Great Price "Garmin Forerunner 201" for $149.99 Today
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
Offer Price : $149.99
Garmin Forerunner 201 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).
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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
- Lack of Logbook software at time of test
- Virtual Partner feature takes some trial-and-error adjustments
