Great Price "Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver and Sports Watch" for $113.12 Today

I love this gps watch. I had previously used the Nike+ stuff, and here's why I like the Garmin watch better:
1. The Nike+ sensors run out of batteries after a few months for me, and they're each. So over the next 3 years, the cost is about the same.
2. The GPS watch is more accurate.
3. It automatically maps routes.
4. The software lets you add workouts you did without the watch - Nike doesn't.
5. You can schedule workouts, I found some marathon training schedules on runner's world UK for free.
6. Works for biking, hiking, etc. not just running and walking.
7. Don't need to fiddle with ipod, itunes, etc.
8. Workouts that are setup will keep you within a certain speed, great for training.

Minuses:
1. Big and bulky.
2. Takes a while to find the satellite if I don't turn it on ahead of time.
3. Software isn't as user friendly or fun as the nike website.
4. They have separate online and PC software, and I could never get it to work with the online software.
5. This is the cheapest GPS option by far, but it's a bit more money than the nike+ system. So if you're not sure you'll stick with running, I think the Nike+ is perfect for beginners.
6. Watch itself has tons of menus, small font, really intimidating and reminds me vaguely of calculator watches from the 80s. But without the cool factor.
7. If you set up a workout, it will beep if you're going too fast or slow. But it beeps constantly, and while you can change the beeping setting, that won't stop the beeping until the workout is over.

Other stuff:
- The software is effortful, it syncs with the watch easily enough, but there aren't any training programs set up, the calendar is lacking basic features ( like highlighting today's date), the workout details are hidden, etc. The software seems really afterthoughtful.
- I think I would rather wear the watch as an armband. It's quite a bit much to put on my wrist and I don't normally wear a watch.
- I really just want an accurate system, so this watch is total overkill. But it's easy to ignore all the add-ons, I just hit start to run and stop to finish.

Overall, I'm very happy with it, it just feels like wasted potential. Clearly, Garmin's money is in their car products, and Nike has more software talent. I wish they'd combine forces, and then we'd have the ipod of workouts.

Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver and Sports Watch Features

• High-sensitivity, watch-like GPS receiver that provides exceptional signal reception
• One-piece training assistant that provides athletes with precise speed, distance, and pace data
• Includes training center software, which allows users to download workout data for a detailed analysis
• Used for multiple sports, such as cycling, cross- country skiing, and windsurfing

Rating :
Price : $267.99
Offer Price : $113.12

Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver and Sports Watch Overviews

Just when you thought Garmin had cornered the market on powerful, affordable, and effective wrist-mounted GPS devices, here comes the Forerunner 205. The release of this device is a major achievement from a design and technology perspective. This isn't just marketing-speak; the Forerunner 205 is the most accurate, most reliable wrist-mounted performance and GPS tracking tool we've ever tested. Yes, it's that good. While no device this compact can do everything (yet), the 205 pushes the boundaries of what is possible from something strapped around your wrist. While the 205 doesn't offer heart rate monitoring, or connectivity with Garmin's wireless speed and cadence sensor -- for that, you'll need to step up to the Forerunner 305 -- but it's a great way to get basic GPS location and performance data.

View Garmin's Forerunner demonstration video.

Choose from 12 data fields to display on the 305's screen. View larger.

The design cleverly integrates the GPS antenna and aims it towards the sky when you're running or walking. View larger.

The Virtual Partner function makes your workouts more competitive. View larger.

Choose from three workout modes that help you target your training goals. View larger.

The 305 features rudimentary mapping and location marking functions. View larger.

Design
The 205's design is a radical departure from Garmin's previous generation of wrist mounted GPS devices, which reached a pinnacle with the Garmin Forerunner 301. While the 301 delivered accurate heart rate monitoring, good performance tracking, and decent GPS reception, it didn't quite deliver in the design department. The form factor was bulky and wearing it wasn't much different than duct taping a full-sized GPS device to your wrist.

