Forerunner 110 M Europe

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Forerunner 110 M Europe Review



Forerunner 110 M Europe Feature

  • Garmin Forerunner 110 Men's version
  • Includes Heart Rate Monitor
  • GPS-enabled sports and fitness watch
  • Accurately measures speed and distance
  • Includes Garmin Connect software
Forerunner 110 M Europe



Garmin Foretrex 301 Waterproof Hiking GPS

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Garmin Foretrex 301 Waterproof Hiking GPS Review



Garmin Foretrex 301 Waterproof Hiking GPS Feature

  • Features high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix for improved performance and reception in heavy tree cover or deep canyons
  • Keeps track of routes, tracks and waypoints
  • TracBack feature retraces user's path on the easy-to-read LCD display
  • Features trip computer, sunrise/sunset times and hunting/fishing information
  • Supports dual position readout so user can view current location in multiple formats, including latitude/longitude
Features high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix for improved performance and reception in heavy tree cover or deep canyons.Keeps track of routes, tracks and waypoints.TracBack feature retraces user's path on the easy-to-read LCD display.Features trip computer, sunrise/sunset times and hunting/fishing information.



Zoombak ZMBK346 Advanced GPS Universal Locator

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Zoombak ZMBK346 Advanced GPS Universal Locator Review



Zoombak ZMBK346 Advanced GPS Universal Locator Feature

  • Tracks the real-time location of your dog or property on-demand 24 hours 7 days a week
  • You can pinpoint your dog's real-time location on-demand anywhere within our nationwide coverage area
  • Allows you to set up customized zones so you can be promptly notified by text message and/or email (your choice) when your dog leaves the zone
  • Offers continuous tracking and gives you your dog's or car's location history.
  • Live 24/7 customer support via our toll-free number can assist with locating your dog or answering questions
Zoombak's Advanced GPS Universal Locator will help you find your car's or dog’s or bicycle’s or kid’s backpack. Zoombak offers real-time location on-demand 24 hours, 7 days a week. Great for monitoring family members or recovering stolen property. Zoombak communicates its GPS position to you via the national network of a leading cellular carrier, so it can assist you in finding your stuff in this nationwide coverage area. Zoombak uses Assisted GPS, which brings together satellite and cellular technologies allowing for a more precise and reliable way to determine the location of your Zoombak Locator. Our small, lightweight, water-resistant locator attaches comfortably to your dog’s collar with a durable and secure Zoombak pouch (included). It can be placed in your car or in your kid’s backback. For instance, if your dog or bicycle leaves the safety zone you have created, e.g. your backyard, you will be notified by text and/or email. You then pinpoint your dog’s real-time location on-demand via Zoombak.com or via our live, toll-free customer care that is available 24/7. You find your dog or bicycle's location in real time using our continuous tracking option. Log on to Zoombak.com to view a map of your dog's current location, as well as his path taken since leaving home. Unlimited on-demand location requests, an easy-to-use website, and a 24/7 toll-free phone number for live customer care and location support, will provide you with the peace of mind you are looking for. Zoombak locator is 2.87 x 1.69 x .0.82 inches (L x W x H), weighs only 2.5oz and is water-resistant. Long-life battery of up to 5 days on standby or up to 150 location requests before recharging. Includes 12-volt power adapter. Recommended for dogs over 15lbs. Zoombak requires a monthly service plan starting at .99/month. Minimum service term required. Activation and use of Zoombak locators are subject to Zoombak's customer agreement, plans, terms and conditions.



Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator

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Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator Review



Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator Feature

  • No batteries are included with the purchase of this unit. Any "AA" batteries will work in this device.
  • High-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver provides peak performance in any environment
  • Lightweight and waterproof
  • High-contrast 2.1-inch X 1.1-inch screen with bright back lighting
  • 5 buttons located on either side of the device for one-hand operation
  • Stores up to 500 waypoints for easy retrieval and 20 routes with up to 125 waypoints per route
Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts on a budget, the Garmin eTrex H GPS navigator helps you navigate your way through the toughest terrain. The unit is equipped with a high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, which locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The advantage is clear: whether you're traipsing through thick woods or strolling near tall buildings and trees, you can count on the eTrex H to help you find your way when you need it the most. And just like the original eTrex, this little yellow wonder is intuitive and rugged, with a lightweight housing that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.

