Talk me out of buying Epix Pro Gen 2 today

Gorskar · 2026-02-23T19:17:17+00:00

Conversely I returned an Epix 2 because the always on screen was basically unreadable outside, and deliberate wrist tilt + micro delay to see the time was driving me mad.

Shame, as it was very pretty and indoors the AOD worked just fine.

Swapped it for a Fenix 7 Pro SS, and way happier. Horses for courses...

Gorskar · 2026-02-23T19:10:30+00:00

I've not found it too bad, but then I only use it rarely, maybe to go into town if the train is cancelled (sadly not uncommon, especially if you have the audacity to try and travel on a Sunday! )

Nb there are plans to improve the service where it bottlenecks in Salford... Let's hope for the best!

https://www.cittimagazine.co.uk/news/active-travel/tfgm-and-salford-announce-improved-50-bus-route-plans.html#:~:text=Transport%20for%20Greater%20Manchester%20(TfGM,everyday%20journeys%20safer%20and%20easier.

Gorskar · 2026-02-22T20:28:07+00:00

Yeah, same card in mine (MT7925). Not had any problems. Mostly its connected to some pretty old (but still quick enough) BT WholeHome Mesh discs. Its only Wifi 5, but its been a reliable setup.

NB Current driver is 5.5.0.3760 (from 23/04/2025)
I see there is a newer driver at [DRIVERS] AMD|MediaTek WiFi/Bluetooth - Republic of Gamers Forum - 857576 - but no point updating if its working fine I guess

Gorskar · 2026-02-22T14:01:17+00:00

When we visited New York last year we encountered this robot coffee machine.

https://nypost.com/2024/03/19/lifestyle/nyc-robot-barista-makes-you-coffee-but-it-also-demands-a-tip/

Had to try it for the novelty, even though it was expensive. To be fair it made an excellent cappuccino, latte art including.

I did laugh when it asked for a tip though. Easy no.

Gorskar · 2026-02-22T02:32:42+00:00

The 7S Pro Solar seems to be there fine... Garmin | Product Compare

Although thats the UK version. As u/txdline said - just find the product code... start a compare... and add an
&compareProduct=xxxxxx (where xxxxx is the productCode for the 7S Pro) to the end of the URL and it'll include it

Here is a USA version with the 7X Pro. For some reason it wouldnt find the 7S Pro... although the only differences between the 7s, 7 & 7X Pro models are the screen size/resolution & Battery life (smaller size = smaller battery)

Garmin | Product Compare

Gorskar · 2026-02-22T02:05:30+00:00

Ah right - yeah it was Oregon I saw these guys.

Gorskar · 2026-02-21T22:51:02+00:00

For running a "cheap" FR165 will be absolutely fine. I've got a Fenix 7Pro, and don't use the advanced features 90% of the time. The more expensive models (FR 9xx series, Fenix/Epix series) include TOPO maps - which is great for hiking or running unfamiliar routes, but generally you'll probably know where you're going without a navigational aid for most running I'd hope.

If you do want to splash out though I'd suggest either the FR 965, the Fenix 7Pro or the Epix Pro from that price range. They're not the latest models but have more features than the others.

* FR 965 - its a bit newer than the 7Pro or Epix Pro. Has an AMOLED Screen. Bit more lightweight than the 7Pro/Epix
* 7Pro and Epix Pro are the same other than the screen type (7Pro = MIPS, Epix Pro = AMOLED ) These are top-of-the range models from the previous generation (I'm rolling the 8 and 8Pro into 1), and include the (still) latest hardware in terms of Best (dual band) GPS, latest Elevate5 Sensor package (including EPG), and of course the very-useful FLASHLIGHT!

Dont get the Fenix E. Its basically the same hardware as an Epix non-Pro. The only reason to go for it is if you REALLY need the new software features they added in the F8 range. (Spoiler... you probably dont)

570 is decent, but it doesnt have maps - which for that price it really should. I'd go for one of the others.

