Looking for a Garmin Forerunner? I outline each of the five options and some of their advantages and weaknesses. These are the main features of the models, but I do not cover all the features!
Rechargeable?
The Garmin Forerunner 101 is the only one that is rechargeable, it uses two AAA batteries. All others have a rechargeable lithium ion battery that lasts 10-15 hours depending on usage.
Waterproof?
All units have a Forerunner IEC 60529 IPX7Rating, which means that the GPS case can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Note is accidentally .... Do not use this equipment for the swimming leg in triathlons, which will not last long! They should not run in the rain at the problems I found, are not immersed.
The logs are downloaded to your computer?
The 101 is the only device that does not have a computer interface, so that the information should be held at the end will be deleted.All units are capable of holding approximately 5000 laps, equivalent to 2 years of data.
Size and weight?
The 101, 201, and 301 are almost identical in size and weight. The 101 is slightly larger at 3.3 "W x 1.7" x .9 "D compared to 201 and 301 on 3.3" W x 1.7 "x 0.7" D. Believe it or not easy. The 101 weighs 2.6 ounces with batteries that weigh 201 and 301 both at 2.75 ounces. The 205 and 305 have a different designthat seems a bit 'like a clock. Both have the same measurements at: 2.1 "W x 2.7" x 0.7 "D and 2.7 grams of weight that I have used both versions and are very comfortable and easy .... I do not think there is .. just make the difference in weight or design, a decision made.
GPS signal strength
The Forerunner 101, 201, and 301 all share the same antenna and 205 and 305 is an antenna design. Between the two groups were 205 and 305, the signal strength stronger with aimproved antenna design, pointing to the sky during the race. I noticed all 101, 201 and 301 need to lose the signal while running under dense forest or in large buildings. The 205 and 305 do not seem to have this behavior.
Heart Rate Monitor:
Only the Forerunner 301 and 305 have a heart rate option. This allows you to view and monitor your heart rate and configure audible alarms if your heart rate above or below certain thresholds.
FreshThings:
All 5 devices have AutoLap, auto pause, Virtual Partner, Pace Alerts, Time or Distance Alerts, and interval training options. AutoLap creates a lap for you at an interval you define (1 mile, 1 minute, 30 minutes, etc. ..). Auto Pause pauses the timer if your pace falls below a specified threshold. This is a nice feature when you cross a lot of roads and a long wait. The Virtual Partner feature is for those of us competitive types who have a senseare against something! You set a predefined time / pace and shows just these two people on the screen, it is, is the computer. So who says it is against whom and how much! Speaking of motivation .... can not let a stinking computer beat you!
Special features for the Forerunner 301 and 305:
As mentioned previously, the 301 and 305, a heart rate monitor functions. You also have the ability to multi-sport profiles (biking, running, any sport) andoffers advanced training. Advanced features allow you to set the exercise training with specific objectives and time (speed or heart rate) so you can follow. Things like 4 1 mile intervals from 8:30 pace with a break of 1 minute between intervals. It beeps to alert you on your intervals.
Please read the time?
Believe it or not, this is one of the most frequently asked questions and yes, you can use one of the screens with many different parts of the data set. Now the day is athem.
Foreign Languages and Unit?
All units allow you to change the language of the console and the unit of measure in meters, if desired. The manuals are in English though.
The Forerunner 305 is also an optional GSC 10 speed cadence sensor you can purchase for bicycling.
All five precursors are extremely important in your training and you can not go wrong no matter what you decide.
