Choosing between 1040 Solar and 1040 Base

I came to the same conclusion. Tested  both models of the 1040 and have then but decided for the 1040 non solar variant.

The two main reasons:
1. The difference in battery level between solar and non solar was hardly noticeable most of the time with me and since I often ride in bad weather or in the dark, there is no advantage for me (I have with the basic 1040 over 50 hrs runtime).
2. The display of the solar variant is slightly worse (probably due to the solar layer) and this is a circumstance that I ALWAYS see.

For me, the decision was quite simple: Better display, almost the same battery life (in my conditions) and also much cheaper....

The display is the biggest deal breaker for me. 

Not worth for the solar version. I heard many have issues with the solar as they thought the solar charging is fast. I own the non solar version and it works fine.

I tend to agree.  I don’t need the extra memory for maps. If I ever travel to the places I don’t have I’ll deal with it.  I would have liked the silicone case I must admit.  MTB Mount couldn’t care less.

As for solar.  I get it for people on multi day (read at least a week) rides with no power.  But the standard 1040 is so good already.  I now do a whole week of rides of more than 350km and still it has loads of charge left (it’s gone down maybe 50%).  If I plug it in to a big power PD charger it adds more in 5 minutes than the solar device does in a 3 hour ride.  I can see on the watches that are effectively constant use that it can help (but then really only on multi day hikes).

I have to agree.  I've had the 1040 Solar since launch.  I don't have any of the problems a lot of people mention on this forum.  The solar option seems a bit "gimmicky" to me.  You don't gain enough during any amount of riding to justify the extra cost.  In hindsight, I would buy the 1040 without solar and that would be my recommendation to anyone who would ask for my opinion.

But I will say that I am very happy with my 1040, solar or not.

Non-solar 64GB would be great. Didn't get solar, for I forgot it existed + would be afraid the panel could break. It wasn't for sale here anyway.

I looked at both, and noticed according to the specs,  there was a difference in the base battery like battery like before solar took effect.  don't remember the numbers, but it that that made me go  solar.

The red above and below the screen is annoying (a little distracting).

I bought the 1040 base and was instructed by Garmin to buy a second unit while in Japan in order to see the language for navigation purposes.

The Japanese unit is a 45-70% premium price to the rest of the world (more expensive than than the latest top end iPhone). And the difference between Solar & base price is less than $100. So, with a case and extra mount, the additional price was within reason despite the actual price being ridiculous. And having to fork out for a 2nd unit.

The Solar does not appear any better than the base. And the screen does seem a bit more faded.

The additional memory also isn't needed as long as can have your regions maps on there.

Also, as a side note. The Japanese navigation is rubbish (essentially doesn't work) and no better than the other region units (which also don't work in Japan). 

I got the base (non-solar) because the price difference in my region was just too much and I had concerns regarding the possible slight screen dullness observed on the solar. Now after a few months use I remain very happy with the purchase, the base screen clarity, sharpness, readability, brightness even without any backlight is amazing and while I still have not had an opportunity to fully test it the battery remaining estimate mostly claims high 90s into the low hundred hours left after a full charge, can’t ever see me needing solar. Even if a bit optimistic I would be very satisfied with 70-80 hrs on the road.

PS I clearly don’t use backlight unless it’s night then 10% is more than enough, I don’t have a phone connected and only have a speed sensor, 102 hrs without battery saver mode (it actually goes down if enabled as saver mode uses more backlight then I find necessary

The batteri time in Solar is insane! would go for solar. I'm in spain doing 5 hours pluss each day. I just charge it once a week just because I feel I need to

I love those thinks that's autoupload and just work and work without having to charge it each day.

When I choose training gear it all about easy just plug and drive. 

I would go with the non-solar version ... I have the solar version and the battery life, without including the boost from solar, is fantastic.

Unless you need the extra memory, get the non-solar version.  The 'case' is cheap if you go 3rd party.