Not so with the 205. Garmin's engineers obviously burned the midnight oil and have come up with a waterproof design that, while certainly not as small as a sports watch, feels just as comfortable. The curved casing allows the unit's antenna to face the sky when you're running, while the widescreen display is perfectly positioned for viewing when you need it. And the display certainly deserves a few kudos. While it's smaller than the display found on previous Forerunners, its resolution is far higher, offering incredible clarity and crispness.

Garmin has smartly given the 205 a simple button layout and the buttons have a nice tactile feel with good pressure response. The right side houses the menu selection and enter buttons, while the left houses a power/backlight button and a mode button. This simple and elegant solution is a big improvement over the sometimes confusing button functionality of previous Forerunners. View button layout.

The underside of the 205 is pretty nondescript, except for a row of contacts that interface with the included charging and data cradle. The cradle is small and unobtrusive and its single mini-USB port connects to either an included AC adapter, or a USB cable that connects to your PC. In addition to data transfer with the USB cable, you can also charge the 205's embedded lithium-ion battery via a powered USB connection from your computer.

GPS Performance
The big news about the Forerunner 205 is that it features an integrated, high-sensitivity SiRFstar III GPS receiver. What does this mean? It means that the 205's ability to both track, and maintain a lock on, your position is better than anything before it. After an intial battery charge, our product tester had the 205 on his wrist and was tracking speed and distance with GPS satellites within 3 minutes. The next time we used the 205, satellite acquisition was nearly instantaneous. A run through dense trees didn't faze the unit either; tracking remained true and steady. Performance on a bike was equally impressive. Whatever witchcraft has been cooked up by the designers of the SiRF technology, we like it!

The simple docking cradle makes charging and data connectivity a snap (Forerunner 305 model shown).

While the Forerunner 205 isn't billed as a GPS navigation device, it does have some rudimentary mapping, waypoint marking, and routing capabilities. In addition to marking locations along your journey, you can zoom in or out of a simple map that displays your current direction and path. There's also a "go to location" feature that routes you back to your starting location, or to any location you have defined. Once you have defined several locations, you can save this information as a route, allowing you to travel the same path in the future. As you'll see below, the 205's new "Courses" feature gives you new levels of control over how you define your favorite runs and rides.

Training Functions
The 205 is first and foremost a training tool, and its ability to organize a ton of data types into a user experience that is intuitive and simple is no small feat. Whiz-bang technology aside, if you can't use it and make it a natural part of your exercise routine, it's worthless. When it comes to these factors -- and here's the take home message on the 205 -- this device is successful where many other devices fail.

The heart and soul of the 205 can be found on the data screens, which give you real-time information about all aspects of your workout. In fact, the 305 can display a dizzying array of data, such as calories burned, distance, elevation, grade, and heading, as well as multiple lap and pace modes.

Thankfully, the device makes it easy to define how much or how little data you want to view during a workout. You can arrange the data that's most important to you and then make that data appear front and center on the device. Indeed, within a few minutes of skimming the manual and fiddling with the device setup, you'll have your most important data displaying just the way you like it.

Garmin's Virtual Partner function was cool feature of previous Forerunners and they've decided to keep a good thing going with the 205. If you're the type that performs best when you've got a competitor egging you on, you'll love this function, as it allows you to set up virtual running or biking companions that compete against you.

If you're looking for an complicated workout with a variety of intervals and intensity levels, or just a quick three-mile jog against your best time last week, the 205 has you covered. Navigating to the Workouts menu on the device yields three options: Quick Workouts, Interval, and Advanced Workout. A quick workout is just that; set the distance and time, distance and pace, or time and pace of your planned workout and off you go. Interval workouts are just the same, but they allow you to add repetitions and rest between them. When you really want to get fancy with your exercise, you can step up to advanced workouts, which include goals for each workout step, as well as varied distances, times, and rest periods. You can use the Garmin Training Center software to set up these workouts and then upload them to the device.

PC Connectivity and Software
Garmin has been outfitting their devices with USB connectivity for some time now -- a welcome move for those who struggled with serial port connections in the days of yore. Thanks to USB, the 205 integrates seamlessly with the Training Center software and we quickly had workout history uploaded and stored on the PC (Sadly, Training Center is not Mac-compatible).

