.  Go on runs.  Use all the metrics.  And if you don't understand what one/some of the metrics or functions are, then you'd assume it's broken.  Lots of work.

I wouldn't worry about it. And when is the "next big holiday" you have in mind.  If it's for Christmas, wait until black Friday in Nov.  Garmin always has sales then until the end of the year.

well... i understand that... of course i would need to take it out of the box. believe me, i know how to package it back up so that nobody even notices the box was open.

i was mostly interested in verifying the sensors/hardware. because the app is not going to be used.

nskmda said:

i was mostly interested in verifying the sensors/hardware. because the app is not going to be used.

It makes no sense. The first time it is used and paired with the Connect app or Express, the watch will be updated to the latest software version. This may also include updates for the sensors.
This makes a previous test obsolete.

nskmda said:

i was mostly interested in verifying the sensors/hardware.

Why? Is it a second hand watch that comes without any warranty? The hardware is tested in the factory, and if it happens that some of the components stop to work before it is unpacked, and if the device was bought at a reputable vendor, you can exchange it.

However if you really want, then test whether the HR sensor takes your pulse (it still does not mean it will work accurately with another person), whether the PulseOx takes accurate SpO₂ (at many people it often underreports, but it is not a hardware problem, rather limited by the physiology of given person), whether the accelerometer works (counting steps), whether the display, flashlight, GPS work, whether BT and ANT+ work - pair it with a phone, pair it with some external sensors, test the compass, test whether all buttons work, check the vibrator, and sonor alarm, etc, etc. You can take it to a watch repair shop and ask to make a waterproof test. You you can take it to the sea for a deeper plunge. Test the battery - fully charge and use a few weeks in the smartwatch mode till it shuts down to see whether the battery is in good shape. Then repeat the test in diverse modes with GPS usage, with PulseOx, etc. You will probably need a few months to test it all.

All of it is indeed rather useless unless you are buying a second hand watch where you are not sure in which state it comes and have no warranty (and I would strongly discourage you from doing so). Even if you do the test, which at a new watch will be practically certainly without problems, it does not mean that some of the components cannot fail during the next few months of usage. Anyway, the waste majority of problems reported here on the forum comes either form the misunderstanding of the functionality, or from software bugs. Hardware problems almost exclusively happen after a longer use of the watch.

trux said:

if the device was bought at a reputable vendor, you can exchange it

I got it from Amazon.
They have a return policy but that only valid for 30 days.
After that it would be Garmin 1 yr warranty only (I didn't purchase any extra 'protection coverage').

But thanks for the guidance.