The eTrex H is a breeze to use, with five buttons on either side of the navigator facilitating one-handed operation. The four-level gray LCD display, meanwhile, is easy to read in a shade or daylight. And you needn't fret should the weather turn, as the eTrex H is IPX7 waterproof, so it can withstand an accidental splash or dunk in the water and still continue to perform.

Functionally, the navigator stores up to 500 waypoints in its memory for easy retrieval, with names and graphic symbols to highlight the selections. Users will also appreciate Garmin's exclusive TrackBack feature, which lets you reverse your track (up to 20 reversible routes) and navigate back to your starting point. And the automatic track log offers 10 saved tracks (with 10,000 points), along with the ability to retrace your path in both directions. Other details include a hunting and fishing calculator, sun and moon information, and a serial PC interface.

The eTrex H, which runs for up to 17 hours on a pair of AA batteries (not included), Any “AA” batteries will work in this device.measures 2.0 by 4.4 by 1.2 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty.

What's in the Box
eTrex H navigator, wrist strap, quick start guide, user's manual. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts on a budget, the Garmin eTrex H GPS navigator helps you navigate your way through the toughest terrain. The unit is equipped with a high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, which locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The advantage is clear whether you're traipsing through thick woods or strolling near tall buildings and trees, you can count on the eTrex H to help you find your way when you need it the most. And just like the original eTrex, this little yellow wonder is intuitive and rugged, with a lightweight housing that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.



Timex Marathon GPS Watch (Black)

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Timex Marathon GPS Watch (Black) Review



Timex Marathon GPS Watch (Black) Feature

  • Fast and Accurate GPS
  • Tracks Pace and Distance in Real Time
  • Displays Calories Burned
  • 30 Workout Memory
  • 8-Hour Battery life even in Full GPS Mode
The Timex Marathon GPS watch is another exciting addition to the Timex health and fitness family. An simple GPS watch for those runners and walkers who simply want speed and distance on their wrist during a workout.



Garmin Forerunner 405 Wireless GPS-Enabled Sport Watch with USB ANT Stick and Heart Rate Monitor (Green)

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Garmin Forerunner 405 Wireless GPS-Enabled Sport Watch with USB ANT Stick and Heart Rate Monitor (Green) Review



Garmin Forerunner 405 Wireless GPS-Enabled Sport Watch with USB ANT Stick and Heart Rate Monitor (Green) Feature

  • Round 4-Level Gray Fstn, 124 X 95 Pixel Display
  • Accurately Tracks Distance, Pace & Calories, & Displays On Easy-To-Read Screen
  • Ant+Sport(Tm) Wireless Technology Automatically Transfers Workout Data To & From
  • Computer When Device Is Within Range
  • Heart Rate Monitor
With the Forerunner 405, Garmin has finally put the power of GPS location-based date into a sleek sport watch that can be worn all day. Runners no longer have to choose between function and fashion. Garmin's ANT + Sport wireless platform that wirelessly sends your data to your computer and a touch bezel that lets you change screens with a simple tap (no more fumbling for buttons) run make this not just a leap forward in GPS-enabled fitness devices, but in training devices period. Forerunner 405 comes in two color options — black or green.

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The Power Of Location-Based Data

Anyone who has used Garmin's Forerunner 205 or 305 already understands the power that attaching location data to traditional measurements like distance, speed, time, calories burned, and heart rate can provide. Knowing exactly where you worked hardest, ran fastest (or most slowly), and lets you tailor your workouts to improve for specific distances, conditions, and types of terrain. It gives a complete picture of how you interact with every portion of your run.

cologs
Forerunner 405 comes in two color options — black or green

Train with a virtual partner

Watch Results

Loaded with serious training features, Forerunner 405 continuously monitors your time, distance, pace, calories and heart rate (when paired with heart rate monitor). Each run is stored in memory so you can review and analyze the data to see how you've improved.