In a first for the Forerunner series, the Training Center software also lets you define courses on your PC that you can upload to the device. When course information is combined with uploaded workout information, the Forerunner becomes a complete guide, telling you where to go, when to make a turn, and what kind of workout to do when you're on the road or path. Back on the PC, the software's ability to overlay workout data on maps of the course makes it easy to see where the course offers up the tough hills and the easy recovery spots. Plus, the ability to track historical performance on a given course is a great way to measure your improvement.

The 205 is also fully compatible with Garmin's MotionBased service, which takes your training to another level by connecting your data with the Internet. While we weren't able to use the service, the promise of sharing courses, maps, workouts, and performance data with other users is intriguing. And if you're a serious endurance athlete, you'll be glad to know that the 205 is also compatible with TrainingPeaks.com, an easy-to-use web based training system designed to help athletes train for any event.

Pros

• Radically new design is better in every way
• Amazing accuracy and fast satellite acquisition time
• So simple to set up and use, you will actually use it

Cons

• Okay, it's bigger than a sport's watch -- but so much more powerful

What's in the Box
Forerunner 205, Garmin Training Center CD-ROM, docking cradle, expander strap, A/C charger, USB cable, owner's manual, quick start guide.

Affordable Price at Store Check Price Now!

Customer Review

Loved it!!!! - Amy Ellis -
Loved this as a training tool! I have used it for the last two years for training from 5k to marathon. Worked perfectly. I left it in the car this past weekend while running in the rain during a 1/2 marathon. Someone stole it out of the car. I plan on buying a new one, that is how much I loved it!

Great Watch! Very minor complaints! - S. Lowell - San Antonio, TX
I purchased this watch in Spring 2007 and am still using it problem free. I run about 4-5 days per week and have been using this watch for about 3 years...that's some durability. I do not use the watch to the fullest extent possible though. I am the guy that runs the same route every day except Saturday. I do the same 4 mile loop every week day and a 7.85 mile loop on Saturday and if it weren't for the Garmin, I would not know it was 4 or 7.85 miles. The biggest reason for the routine is the location I live. I prefer to run from my front door back to my front door and there aren't many safe routes where I live. I have 2 minor complaints: not Mac compatible and (nit picking here...) it takes too long to connect to satellites.

The first complaint: I'm sure I would use more features on the watch if it were Mac compatible. Because it's not, I rarely connect it to my laptop and use all of the features.

The second complaint: time to connect to satellites. It is minimal and almost all days it will connect by the time I'm done my pre-run stretch routine....

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Garmin Forerunner 301 GPS Personal Training Device Review

I have been wanting to purchase a Garmin Forerunner. I looked at all the different units available and compaired different evaluations on all the Forerunners from a different website and saw that overall this unit was rated highly by its users. I LOVE this GPS!!!

So far - ease of use, the features offered are easy to access, and this product included a CD to load the proper program on my computer. The sync process is easy and the graphics on the program show me where I need to improve. I haven't utilized the heartrate monitor yet so I will not be rating this.

Overall I am very please with the Garmin Forerunner 301.

Garmin Forerunner 301 GPS Personal Training Device Features

• Continuously Monitors Heart Rate, Speed, Distance,
• Pace & Calories Burned
• Combines Proven
• Heart Rate Monitor & Training System
• Software To Create A Highly-Integrated

Rating :

Price : $229.99

Offer Price : $105.00

Overviews

Get results in a heartbeat with the Forerunner 301. This training partner continuously monitors your heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter, more effectively. The Forerunner 301 combines the popular features of the Forerunner 201 with a proven heart rate monitor and Garmin Training Center software to create a highly integrated personal training system.

Affordable Price at Store Check Price Now!

Specifications

Amazon.com Product Description The Garmin Forerunner 301 is the next exciting addition to the Forerunner lineup. Take your workouts to the next level with all the great GPS features found in the Forerunner 201, plus the added capability of a continuous heart rate monitor. Knowing your heart rate while exercising lets you measure your exercise intensity and performance, giving you a powerful training tool. The Forerunner 301 training profiles can be customized for running, cycling, and other sports. For those interested in losing weight, improving fitness, reaching peak athletic performance, or just improving health to reduce heart-related problems, the Forerunner 301 delivers.

