News I can't decide if the Garmin Instinct 3 is a winner or a flop

[AC News]

After a week with the Instinct 3, I'm struggling to decide if I should be content with more of the same, or if Garmin should have done more.

I can't decide if the Garmin Instinct 3 is a winner or a flop : Read more

 

[enmodo]

I had to double check the specs to confirm what you said about the MIPS resolution. That's crazy and not even because it is a solar model. My 45mm FR255 has 260x260 resolution and I'm quite happy with it. But most likely I will go with AMOLED or the new micro LED models when I upgrade next - probably in a couple of years. I would not upgrade to anything with my current sensor package - new ones are better and use less power.
As for maps I think that's basically a backup. Runners like me don't need full maps for street running and most trail uses - the out and back and pre programmed routes are good enough. Serious outdoor folks are never going to rely on a tiny watch for navigation, it will be a backup to a dedicated large screen phone or dedicated GPS device.

While I would love to have the option for satellite connectivity for low bandwidth messaging, weather WX, emergency uses you can bet when that first appears in a Garmin it will be one costing $1000+. I just don't see even mid range watches featuring that until there's wide adoption and mass production of low power tiny radios that would work in a watch sized device. Figure at least 5 years.

Given that satellite connection is available for high end phones now it makes more sense that Garmins will just continue to leverage that. Or they could create a very small and light version of the inReach that is satellite connected via the new cellular tech - basically to StarLink or any new constellation that gets launched. We are still many years from that too in my opinion.

Overall Garmin is just suffering from way too many models barely distinguished and with confusing semi overlapping feature sets. The one you want with all the features is always nearly $1000 now and one with most but not all features is in the mid price range. I wish they would more aggressively cull the older models and adopt a predictable 2 year update cycle for the others.

Given how cheap memory is they should also not be selling non-map capable phones. Make it a $ software update if you must but there's really no need for map and non map lines with a huge price difference. I get metal vs plastic cases and premium watch glass - but those cosmetic things should also not be tied to functionality.