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Choosing between 1040 Solar and 1040 Base

pjg61
over 2 years ago

If anyone is wondering whether they should get a 1040 Solar over the standard 1040 unit, here are my observations:

First, what's in the 1040 Solar that is not in the 1040 base :

*  64 GB (1040 Solar) memory vs 32 GB
* Preloaded maps for Europe and Australia (1040 Solar)
* Black Silicone case (1040 Solar)
* MTB Mount (1040 Solar)
* And naturally Solar charging

First, with respect to the most critical issue, Solar charging.  I rode the 1040 Solar along with a 1030 Plus for 3+ hours in broad sunlight. The 1040 Solar finished at 93% battery and the 1030 Plus finished at 88% battery. Not a huge difference. The 1030 Plus already had an amazing battery life, the 1040 is even better. What is the need for the solar charging ?

Next, the screen. The screen of the 1040 Solar has a 15% 5% photovoltaic level (as per DCRainmaker). This is visible when looking at the screen. This, for me, clearly affects the clarity of the screen and brightness of the colors.

In Canada, the Solar has a $200 premium (before taxes) for the Solar. Given that the screen is clearly not as bright and that the solar charging really isn't useful, I don't see the need for a 1040 Solar.  I had the 1040 Solar for 1 week and exchanged it for the 1040 Base.   I am now very happy with the 1040 base as I was with the 1030 Plus.

My two cents...

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    If you go bike-packing or randonneuring, with no access to USB charging for days on end, get the Solar. Otherwise, what’s the point of it?

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    Does the 64GB increase the processing speed VS the standard 1040 or does it just provide greater storage ?

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    One thing I have noticed that hasn't been mentioned here:

    The 32GB memory in the Edge 1040 "base" unit is the same as was available on the Edge 1030 Plus.  But I've been carrying the 1030 Plus in my pocket as I ride with the 1040 on the out front mount, and .FIT files on the 1030 Plus are about 25% larger than on the 1040, so that 32GB of memory lasts longer even if you don't occasionally purge your old rides.

    On battery life:

    I've tried the 1040 with "best accuracy", "balanced", and "longest battery life" GPS settings, and even the highest level has given me over 52 hours of battery life.