Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Receiver and Sports Watch by Garmin
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List Price: Our Price: $189.99 You Save: $78.00 (29%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $149.95 (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 205 GPS Receiver and Sports Watch
Digital camera Review: 2 words: GOOGLE EARTH! Much better than 101/201/405 & Polar...
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought the 201 when it first came out. 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 had 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 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.) Note that GoogleMaps does work with the 101/201, it's Garmin' training center software that does the translation, though the 101/201 have less memory than the '05 series.
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: 205GarminReview
Summary: 5 Stars
Very good awesome product, but cannot wear when temperatures very low in Winter. I am a daily runner, complete usually 1 half-marathon and one marathon annually, I need an accurate gps to track time, speed and distance accurately. This is the best product out there for the price.Digital camera Review: A Fascinating Piece of Modern Technology.
Summary: 5 Stars
I like Camping and hiking in our beautiful National Parks.
I have to admit that, my life is not the same since I started using the Garmin Forerunner 205. Hiking in these remote places feels more safe and secure. Forerunner 205 is very accurate and easy to use.
It also provides very useful information during any physical activity, like heart rate, calories burned, distance, elevation, and direction.
I strongly recommend the Garmin Forerunner 205 for any one who likes to enjoy her or his outdoor experience.
Digital camera Review: A GREAT BUY!!
Summary: 5 Stars
For my birthday, which was about a month ago, my mom bought me the Garmin ForeRunner Watch. I would classify myself as a serious runner. I am actually running a marathon in two weeks. And I cannot say enough good things about this watch. It has really helped me train. The ForeRunner is able to keep track of my pace, time and distance and each run is stored on my computer. I have not once had a problem with the satellite. The ForeRunner has a pretty good battery life; it can last for longer than a two-hour run. I am planning to use it on marathon day to help keep me on track and at a good pace.
My particular watch does not have the heart rate monitor attachment (since I do not need it at a ripe age of 22). My dad, however, also has the ForeRunner with the heart rate monitor attachment. He loves the watch as well. The heart rate monitor provides a good way for him to wage the intensity of his workout. On weekdays when he has less time (since he has to rush to work), he does a high intensity, short workout. On weekends, he usually does a longer but less intense workout. These types of workouts are monitored and distinguished with the help of the ForeRunner, along with his own fatigue and breathing capacity levels obviously.
In my opinion, one of the best features about this watch is the ability to log your times, paces, distance and the route on your computer. The ForeRunner actually brings up a map of where you ran, street names included! I use a Mac and the ForeRunner software is fully compatible with my computer.
I have used a Garmin watch for years now, owning the original one, a far chunkier gadget. It was a huge, rectangular watch that almost weighed down your arm as you ran. The new, current ForeRunner, however, is a chic, black watch, that fits nicely on the wrist. It is a good size, not too small and not too big. The ForeRunner has a big enough screen so that the numbers are readable even while running. The screen is exceedingly clear, almost too clear that it reminds you on those slow days just how slow you are really going. And, to be completely honest, the watch makes you look intense.
Digital camera Review: A Great Purchase
Summary: 5 Stars
I gave this to my husband for Christmas and he cant quite seem to put it down. He is always finding new things about it that he loves. Probably one of the best gifts I have given him in years. We live in Phoenix by South Mountain and he is getting a big kick out of seeing each route he takes and the different elevations he reaches as he hikes. I used it once so far and it really pushes you to keep up with your target pace. I was sore for two days after I used it. A nice gadget to help improve your workouts. I reviewed all of the Garmins on Amazon, I chose this one mainly because of the features and the huge discounted price. For not knowing anything about these little devices, except for my friend's advice and the advice on Amazon, I am thoroughly happy with this product. If you are new at looking at GPS computers, just figure out what your basic needs are and start from there. Some of these have things that we would never use, but this one seems to be ideal so far. Great product!