Garmin Forerunner 201 Waterproof Running GPS
by Garmin
|
Our Price: $299.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $99.95 (click here) Category: GPS or Navigation System See more product details |
|---|
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Garmin Forerunner 201 Waterproof Running GPS
Customer Review: The Forerunner can not do the impossible
Summary: 5 Stars
I have the forerunner and have used it hiking and running. This is my second GPS device, my other GPS is a Magellan 330 MAP.I have read some of the previous reviews and I noticed a lot of whining about lost satellite reception under bridges, near big buildings and under tree cover (with or without leaves).
This is a given with any consumer GPS device. You should not expect 100% reception of the satellite signal if you do not have a 100% view of a clear sky. In fact, if it is raining, foggy or very cloudy, the signal will be impaired.
Given the above reality, is the Forerunner still a worthy tool as you traverse the planet? Absolutely! Sure, you won't have 100% accurate data on every run, but the Forerunner can still be valuable as a training tool. I would venture that most people do have a clear view of the sky on more than 80% of their outdoor activities. In those situations the Forerunner can help with pace, and show the way back to the start if you get disorientated...on a trail or in an unknown city or town!
Today, 13 February 2004, Garmin released the free Logbook software for the Forerunner (version 2.1), I have reviewed the data on the Logbook and I am delighted with the information provided and the layout of the software. FYI, Garmin has also released version 3.0 of the Forerunner software. I suggest that you go to Garmin.com and update your software.
In summary, I have been running since 1976, and the Forerunner is a very nice addition for a runner, hiker, cyclist or walker. Get on out there!
Customer Review: A Memorial Great Father's Day Gift
Summary: 5 Stars
It's great having children who are gainfully employed.
Last Father's Day the three of them presented me with this great toy to aid me with my running habit of more than 40 years. The Forerunner 201 has a variety of helpful tracking, monitoring, and navigational features. The History function enables me to view your workout statistics broken down by individual laps, days, cumulative weeks, or your entire workout history
It even provides a map of my route. I can even save "waypoints" or locations to mark the coordinates of a place to which you want to return.
The large display is large and easy-to-read. I can even view it without my glasses, which I never wear while running. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery charge easily lasts the promised 14 hours out of the.
As a runner who usually runs alone, I love the "Virtual Partner." It enables me to set goals for each of my workouts. I then compete with a digital character displayed on the Forerunner's screen. I can then see visually track how far off the time, pace, or distance I am compared to my virtual training buddy. My digital character even stops when I do.
The software is great. It provides a visual record of my all my recorded workouts.
Over the years I have tried most of the running gizmos and been disappointed. Not so with the Forerunner. This is great. If you are in the market for a running watch, spring for this model. You will not be disappointed.
Customer Review: My experience so far - haven't actually got the unit yet
Summary: 3 Stars
When i get the unit and use it, i'll update the rating to reflect my experience there but wanted to provide feedback that was contrary to what others had posted.I went for a ride with a friend and he has one. he loves it and so i ordered one. should have it in a few days. I had to use email to determine when the handlebar mount would be available and got a completely appropriate response within 48 hours saying i had to call them to order the mounts. I called Garmin to order the bike mount and contrary to what someone else had posted - my phone wait time was less than 5 minutes, the support guy was able to place the order and take my money. So far this has been a great experience - maybe because my expectations were low after reading other posts here.
I downloaded the manual and again, contrary to what others have written here, on page one of the manual it says (and i quote)
"Longer Initialization is only necessary:
1) the first time you use your forerunner (new from factory)
2) after the receiver has been moved over 500 miles (with the power off...)
Perhaps this has been updated as the manual date is Feb 2004. Either way, Good Job Garmin for making changes to address customer concerns - conversely, bad job for not catching that initially and causing customer conerns...
after all of this, i'm pretty satisfied with the support and service i've recievd to date from Garmin and i can't wait to get the thing and start tracking my rides!!
Customer Review: Garmin Forerunner 201 is great for the price!
Summary: 4 Stars
I received the 201 as a Christmas present. I've put a little over 50 miles on it, and so far, the 201 has been great.
Comfort:
The 201 is designed to be worn on your wrist, but includes an extender so you can wear it on your arm. I've only worn it while wearing long sleeved shirts, so I don't know how it feels against the skin, but on top of a shirt it is plenty comfortable. It may seem big, but it light and doesn't bother me.
Accuracy:
One of my most recent runs, was the Rock 'N' Roll Arizona half marathon (13.1 miles). My 201 measured it out to be 13.20, which I'm plenty happy with because there was probably some distance added weaving around people. I haven't taken the 201 on any heavily wooded paths, so it is rare that I lose a signal, and when I have, it is only temporary. There are 3rd party software programs that will put your data onto a satellite map, and usually the 201 is accurate, but there are times when the line will go off the trail.
Mac Support:
One of my biggest gripes with Garmin, is their Training Center software was only available for PCs. However they just announced that they were making TC for Mac and should be ready in "Spring 2006".
For $100, the Garmin Forerunner 201 is a great buy if you want to track your workouts. Garmin is releasing the Forerunner 205 in February, which will have a more accurate GPS, and a better design, but it will be $250.
Customer Review: Great runner's companion, but not technologically advanced
Summary: 4 Stars
If you run mostly alone or have a goal to reach as I do, this is a wonderful pushy unforgiving virtual partner. It motivates me every time when I read the data. (BTW, this device even has a virtual partner feature.) The interface is easy to use. The free software that saves all possible logs is fun to use as well.
As for the GPS function, the receiver is weak. It loses signals under tree, next to a tall wall, and so on. It also takes quite a few minutes to lock on the signal upon startup. Combining with the previous deficiency, you'd better warm up at a place with a clear view to the sky. Otherwise, your virtual partner won't run together with you. Neither will you be "running" after you start to run. The weak reception is common to most Garmin GPS devices. I own an eTrex, which has the same problem. Comparing a GPS with Sirf III chipset, the reception is very poor. In addition, it doesn't record tight-turn accurately. Running on the track, you'll find that the distance reported to shorter. Logging the points more frequently will definitely help. However, I haven't figured it out yet.
Though I wrote more words on the negative areas, I still give it thumbs-up. It is still one the best device available in the market as of today (11/2005). You just need to understand the limitation and use it when the situation fits. There are enough positive material generated from Garmin's marketing machine.