I own the Garmin GPS Forerunner 305 for over 1 year, the 310XT I ordered for my brother.
For me the opportunity to make a direct comparison "old" versus "new".
Principal advantage of the Forerunner is the built-in GPS receiver device!
The tracks recorded and to know how far and where you are running, stretching and training on computers to plan (gpsies.com + SportTracks Fitness plugin) and transfer it to the FR for me were buying decisive, apart from the price ...)
The GPS fix (here on the windowsill inside) is much faster than the 305er, the accuracy ('m running with two clocks at the same time) is identical, both FR with the latest firmware. It is advisable to make the firmware update to the first, the firmware upgrade is the 310er on GarminConnect a breeze.
Select a buy.garmin.com the 310XT and select the right direct links "Updates & Downloads", accept on the next page and then the conditions are set to go. (I think the precondition "Garmin Communicator Plugin")
"MyGarmin" and also the "Garmin Training Center" for evaluating the data I do not use. MyGarmin was not for me and the TC has ever far too inaccurate map, you (free of charge) may improve only with considerable effort.
Here runs from the beginning to the free software "SportTracks". Many Plugin facilitate the work. Not all free, but it looks to you, there are you like the money and in relation to some new running shoes absolutely manageable.
Tons of analysis options await you. The easy sometimes annoying "auto pause" you do not need to activate the FR, breaks expects SportTracks itself out.
The clock itself offers a variety of settings for a FR-safe first owner only step by step logical and explanatory. Bicycles, data fields, heart rate zones, speed zones, virtual training partner ... countless things can be configured.
Operation of the 310ers is very similar to the 305er, a few other terms, a few more options (eg multiple bicycles can be configured accordingly then also several GSC10).
Really awesome is the vibration alert and the key lock, the beeping ("Auto Round" 1km) at the 305er I hear regularly not.
That would be my recommendation for setting the data fields ("Auto Round" on 1km set):
3 field:
1.Zeit
2.Puls Max.HF in% (new at 310XT)
3.Distanz
The following screen is then also I have actively most common being:
3 field:
1.DurschschnittsPace round
2.DurschschnittsPace final round
3.Puls Max.HF in%
3 field:
1.Herzkurve (new at 310XT)
2.Rundendistanz
3.Last Lap Pace
4.Feld new to 310XT
1.Uhrzeit
2.Höhe
3.HF
5.Feld:
Virtual Partner (always active: the new 310XT)
The key lock can be pushed through the simultaneous "fashion" and "up arrow" button to enable / disable.
Because really nothing more can go wrong.
Also new on the 310er "> System> Display mode> Settings" activate permanent lighting on.
For having a 305er a switch is not worthwhile unless you have too much money or
a (round) birthday. ;)
For first-time buyers of my absolute recommendation!
Few news at a glance:
Permanent lighting possible
Radio data transmission
Waterproof (Swimming)
Acculaufzeit (20h)
Keylock
Vibrating alert
As% of maximum heart rate
More data fields (max. 4 x 4)
Virtual Partner as 5.Datenfeld (always active)
No problem (also with functional clothing) makes this the heart rate belt / textile (moisten front applying!)
Negatives:
Altimetry GPS Depending inaccurate, but you can (SportTracks: Elevation Correction plugin) via software subsequently corrected very well.
So far, the data transmission via ANT Stick that are not yet 100% working.
Once (runs) no * new * data arrived more fixed on the device firmware update (to 2.70),
then once an error of Garmin Communicator Plugin (this and the ANT Agent current version). We'll see.
Data transfer via cable to the 305er works perfectly.
Data transmission works flawlessly. Even relative luxury. Once the clock within reach
comes the new data will be automatically transmitted and possibly the computer. Previous Broadcast for clock
Courses or training (from GPSies, GarminConnect, sport t. Or GarminTC) delivered to the Garmin.
How many times now so common no manual in paper form, only one
"Quick Start Guide". The PDF on CD or website appears to me compared
the 305er also quite short.
Wishes for the future:
An integrated mp3 player would be not bad. The Accu should give. ;)
Useful accessories:
GARMIN -. Speed + Cadence GSC 10
For the 305er:
Garmin bracelet m. Velcro closure and extension of FR 205/305
