PM3 vs. PM4

[BoB/335]

Looking to buy a new Model D and wondering if anyone can explain the pros and cons of the PM3 and PM4.

[Citroen]

Looking to buy a new Model D and wondering if anyone can explain the pros and cons of the PM3 and PM4.

PM3 / PM4 have the logcard
PM3 / PM4 have the USB interface
PM3 / PM4 have variable intervals
PM3 / PM4 have biathlon and undefined rest
PM3 / PM4 have the fish game

The latest PM3 / PM4 are using Atmel processors and don't (yet) suffer from the circuit board failures we're seeing on PM2 / PM2+ and early PM3s

PM4 has wired racing built in *
PM4 has wireless racing (using ANT) **
PM4 has a couple of other games
PM4 has ANT+ which will interface to Suunto / Garmin HR belts and some smartphones (iPhone)

* Won't be much use unless you're planning to run a competition
** May not be much use unless you have a friend with another PM4 - You can use wireless racing with one competitor to practice racing starts.

I'd buy a PM4 every time.

[BoB/335]

Thanks for the reply. Just one question. WHY would "you" buy the PM4 every time?

[Citroen]

Thanks for the reply. Just one question. WHY would "you" buy the PM4 every time?

Because it's the current hardware and therefore the target for new development by Concept2. The PM3 is functionally stabilised and unlikely to get new function.

The ANT/ANT+ interface is the main reason, that's going to let a PM4 do better things with the outside world with machine-to-machine processing. We've seen that direction with the Garmin 610 support.

[BoB/335]

Thanks for your patience is answering me. What is ANT/ANT+ interface?

[Citroen]

Thanks for your patience is answering me. What is ANT/ANT+ interface?

It's a short range wireless system that allows "smart" devices to establish a two-way data communication channel.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ANT_%28network%29

[Carl Watts]

You have to work out what it is you want from the feature set.

If you currently have some good Polar Heartrate gear then I would get the PM3.

The PM4 especially if you use RowPro via USB has no advantages over the PM3.

It just depends on what you think you will need. For the average user, both monitors are overkill so either one will do the job.

As pointed out the newer versions on the PM3 and PM4 are very nice, reliable & fast (this really shows up when sorting log card data ) monitors

[kayakr]

I went with PM3 because I don't plan to race and other games don't seem that interesting. PM4 was released a while ago. Heart rate built in would have been nice, but I use garmin connect for everything else already. I also judged resale value diff on PM3 vs PM4 machines would be minimal.

[BoB/335]

Anyone care to give a little explanation of the games on these monitors?

[carlb]

The PM4 is the way to go because it is where all new features will be implemented.

One of the best reasons to get the PM4 is "ANT+ in the Gym" aka ANT+ FE (Fitness Equipment)
http://www8.garmin.com/intosports/antplus.html

A $140 Garmin FR70 will link to the PM4 and record the rower Pace, SPM and Power with HR. It is easily uploaded to Garmin Connect for viewing. Can also be xferred to workout analysis software. Its really cool to see your workout. Here's a review of it, oddly he did not record HR.
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2010/09/brie ... ssgym.html

It's usable now but C2 still has some bugs to workout.

You can get the older FR60 that does not come with an HR strap for $99, or maybe less on close out. They have issues with the strap breaking. The only way the FR70 comes is to buy it with another strap, you get the same garmin HR strap with the PM4.