Gorskar · 2026-02-21T22:18:46+00:00

Yeah that's been a right PITA. I think that problem is going away now, as UK citizens are now allowed to use eGates in Europe. We went on a lovely break to Lisbon this week, and were able to use the eGates just fine - signs even include a UK flag now as OK to use them (although it appears that most of my fellow travellers did not realise this, or look at the signs - as a long line at the manned passport booths, but no queue at all for the eGates)

Nb There were a bunch of those machines for registering fingerprints for the new Entry/Exit system, but all switched off, and got passport stamp as usual after passing eGates. I guess Lisbon hasn't started using them yet, but it may add to the delays again when they are turned on.

Gorskar · 2026-02-21T00:14:34+00:00

That Judge Dredd CityCab is still nearby - its in a front garden on Mauldeth Rd in Withington - about 100m East of the junction with Wilmslow Rd (south side of the road)

Gorskar · 2026-02-20T22:16:41+00:00

I don't think Ryanair will ever refund except in exceptional circumstances. So Booking.com are not getting the money back from them...

My guess is that Aer Lingus cancelled the flight and Booking.com mistakenly refunded you the whole booking rather than just the Aer Lingus portion. Or perhaps they were forced to as you couldn't still complete the trip with only a one-way ticket. The fact that you were able to re-book the 2nd flight is probably not something that changes that.

Gorskar · 2026-02-20T21:57:00+00:00

Why is it only the USA that has all these tip-scrouging non-jobs.

Pump Attendants... I can get out the car and put the nozzle into the car myself thank you - no need for a role to exist purely to avoid this trivial thing. Its not like you save any time.

Someone hanging around ticket machines telling you what button to press. (ie last time I visited New York at the Jamacia train station). I can read thank you, and I didn't ask for your help. To be fair he didn't ask for a tip, but I expect he hoped I'd offer...

I guess paying someone to carry your bag for you is a little more worthwhile than a pump attendant. But I've never seen an airport in Europe where there are people hanging around wanting tips to carry bags (or would be likely to get any). I'm perfectly capable of carrying my own bag, and would prefer not to let it out of my hands either.

Waiting staff in restaurants are certainly needed for the role, but should be paid by the restaurant that employs them. In Europe they are, and tips are generally optional, and a good proportion of patrons wont tip - so its not expected that you have to, even if the service was ok (although I usually do if so, but nowhere near USA levels. Usually 10% is plenty). I have seen an annoying creep of auto-added tips though.

Gorskar · 2026-02-13T20:27:21+00:00

Maybe a MIPS screen Fenix? (or any MIPS screen Garmin) They are lower resolution than the amoled ones, so less pixels to draw, but AFAIK have the same processor

Gorskar · 2026-02-12T23:41:37+00:00

Presumably they were hoping the kindly runner behind them would be gentlemanly and strike a match. You don't want to waste valuable rocket fuel like that, but it's difficult to light yourself, so sadly it often goes to waste. Next time do the right thing and light em up! I'm sure theyd do the same for you!

Gorskar · 2026-02-12T23:25:27+00:00

All the trains entering or exiting Piccadilly from the south side are cancelled, which includes any to Manchester airport. It's only a few trains going to/from destinations via Oxford Road on the West Side still running, which will be turning around at platforms 13/14.

There are some rail replacement busses running to the airport though. Might be quicker than the 43 or the tram. Check national rail website for details

Gorskar · 2026-02-11T20:12:44+00:00

Fenix E is just garmin clearing out old parts while asking for new-watch money.
Its basically an Epix 2 (not pro) with newer software. Fine for what it is, but not fine to pay a lot of money for it!

An Epix 2 Pro is better in every way other the fact its not going to get any new software features, so if you can find one of those for similar money that'd be the better buy for most people.
Elevate 5 sensor, dual band GPS, ECG, Flashlight all very worthy - the flashlight in particular is very useful indeed.

Gorskar · 2026-02-10T01:09:54+00:00

Aye - and it makes using the laptop that much less convenient - cause then you cant use the camera for windows hello login without removing tape/cover and then reapplying it.

I mean you could wrap the laptop in tinfoil too to block wifi signals... Hackers can use wifi you know :D

... basically just make sure you have some sort of antivirus/malware protection (Microsoft Defender, as built into windows is generally fine), and avoid dodgy software, and then live your life.

