Garmin Forerunner 101 Waterproof Running GPS by Garmin
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Our Price: $274.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $165.00 (click here) Category: GPS or Navigation System See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Garmin Forerunner 101 Waterproof Running GPS
Digital camera Review: 101 Wrist-Mounted GPS Personal Training Device
Summary: 4 Stars
The quality of the product is exceptional and reasonably priced. HOwever, it is very difficult to program using the instructions that are provided.Digital camera Review: 101/201 VS. 205/305 - NO COMPARISON!!!
Summary: 1 Stars
The 205 / 305 are about $50-$70 more than this but if you can afford to swing it, here is why you should buy those instead...
The 101 is identical except that is uses 2 AAA's instead of having an internal rechargeable battery.
I bought the 201 when it first came out (~7 years ago) It was head and shoulders above the Timex product with the remote arm pod and I would have rated it 5 stars back then because it was the best of it's kind. I even used it to go geocaching.
The problem is, I have to strongly recommend against anyone buying it today - I was "lucky" to have lost this kayaking a couple of years ago at which point I upgraded to the 305. It is SOOOOO much better that I have to now rate the 201 as one star in comparison. The 205 is the same but without heart rate.
First, the 101/201 have a very unusual shape. The 205/305 is a bulky watch but the looong 201 prevented you from wearing gloves - a real problem when skiing, cycling, etc.
Second - and more importantly, the 205/305 have the SIRF Star III Chipset which means it can lock on and hold the lock better.
Imagine if you will - you're all ready to run and pumped up - whoops, you now have to wait an extra few minutes to lock your position, otherwise it cannot tell you your speed, location, etc.
My old 201 locked on far faster than my running partner's Timex (He had to hang it on a tree while he was getting ready since it often took 5 minutes or more to lock.) the 305 can lock in 5-10 seconds most days while the 201 would lock in ~2 minutes *most* of the time but occasionally would take up to 5 minutes. If you were ~100 miles away from your prior location, the 201 would take up to 10 minutes to get a new lock. ARRRGGGGHH.
Also the 201 would lose lock all the time when running in even moderate tree cover or heavy clouds. With the 305 I can even get a lock in my house most of the time.
Finally, the 101/201 cannot lock IF YOU ARE MOVING! The 305 can lock even if you're riding a bicycle. I think I've even gotten a lock while driving.
Yes the 205 and 305 cost more but with the huge difference in functionality I find it astonishing that Garmin would continue to sell the 201 given how much better the 205 and 305 are.
p.s. Don't bother with the 405. Interesting concept but not practical. Read the reviews.
I use mine for cycling and running, the direct link to see your workouts mapped on GOOGLE EARTH is FANTASTIC!!!! (the included software is far more stable than the junk Polar included with their HRM's.
Heart rate strap with replaceable battery is coded and comfortable. It's better in my opinion than the Polar products (of which I've owned three)
I'd avoid the 405 unless you really want to use this watch as a normal day to day wristwatch (check out the 405 reviews)
My only complaint is that it's easy to leave it on and run the battery down - which is a bummer if you're just about to work out. I wish there was an "auto off" feature which would shut it down if it detects no movement or heart rate within an hour or so. Fortunately, with Li-Ion batteries, as little as a 10 minute charge gives you enough juice for a 90 minute run.
If you've found this review to be helpful, please let me know!
Digital camera Review: 3 Replacements- So Far!!
Summary: 2 Stars
I bought my battery operated Forerunner in 2004. Since then, I have had the unit replaced a total of 3 times to date because each unit inexplicably stops working after weeks or months of use (I use it for running workouts only). I have not received a reason or response from the company as to why this happens. All the feedback you get is to return the malfunctioning unit for "repairs." Inevitably, they send you a brand new one. Of course the company does not cover your own cost to ship the unit each time. It's great technology that works well-when it works. Because of my experience with the unit I would not recommend it to anyone, nor will I purchase another from this company.Digital camera Review: A World of Difference
Summary: 4 Stars
Although I still haven't mastered all of the functions, it has been amazingly helpful in my running. I've been trying to stay on a marathon training schedule which requires a certain amount of mileage each day. Before the Garmin I would have to go measure a route with my car and then run it (major pain in the rear!) It allows me to see my pace per mile so I can moderate so I do not get too overzealous and end up hitting the wall and hitchhiking home. I'm also able to look back at the history of my previous runs to track my progress. The only problem I've encountered so far is when I'm sure I've almost reached 10 miles and I look at the Garmin and I've only gone 3. I'm sure on those days it's just malfunctioning :)Digital camera Review: A great little gadget
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this for my girlfriend as a gift. She is very petite and I was afraid it would be too big for her. Not only does the wrist strap adjust to fit snuggly, it also is light enough where she barely realizes she has it on. The display is big enough to see at a quick glance. It "warms up" quickly and is ready to use in a matter of seconds. A great "toy" at a really good price.