thinking about a new Garmin head unit. Bring me up to speed

[AngryScientist]

I am anti touch screen.

I've been caught in a few driving rainstorms that render the touch screens useless, and that is to include my iPhone. I much prefer physical
buttons.

[kppolich]

530 User here, it does it all with a smaller form factor while maintaining great battery life even on year 3-4. If I had to purchase today, I'd like at a 540 for my riding. If I was looking for more screen real-esate or routing power --840.

If you are in the bifocal club 1040/1050 if you need a bike bell integrated....

[reuben]

I have an 840 solar. 5xx is smaller, 1xxx is larger - your choice.

I do like the touch screen, although some prefer buttons. My problem is that I can never remember the button sequence to get from one screen to another. For me, swiping is easier. On the other hand, I rarely change the screen while riding anyway. You can operate the 840 either way.

Solar isn't worth it IMHO. It can't collect enough to make an appreciable difference, and I've never come close to running out of battery. And if I did I probably wouldn't care as I know how to get home. Using maps in an unknown area is different, but I've never come close to running out of battery in that situation, either.

I only use HR and cadence on the trainer, mostly to keep my cadence up. I don't use either on the road, just speed, average speed, distance, and maybe one or two other things that i can't remember. Maybe elapsed time and elevation.

I'm obviously not a power user.

I say pick the size you want w/o solar. Then check on other features to narrow it down.

[openwheelracing]

530 is perfection imo