I have used the 610 for about six weeks now after having upgraded from the 405cx (which was returned due to malfunctioning charging system). So far I am very satisfied. Battery life seems to be significantly improved, perhaps because of the new feature which automatically shuts off GPS when the unit is inactive. Satellite acquisition is fast and stable. The touch screen is much simpler to use than the touch bezel of the 405 model and doesn't appear to be susceptible to inadvertent contact ( like accidentally turning off function during a run when trying to read the screen) nor does moisture seem to affect screen sensitivity. I haven't tried the HRM yet. Aesthetically the unit , while not exactly a fashion statement, looks like a normal watch so I am able to wear it around town without looking like I took a wrong turn from a race somewhere. Time will tell whether the band, screen, and electronics prove durable. As to software, I was able to sync with my mac and with "garmin connect" successfully by following garmin's instructions. I have not experienced any problems with data transfers or online activity viewing. I do wish that "garmin connect" still used "google" maps rather than "bing".

Great watch that tells you everything you need to know at a glance via 4 customizable screens with up to 4 individual fields of data. Accurate & very intuitive to use. Very reliable readings & GPS, so much so that I saved my GPS location while sitting on my couch(yes, INSIDE my house!) and the next time I was messing around with my watch later that day showing my hubs the cool stuff, it told me I was 2ft from "home" which it was right because I was sitting on the other couch cushion when I set it as "home"! Real time GPS with NO LAG!
The HR monitor is excellent & true, fits well and pairs with no issues. I also bought a footpod so I could use accurately infdoors at times when GPS either can't be located due to structures OR when GPS wouldn't show you moving(like on a treadmill). Plus, if you wear a footpod you can get cadence while using GPS too.
The swimmer who lost hers in the ocean, well....that is a bummer to loose a $400 gadget but it states that this watch isn't for swimming nor even waterproof(just water resistant to 1meter for 30 minutes). So why you would dock a product for it not performing well as not intended????? That seems like a user issue to me, not a product one.
Battery life is excellent. I got mine last Tuesday(so 6 days ago), went for 4 seperate runs at an hour plus each & am just now down to 30% battery(using GPS the whole training time, I might add!) with the other times being in screen lock time mode only(barring show off times to friends of course!)
Charging takes about 2 hours & you can do it via computer USB or the wall adapter. The ANT+ wireless transfer dongle works flawlessly & uploading to Garmin Connect is very simple & easy to read your stats & share your results via social sites like Facebook & Twitter.
I also highly recommend purchasing the Wahoo ANT+ dongle if you have an i-device like an iPod or iPad for uploading to Garmin Connect, bypassing the computer need altogether. Perfect for on the go or quick info. I had uploaded my last run faster to GC than my hubs computer could even start up by using the Wahoo dongle on my iPad.

I tend to be good at installing things, but I have to say this was very very easy ! Just follow the quick start guide. using it is very easy and obvious !
I've only had it for 2 weeks. Its my first GPS watch. I've been using a blackberry GPS previous to this.
I have to say-- it's amazing how easy this is to use and more important amazing how much I've learned already about my running... I love the HR monitor
I love it !! Buy it !