The Forerunner 301 offers a wide variety of training features that can help you train at any level you choose.

Included Training Center software allows you to store and analyze data using interactive graphs. View larger.

The easy-to-use, two-piece system consists of the wrist unit and a digital heart rate transmitter that you wear around your chest. The transmitter is coded that so there is no interference from other heart rate monitor users nearby. The 301 unit continuously monitors heart rate, speed, distance, pace, and calories burned. A heart rate zone chart, included with the manual, helps you target specific heart rate zones for optimal training. The unit's built-in alerts help you maintain those heart rate zones. For those who don't want to fuss with the charts, there's an AutoLearn feature that allows the unit to learn your maximum heart rate and set zones accordingly. Pace, time, distance, interval workout, and advanced custom workout alerts are also included. Meanwhile, the AutoPause feature pauses and resumes the training timer based on a specified speed. Finally, the AutoLap feature records lap data when you reach a specified distance. Don't worry about running out of room for your lap data; the unit boasts a 5,000-lap memory.

Like the Forerunner 201, the 301 also doubles as a basic navigator. You can mark your starting point as a specific location, see your current position on the plotter display, and follow an electronic breadcrumb trail back to your starting point. The built-in GPS receiver provides highly accurate data, and there's no calibration required. Just turn it on and go.

The unit's USB data port means that connecting the unit to your computer is easier than ever. The USB connection offers fast and reliable data transmission to any USB-equipped PC. And because analyzing workout data is an important tool in reaching one's fitness goals, the 301 comes with Garmin Training Center software, which allows you to download workout data to your PC for detailed analysis. View data for each workout, including your heart rate, time, distance, speed, path traveled, and altitude. You can also track data for multiple sports and multiple users, and you can overlay workout data onto a map. The unit is compatible with MotionBased and TrainingPeaks, which are popular third-party training software packages.

With up to 14 hours of battery life, the 301's rechargeable lithium-ion battery is designed for extended use. It's also rugged and waterproof for up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The unit ships with a 1-year warranty.

Get heart rate and other vital data at a glance.

Customize your workouts with programmable intervals.

Set up exercise profiles for different types of sports.

A built in Virtual partner runs alongside you, graphically displaying your goal pace/speed.

What's in the Box
The Forerunner 301 wrist unit, the digital coded heart rate monitor, the Training Center CD-ROM, an expandable wristband, an A/C charger, a PC/USB interface cable, an owner's manual, and a quick start guide.

Customer Review

Repeat Buyer! - John Ferguson -
My wife has purchased two of the watches recently for me and another runner in our family for a gift. Neither one of us would think of going out to run without have our GPS Forerunner on! Easy to use and I like the larger display-Highly Recommended!

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Polar RS300X G1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G1 GPS Sensor (Black) Review

I bought this watch about six months ago and have been pretty happy overall with its performance. I also bought the Flowlink along with the watch (and GPS arm band), but I have yet to use it because of the hassle of downloading the Polar software from its website. Even without being to download my workouts, I still take pleasure in using the watch and GPS. It has been invaluable to know what my pace and distance have been, although I'm not sure if the speeds, and therefore distances, are totally accurate. I say this because I have run with my boyfriend who has a Garmin with built in GPS and his watch says that we're going slower than mine does. Regardless, it gives me an idea of where I'm at.

The only issues that I have had with the watch have been one, if you accidentally hit your arm against something while not intending to exercise, you can start the timer. Two, while running in lightly wooded areas (big paths cut between fairly dense trees) the watch will lose satellite connection and will beep at you until it finds them again. I have found that turning the GPS off and then back on again seems to work. Of course, you have to stop and fumble around with it, but that's what it is. Issue three is the fact that the chest belt transmitter sometimes loses the ability to "talk" to the watch while working out. I have found that before each workout, one really needs to wipe down the chest strap (warm water) before starting. Like the instructions say, the strap needs to be moistened before working out anyhow, but a good wipedown is essential to have uninterrupted transmission for the duration of your workout.