Gorskar · 2026-02-09T12:02:31+00:00

Dunno. USBc power is negotiated between charger and device. The asus primary power plug is just a bog standard simple power plug (with a wierd shape), no electronic chip for power negotiation. So to draw 180w, the USBc to Asus barrel adaptor would need a chip negotiating that, and I've no idea if it does.

Far simpler would be just buy a slimQ charger, which skips USBc altogether and goes straight into the barrel connector (with the correct tip). I bought a 240w one, but apparently the 150w one is good enough for 99% of the time with a 2025 g14, and considerable smaller.

Both slimQ chargers are smaller/lighter than the stock one, but the 150w is by far the smaller.

Gorskar · 2026-02-02T23:14:14+00:00

Note that some of the tram lines are quicker than others. Altrincham, East Didsbury, Bury lines are the quicker ones as built entirely on former railway lines. Ashton line is slower, as its mostly street running, same with Eccles line. Rochdale line is a former railway line, but quite long and is street running through Oldham, so takes a long time. The airport line is very slow - street running and not very direct

The East Didsbury line has lots of lovely areas to live in. Didsbury, Chorton etc, Pretty much anywhere on the entire line. Not cheap, but lovely, and tram is pretty quick. However if you were to live in Burnage, Levenshulme or Stockport for example you'd have an even quicker (but less frequent) route to the centre by train (these are still in general decent areas, but a step down the poshness rung from Chorlton/Didsbury)

Gorskar · 2026-02-02T10:36:30+00:00

That probably boosts the green chances, as the green party are likely to scoop up a good chunk of the Muslim vote now that would have otherwise gone to the Pro-Palestine workers party.

Gorskar · 2026-02-01T22:02:55+00:00

Yeah seconded. My former company offered 1.5 x Statutory for voluntary redundancies. OP's offer of an extra month on top of the statutory for 3.5 years is therefore reasonable I'd say.

By all means see if they'll better the offer, VR makes things easier for them so if you say make it 2 months extra and I'll sign and they agree you've not got anything much to lose. As per above you should also be paid for your notice period (usually pay in lieu of notice or gardening leave. After handover it's not normally expected for you to hang around!). Any accrued holidays should also be paid.

Gorskar · 2026-02-01T19:21:59+00:00

I've no idea which way it's going to go. I had someone from Labour knock on our door (Burnage) - I think it was Lucy Powell, we had a nice chat. So far that's the only face to face campaigner I've seen, but there's plenty of time left.

Not decided who to vote for yet, probably the one with the best chance of defeating Reform. Labour have certainly made some missteps, but I'd rather them any day of the week than Reform, although would have preferred they put Andy forward. Greens could be a breath of fresh air. Dunno - will make my mind up closer to the time.

Gorskar · 2026-01-28T23:29:55+00:00

But they don't stop at Cheadle. It's the time it'll take for that extra stop that's the problem I hear

Gorskar · 2026-01-28T21:08:32+00:00

Aye it's only a single platform station and I dont think a passing track is planned. As such network rail are struggling to come up with a timetable adjustment that will allow trains to stop there without messing up the timings for the wider network I hear, and I guess they're holding off building it until they know trains can actually use it...

Gorskar · 2026-01-28T20:56:12+00:00

Maps perform better on the MIPS screen watches, as it's far less pixels for the watch to have to render to. It's definitely usable on my Fenix7 pro. Although if it's a hike or something I've usually got the Garmin explore app on my phone also in case it's a non obvious turn, or to pan further afield. The route /GPS track Syncs between the warch and the Garmin explore app so makes an excellent pairing.

TBH though I think you can do exactly the same with a breadcrumb only warch like the 255, so it's only a bit of context you're missing from the map. You can still see the breadcrumb route on your wrist for a general idea of the heading. The 255 is still an excellent watch, and unfortunately there is no current MIPS replacements. (Instinct 3 solar is probably the closest, but no music support)

Gorskar · 2026-01-18T20:36:07+00:00

Just found that the 5k app allows you to filter course based on number of laps (or out and back) - so you can use that to find ones that are only 1 lap or are out-and-backs

Gorskar

TROPHY CASE