The high-sensitivity GPS receiver sustains satellite reception, whether you’re tackling a trail or jogging through the urban canyons of skyscrapers. The Forerunner 405 is water-resistant (IPX7) and can be used outdoors or indoors (with an optional foot pod), making it the ultimate year-round, all-weather training tool.


Includes Heart Rate Monitor

USB ANT Stick

Forerunner 405 is available with or without a heart rate monitor (see the versions tab) to help you make the most out of your training. Versions with a digital heart rate monitor continuously track heart beats per minute. Train in a certain heart rate zone to improve your fitness level or compare your pace and heart rate to past performance on the same run.

The revolutionary patent-pending touch bezel on the face of the watch makes navigating the options easier than ever. Simply by tapping, holding or running a finger along the bezel, runners can begin a new workout, access their training history or challenge a Virtual Partner. The Forerunner 405 makes training with a Virtual Partner easy and efficient. Runners can adjust the Virtual Partner’s pace without stopping in the middle of a workout, and the Virtual Partner is always on and ready for a challenge.

Run, Sync, Store and Share
One of Garmin's most ambitious decisions has been to approach fitness devices as a total platform with their "ANT + Sport" connectivity system. All of Garmin's new fitness devices, including the Forerunner 405, Edge 605 and 705 bike computers, and Forerunner 50 heart rate monitor watches, will interface wirelessly with any devices that are compatible wiht the "ANT + Sport" protocol, including devices from other manufacturers.

Once you’ve logged the miles, the ANT + Sport wireless technology automatically transfers data to your computer when the Forerunner is in range. No cables, no hookups. The data’s just there, ready for you to analyze, categorize and share through Garmin's online community, Garmin Connect or optional Garmin Training Center software. You can wirelessly send workouts from your computer to Forerunner, too.

Share Wirelessly
With Forerunner 405 you can share your locations, advanced workouts and courses wirelessly with other Forerunner 405 users. Now you can send your favorite workout to your buddy to try, or compete against a friend's recorded course. Sharing data is easy. Just select "transfer" to send your information to nearby units.

Cross-Train
Take your training inside with the versatile Forerunner 405. Pair it with an optional foot pod to track your speed, distance and running cadence indoors when a GPS signal is unavailable. This new design clips onto your laces for easy removal and automatically turns on when you start moving. You can also add a speed/cadence bike sensor to track the speed and distance of your cycling workouts.

Be Part of A Community
Garmin acquired Motion-based, the largest shared repository of customer-generated gps-based routes, courses and maps. This was a significant move for Garmin to support the gps user community and bring a wealth of route options to gps users. With a simple connection to your computer, you can join a worldwide network of cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts through Garmin Connect our new, one-stop site for data analysis an sharing.

You can also upload to optional Garmin Training Center software for further analysis. Garmin Training Center stores large quanities of workout and ride data. Some of the things you can do are:

  • Review your workout data, including pace/speed, distance, time, calories burned; and if available, heart rate, cadence and detailed elevation.
  • View a detailed graph of your workout data, plotted over time or distance.
  • View a map of your workout that shows the exact path you traveled.
  • Categorize your workout history according to type of activity.
  • Review previous workouts, which are saved by day and week.
  • Create customized workouts with specific goals and rest intervals. Then send them to your fitness device.*
  • Schedule workouts for a specific day with calendar.
  • Get custom workout templates designed by the experts at TrainingPeaks.com

What's In The Box
Forerunner 405, USB ANT stick and Heart Rate Monitor, AC adapter, Charging clip, Owner's manual, and Quick reference guide



Bushnell GPS BackTrack Personal Locator (Camo)

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Bushnell GPS BackTrack Personal Locator (Camo) Review



Bushnell GPS BackTrack Personal Locator (Camo) Feature

  • Store and locate up to 3 locations, provides distance and direction back
  • High sensitivity SiRF star III GPS receiver, Self calibrating digital compass
  • Weather resistant, Operates on 2AAA batteries (not included)
  • Compact size stores easily in your pocket or purse
  • Lanyard included for easy attachment
The Bushnell Backtrack- Never Get Lost Again with the easiest to use personal location finder. Just mark the location and BackTrack will help you get back. Use it at the mall and stadium parking lots, at the festival, the park, for travel or your next outdoor adventure.