Polar RS300X G1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G1 GPS Sensor (Black) Features

• Simple-to-use wrist heart rate monitor/training computer in black helps you to train at the right intensity
• Includes G1 GPS Sensor for tracking routes and WearLink+ 31 coded transmitter
• Provides metrics for heart rate, speed, distance, pace, and calorie burn
• OwnZone feature for individualized zone training by heart rate or pace, a fitness test, and auto lap splits
• Compatible with S1 foot pod

Rating :

Price : $249.95

Offer Price : $204.99

Overviews

Now our most popular and top performing running computer is enhanced with GPS speed and distance capability

Affordable Price at Store Check Price Now!

Specifications

A smart, intuitive training computer for runners and cross-training athletes, the Polar RS300X G1 wrist heart rate monitor helps you to train at the right intensity with personal training zones. This version of the RS300X comes with Polar's G1 GPS sensor, which provides speed/pace and distance measurement for outdoor sports such as running or cycling. It's a great choice for those who mix up their training regimen with cycling, inline skating, paddling, mountain biking or hiking.

The RS300X helps you to train at the right intensity with personal training zones.

This RS300X G1 comes with the G1 GPS Sensor.

Additionally, the RS300X G1 is compatible with the separately available S1 foot pod, which accurately measures your running speed/pace and distance. Committed runners will find the most value in the real-time pace and distance measurement of the S1 foot pod. And even though it attaches to your shoe laces, it's so light that you'll forget it's even there, which means it won't affect your running performance. This package comes with the Polar WearLink+ 31 coded transmitter (with changeable battery).

Polar RS300X Models Basic RS300X -- black and orange RS300X SD with S1 foot pod for real-time pace/distance -- black and orange RS300X G1 with G1 GPS Sensor for cross-trainers -- black and orange

The RS300X G1 enables athletes to train at the right intensity and improve their performance through core metrics such as heart rate, speed, distance, pace, and calorie burn. Advanced features include Polar's exclusive OwnZone feature for individualized zone training by heart rate or pace, a fitness test, and auto lap splits, which display average heart rate, pace and distance per lap. Athletes can easily review up to 16 past workout files to check their progress and ensure they're staying on track with their fitness or training plan.

Features include:

• Heart rate displayed as percentage of maximum heart rate, BPM, and average heart rate of total exercise
• Tracks your latest 16 training sessions and your last 16 weeks of training
• Visual and audible alarm in target zones: Informs you every time your heart rate and/or speed/pace exceeds the upper limit or falls below the lower limit of your target zone during a training session.
• Polar OwnIndex Fitness Test calculates aerobic fitness (comparable to maximal oxygen uptake, VO2max) providing a reference to base training intensity and measure improvement.
• Polar OwnCal: Shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions. Because the OwnCal tracks both the energy expenditure during one exercise session and the accumulated kilocalories during a longer time e.g. one week, it helps in achieving both short term and long term goals.
• Time in Target Zone feature calculates the amount of total training time spent in your personal target zone. You can use this feature together with the Total Exercise Time to determine the effectiveness of your training program.
• Number of laps - 99
• Watch features: alarm with snooze, dual time zone, stopwatch
• Compatible with Polar FlowLink (available separately)
• Water resistant to 50 meters
• Backlighting, display zoom
• Event Countdown Timer: Keeps your motivation high by showing how many days are left before your next running event (e.g., Berlin 23 days).

About Polar
The first EKG accurate wireless heart rate monitor was invented by Polar back in 1977 as a training tool for the Finnish National Cross Country Ski Team. The concept of "intensity training" by heart rate swept the athletic world in the eighties. By the 1990s, individuals were looking to heart rate monitors not only for performance training needs, but also for achieving everyday fitness goals. Today, the same concept of heart rate training is being used by world-class athletes as well as everyday people trying to lose weight. Polar is the leading brand among consumers, coaches, and personal trainers worldwide and the company is committed to not only producing the best products, but also being the leading educator on the benefits of heart rate based exercise.

