Might be stating the obvious, but…
I think what geoff was on about was whether you need maps displayed on the device, countours, roads, footpaths, bridleways etc. The Edge 200 doesn’t display this but it does display a breadcrumb trail of where your route goes – you’ll have a scale and know whether it’s straight on, left a bit in 100 yards, sharp right etc.
You map your route on your laptop (or take a friend’s route file) download the route to the device, and follow the course when you’re out. you get a little chirrup if you miss a turning and go off course, which is very handy.
Where this falls down is if you need to change your plan when you’re out or you want to know a bit more about where you are – you don’t have any further context. Perfect if you’re following shorter routes, if you want a small, simple device, if you use paper maps but just want something to let you keep the map in the bag for emergencies, rather than regular consulting.
If you want something to replace a map, to see where you are in the landscape, what’s around you, be able to change plan and bail, cut or add a loop, you’ll need a fancier one which displays maps on the device itself. I’ve got an Oregon 600 which is bigger and heavier and not quite as intuitive for following biking routes, but does a lot of other stuff well (I use it for hiking and backcountry skiing too) and has replaceable AA batteries – might be worth considering if you’re out overnight or on very long days.
I bought an Edge 200 a few years before, and I still use it often when I don’t need the bells, whistles and bulk of the Oregon 600. Wife likes having it when we’re both out and I’ve got the Oregon – she really likes to make her own goals, break the route up, manage her expectations etc.