SkyCaddie SG5 Golf GPS (Black)

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SkyCaddie SG5 Golf GPS (Black) Review



SkyCaddie SG5 Golf GPS (Black) Feature

  • Full-featured golf GPS with large, color LCD with automatic backlighting
  • Includes IntelliGreen technology with full depth and shape of the green from any angle of approach
  • Plot greens yourself, or subscribe to one of three SkyCourse memberships for access to up to 16,000 courses
  • Water resistant for use in all playing conditions
  • Rechargeable battery provides up to 14 hours of continuous use
Ideal for golfers who want top-of-the-line GPS assistance on the links, the SkyCaddie SG5 Golf GPS is integrated with the very best Swiss engineering to provide unmatched reliability. It features, a large color display with automatic backlighting to ensure easy readability indoors and outdoors, and a long-lasting rechargeable battery (with up to 14 hours of continuous use). It's also equipped with the patented IntelliGreen technology, enabling golfers to measure the full depth and shape of the green from any angle of approach, both on or off the fairway. Part of SkyCaddie's exclusive, professional 4-Star SkyCourses, IntelliGreen graphics provide an eagle's eye view of the green with an indicator representing a direct line-of-play from wherever you are on the course.

With an annual SkyPlayer Club Membership Plan (not included with purchase of device), you can easily download thousands of our professionally enabled SkyCourses. Three different levels of memberships are available, based on how many courses you want to store and play. If you do not want a membership and your course is not already available, you can record the front, center and back of each green with your SkyCaddie's quick set-up module, which takes about 10 seconds.

Specifications:

  • Display: 220 x 176 pixels
  • Fairway targets: Yes
  • IntelliGreen: Yes
  • Accuracy: <2.5 yards
  • Course memory: 10 courses
  • Water resistant: Yes
  • Conforms to USGA/R&A ruling
  • Compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/Vista (requires USB port and Internet access)
  • Power: Rechargeable battery, up to 14 hours of continuous use
  • Weight: 5.5 ounces
  • Dimensions: 5.4 x 2.2 x 1.0 inches

What's in the Box?
SkyCaddie SG5, AC charger, USB cable, belt clip

Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can the SG5 give me the distance to the pin?
A: The SkyCaddie, using the IntelliGreen graphics found on our professionally recorded SkyCourses, provides more information than just the distance to the pin. Once the line of play is selected on the graphical green outline, it provides the minimum carry to get on the green, the maximum limit you have to the back of the green, plus you can adjust to obtain the third distance of the approximate flag location. All three distances are provided simultaneously from any direction as you approach the green. You can then frame your shot in a much larger target area and select the best club. You will hit more greens and have shorter putts than a single number can provide.

About SkyGolf
SkyGolf is a solutions integrator that leverages the convergence of proven technologies, including GPS, Internet, mobile handsets, and proprietary content to provide an instant answer to the oldest question in golf: "How far?" While respecting the game's traditions and history, SkyGolf is committed to using its advanced technology responsibly to improve pace-of-play, enhance golfers' enjoyment of the game and ultimately increase participation for the good of the game.

The SkyCaddie, developed by SkyGolf, is used on over 14,000 golf courses in 45 countries around the world. Weighing less than 5 ounces, the SkyCaddie utilizes the same global positioning system used by the U.S. military, but in a high portable handheld device, about the size of a cell phone, to compute distances to any point on a golf course. SkyGolf uses professional, high-performance GPS engines, satellite-based accuracy augmentation, plus proprietary accuracy enhancements to provide golfers with the distances needed to play smarter, faster and have more fun.

The proven reliability and accuracy of the SkyCaddie handheld, combined with the precision of SkyGolf's vast course library, gives golfers the trust and confidence they need to play their best golf.