Customer Review

Excelent product - Leonardo Del Vecchio - MIAMI, FL 33102-5216, FLORIDA USA
Had some trouble with the GPS at the beginning but it was fixed with a brand new battery. Seems that the battery that came with the GPS was worn out.

good basic heartrate monitor - Yedidya Dotan - Tel-Aviv, Israel Israel
I am a lover of polar products. this is my third one. It is nothing like the top line products like the various Garmin devices. It lacks some of the functions in previous devices at that price range like calories and time of day during exercise. but it is good to use when running in the park or the gym.

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Garmin Forerunner 201

Garmin Forerunner 201 Review

This is the best running GPS out there in my opinion because the screen is big enough to see, unlike the 405 / 305, which have slightly better reception, but very little visibility. Unfortunately, this particular model that I purchased was not the USB model, but the serial connecting model (serial doesn't work with new computers without a USB adapter, of course). This is a mistake that can be easily made because there is no way to tell the difference unless you look at the back and see either 4 dots (serial), or a small trapezoid plug (USB) which is on the back on the newer 201 models. After purchasing an adapter it works fine with all of my computers. The "Triumph" HR monitor that I already had worked with it as well. Overall: Excellent product. Complaint: Be careful that you buy the 201 with the right connector.

Garmin Forerunner 201 Features

• Waterproof, wrist-mounted training device/GPS receiver for tracking lap times, distance, and calories burned
• Integrated GPS receiver displays your progress on favorite routes and saves up to 100 locations
• Virtual Partner mode sets time, pace, and distance goals and races you against digital competitor
• History function breaks down workout statistics by day or cumulative weeks; includes serial PC interface
• Adjustable wristband and AC desktop charger; measures 3.26 x 1.71 x 9.69 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty

Rating :

Price : $149.99

Overviews

Amazon.com Review Combining powerful performance-tracking features with a GPS receiver, the Garmin Forerunner 201 offers runners and hikers a unique way to track their exercise regimens and goals. Unlike its main competitor, Timex's BodyLink sport monitoring system, the Forerunner 201 integrates the GPS receiver into a single body (BodyLink has separate housings for watch and GPS).

101 201 301 1. Allows you to set up profiles for running, biking, and another sport. 2. Set up workouts with specific durations and targets (speed or heart rate). Speed Pace Distance Calories burned Heart rate Sports profiles1 Advanced workouts2 PC interface (serial) (USB) Analyze workout data on PC Size (inches, WxDxH) 3.3 x .9 x 1.7 3.3 x .7 x 1.7 3.3 x .7 x 1.7 Weight (ounces, with batteries) 2.6 2.75 2.75 Batteries 2 AAAs, 15 hours Rechargeable, 15 hours Rechargeable, 14 hours

At first, the device felt a little bulky on my wrist, both in weight and in size (it measures 3.26 by 1.71 by 0.69 inches). But it really is light enough (less than 3 ounces) that it felt comfortable and transparent. I did, however, position the band a bit higher up my arm to ensure full mobility of my wrist, as the length of the Forerunner tended to get in its way.

The large display--with equally large, easy-to-read characters--helps you avoid having to squint at the readout. Just a quick glance at your numbers and you'll maintain your training concentration. The six rubber buttons on the front of the chassis are easy to access (unless you're wearing bulky gloves). I easily got the promised 13 hours out of the rechargeable lithium-ion battery. At the end of the day, I'd just recharge it for around two hours and it would be ready for me the next morning.

While this is definitely a workable GPS receiver, the Forerunner is slim on overall GPS features--which is not to its detriment (think of it as a performance monitor with a dash of GPS). That said, the Forerunner was able to pick up a GPS signal just about wherever I went outside (though it had very slight hiccups in the center of downtown). But if you're looking for a full-fledged tracking device, the Forerunner isn't for you. (You'll want to start with a basic GPS unit like Garmin's eTrex.)

