Do I really need a $500+ flagship, or is a mid-range computer enough?

Specialist communities and expert reviewers consistently note that mid-range units like the Edge 540/840 or Wahoo Bolt V3 cover 90% of what most riders need: turn-by-turn navigation, ANT+/Bluetooth sensors, structured workouts, and 20+ hour battery life. Flagships add bigger, brighter touchscreens, built-in speakers/bells, and group-ride features — nice, but not essential unless you ride all-day events or want the best maps.