Bushnell GPS BackTrack Personal Locator (Tech gray)

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Bushnell GPS BackTrack Personal Locator (Tech gray) Review



Bushnell GPS BackTrack Personal Locator (Tech gray) Feature

  • Store and locate up to 3 locations, provides distance and direction back
  • High sensitivity SiRF star III GPS receiver, Self calibrating digital compass
  • Weather resistant, Operates on 2AAA batteries (not included)
  • Compact size stores easily in your pocket or purse
  • Lanyard included for easy attachment
The Bushnell Backtrack- Never Get Lost Again with the easiest to use personal location finder. Just mark the location and BackTrack will help you get back. Use it at the mall and stadium parking lots, at the festival, the park, for travel or your next outdoor adventure.



Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Thermometer (Yellow)

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Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Thermometer (Yellow) Review



Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Thermometer (Yellow) Feature

  • Watch, altimeter, barometer, and compass in 1
  • Altimeter with 24-hour memory and log book
  • Bubble level for accurate compass readings
  • 3 alarms, stopwatch, and countdown timer
  • Stylish design, waterproof to 100 feet
Although the name Wristop Computer may suggest otherwise, Suunto's line of über-watches aren't just for those with a fetish for the latest in techno-toys. These rugged time tellers offer a variety of features for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Vector watch sporting a barometer, an altimeter, and a compass.

The barometric mode of the Vector displays the current barometric pressure and temperature as well as recent barometric trends. The trend display can be used for rough weather forecasts if you won't be changing altitude. After making the initial setting, the Vector was able to provide us with rather accurate barometric readings compared to the readouts to Internet weather reports for our region.

We did run into a problem with the temperature display of the barometer mode, as it can be impacted by body heat. Suunto recommends removing the watch from your wrist for 15 minutes for a more reliable temperature reading--not exactly the handiest of options.

The altimeter, which uses barometric readings to measure altitude, isn't exact either. And depending on the weather, we needed to reset the altimeter at least once a day. But it proved useful on local hikes, noting altitude to an accuracy of 10 feet after being reset, and also letting us note how quickly we increased or decreased in altitude in the Vector's logbook (which holds up to 3,800 sets of data).

One of the most useful tools on the Vector is its digital compass--after an initial calibration (we found out that using a watch this powerful requires a lot of tweaks), it kept us headed in the right direction with readouts in both direction and degree. We just had to remember to keep the watch level--holding it at the normal angle for chronometer reading skewed the compass results.

And, oh yeah, the Vector keeps time as well. Its time mode displays day and date with 12- or 24-hour time. It also features three daily alarms, a stopwatch, and a countdown timer. Even while using the other modes, the Vector displays the current time at the bottom of the display.

The Vector has a nice, bright backlit display and is also waterproof to 100 feet--as long as you don't press any buttons. We didn't take it down that far, but it surfaced without a problem from the bottom of our 12-foot deep pool.

You'll definitely know this large watch is on your wrist, but if you're an avid adventurer who loves techno-gadgets hardy enough for the outdoors, the Vector's your watch. It's the timepiece Grizzly Adams would have worn. --J. Curtis

Pros:

  • Ruggedly designed--great for the outdoor adventurer
  • Compass and altimeter are handy on hikes
  • Easy to switch between modes

Cons:

  • Large size can be unwieldy on wrist
  • Takes a lot of resets
After a decade of travels, adventures and courageous expeditions, the Suunto Vector is still the most legendary of all the Suunto outdoor devices. With technology and durability that can take on the harshest of environments, the unique heritage of Suunto Vector has withstood the test of time.



Bushnell GPS BackTrack Personal Locator (Black)

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Bushnell GPS BackTrack Personal Locator (Black) Review



Bushnell GPS BackTrack Personal Locator (Black) Feature

  • Store and located up to three locations
  • Utilizes the latest digital technology
  • High sensitivity GPS receiver
  • Self-calibrating digital compass
  • Compact size stores easily in your pocket or purse
Just mark it and forget it until it's time to get home. Our original BackTrack is the simplified GPS unit that started a revolution. It has only two buttons and stores up to three locations, with a host of standard features that make it ideal for anywhere you go. Operates on 2 AAA batteries (not included) and features an auto shutoff function. Lanyard included for easy attachment. Compact size stores easily in your pocket or purse.



Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver and Sports Watch

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Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver and Sports Watch Review



Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver and Sports Watch Feature

  • 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
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.

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.