The Forerunner 201 has a variety of helpful tracking, monitoring, and navigational features. The History function enables you to view your workout statistics broken down by individual days, cumulative weeks, or your entire workout history (if you track different workouts during the same day, they'll be broken out as different laps). You can even view a map of your route. And much like other GPS units, you can save waypoints (called "locations" in Forerunner parlance) to mark the coordinates of a place you want to return to later.

Most interesting is the Virtual Partner mode, which enables you to set goals for a workout which will then be completed by a digital character displayed on the Forerunner's screen. You can then see how far off the time, pace, or distance you are of your virtual training buddy's; your digital character even stops when you do (though the buddy keeps on going). I found that, unless you've got a good idea as to your pace or distance, you'll have a couple of trial-and-error training sessions to get in sync with your buddy. I cut short my first attempt after my buddy got so far ahead of me that he disappeared off the screen (which I'd like to believe was not due to my woeful pace).

I was disappointed at not having the LogBook software, which enables you to keep a journal of your exercise activities (it was not available at the time of this test). But overall, the Forerunner 201 is a very useful exercise-monitoring system that will be prized by anyone involved in serious physical training. --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Auto Menu: Timer pauses when you stop running. Auto lap logs your performance over a predetermined distance.

History: Review training history by day or week.

Map: Navigate back to the start or to a stored location.

Virtual Partner: Set time, pace, and distance goals, and train with a "virtual partner."

Pros:

• Loaded with performance-tracking features for the serious athlete
• GPS functionality a bonus, especially in referring back to previous routes
• Virtual Partner feature offers a fun, competitive way to keep you concentrated on training

Cons:

• Lack of Logbook software at time of test
• Virtual Partner feature takes some trial-and-error adjustments

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Specifications

Finally, an alternative to awkward pedometers and cycling computers. The Forerunner 201 offers athletes an easy-to-read display and integrated GPS satellite receiver that provides precise speed, distance, and pace data--all in one compact unit that straps to your wrist. It’s a lightweight, accurate training assistant with performance tracking, auto-lap, auto-pause and more. And because it is a high quality Garmin GPS device, you get many of the features GPS users have come to rely on, such as precise latitude, longitude, altitude data. Choose either the 201 model for rechargeable power or the 101 if you prefer to use 2 AAA batteries. The Forerunner 201 is easy to use right out of the box and delivers the benefits of GPS technology at an affordable price.

To please folks who are passionate about their exercise and training, Garmin has added something special to the Forerunner 201 called the Virtual Partner. The feature allows you to set your training goal by configuring your Virtual Partner’s pace and workout distance. You'll get a graphic perspective of your performance by viewing your pace in relation to your Virtual Partner’s pace, so you can always see at a glance if you're keeping up or falling behind.

Almost as important as the training device itself are the accessories to integrate it with your active lifestyle. If you're into cycling, the best way to keep an eye on your GPS while you ride is with a bike mount bracket that straps to the handlebars of your bike, motorcycle, or whatever you're traveling with for easy viewing.

Other Forerunner 201 features:

• Mark specific locations, and then look-up and navigate to these points using an electronic map.
• Retrace your steps to a starting point or reverse your normal route for routine variation.
• Amount of calories burned can be tracked and calculated over the course of a workout.
• Lap history--such as lap time, lap distance, and average pace--can be stored for up to two years.
• Performance data can be automatically archived and calculated to provide an accurate record.
• Automated stopwatch provides auto-lap and auto-pause features.
• Lap timer indicates when a certain speed is reached or when you’ve fallen below a pre-set level.
• Pace whistle sounds alert when you begin traveling slower or faster than your desired pace.
• Distance whistle sounds when you reach a specified duration or distance in your workout.
• Download free Garmin software to transfer data from your Forerunner 201 to your PC for storage and analysis.

What's in the box:

• Forerunner 201 unit
• Wrist strap
• A/C desktop charger with serial interface

Customer Review

Great product - William P. Little -
This is a very nice product. It has numerous features and does what I need it to do. It is a little bulky but for the price it was very worth that.

runner's helper - A. Kirk - seattle,wa
love this product. Gives me my time, pace, and distance easily and accurately. I hate technology but I could figure this out. Love having running history available. Great value for the price.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 26, 2010 06:22:20

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