Garmin Forerunner 201 Waterproof Running GPS
by Garmin
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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 |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Garmin Forerunner 201 Waterproof Running GPS
Customer Review: Must-have equipment for serious runners
Summary: 5 Stars
I hate running gadgets. I've never liked wearing watches, pedometers, heart-rate monitors. Even the Forerunner 201 didn't interest me until I ran with a friend who had one.
I ordered the 201 not expecting much, but was completely blown away once I started using the thing. Once up and running (more on that below), the GPS has been extremely accurate so far. Not only that, it has dramatically increased my awareness of my running and training.
Specifically, this unit makes it extremely easy to not only tell how far you've run, but also your pace and split times. The ability to (easily) program it to lap at certain points (for me it's every mile) allows me to analyze my pace over the course of my runs (which average about 10 miles daily). With the help of free 3rd party software easily found on the net, I'm not only able to analyze my splits, but to also download the Forerunner data and view it in 3D and color coded to look at my speed while climbing hills, etc. Some of the free software also does a 3D fly-by of your run.
The Garmin software that comes with the unit is also useful, if not a bit limited compared with the ample free software available online. Still, the Garmin Logbook is a great FREE tool that gives you quick access to your run data.
I have only a few pices of advice for folks considering buying the Forerunner 201. First, when you first turn it on, you need to be outside and be PATIENT. It might take 30+ minutes the first time for it to lock on the satellites. After that, it's much faster--don't worry. Next, if you're concerned about whether it's comfortable (based on the odd shape), I was too, but I've found that it is not a problem at all. It's very lightweight and the unit actually sits very naturally on your wrist/arm. Finally, just do a Google search for "forerunner software" once you get the unit. You'll find some good stuff available.
Customer Review: Great Training Aid
Summary: 4 Stars
Unless you're running on a track, treadmill, or in a race, you probably don't know how far you're traveling. The Garmin Forerunner 201 will help solve this problem. I purchased this unit in December 2004 and have logged many miles with it strapped faithfully to my arm.
Just to address some of the concerns I've seen in the reviews:
1) It does take some time to acquire a signal. If you travel more than 500 miles from home, it can take 10 minutes or more to figure out where it is. Aside from that, even staying locally it can take 1-5 minutes to fully acquire signals. This is a good time to stretch and get into a good frame of mind.
2) It's GPS, so it's only accurate to w/in 3 feet or so. This means over several miles, it may be off plus or minus a 10th of a mile. However, when you generally run the same routes, you get a feel for the average distance.
3) It seems to have problems under tree cover. If you're running in a straight line, this isn't a big deal. Once it gets it's next reading, it can figure out how far you've travelled. If you're on a twisting road or trail, it may not give you credit for the entire distance you covered while it was having trouble finding signals.
4) The log software is really cool. Download it from the Garmin website for deeper analysis of pace/distance/elevation/totals.
5) This is not a device for figuring out where you're going. If you're out on a run and you need to figure out how to get back to where you began, it is a handy aid. But some other reviewer apparently expected turn by turn driving directions. I never saw anything like that in the marketing for this device. If that's what you're looking for, you're looking at the wrong unit.
With all that said, I have found it to be a highly effective training aid. My speed sessions and long runs have improved considerably over the last year.
Customer Review: Forerunner review
Summary: 5 Stars
Have been using the Forerunner for about 1 month now, and I am still impressed about it features. The User interface is very intuitive. Very comfortable to wear and manipulate the buttons. Display is easy to read, and the backlight even comes on at night when you reach distances you have programmed unit to notify you at. Love the history feature, and with the year plus memory feature, I can take my time updating my Ultra Coach logging software that I use to track my workouts.For 95% of the runners out there, you will be quite happy with the device. For those of you that run underneath allot of heavy tree cover, you will be disappointed. GPS satellite acquisition under heavy tree/foliage cover will be spotty (This is a inherent problem with all GPS units because of the very weak nature of the satellite signals) I took the unit out on an orienteering event, under heavy tree cover (although no leaves) and lost signals quite often over the 8 mile course). Of course, this use of the instrument is at the extreme end of its intended use. Like I said, for runners, X-Country skiers, power walkers, you will be quite happy with the unit. BTW, for those of you who were disappointed that your unit had a hard time acquiring signals indoors, you will be lucky to get any satellite lock unless your near some windows (and glass will cut down on signal strength). The unit is not designed to work indoors unless you just want to use the stopwatch timer.
The logging software is still not available. Apparently you can export data in XTML, which should make it importable in mapping software. And the serial interface? Should be USB (Garmin? what were you thinking?) And for crying out loud, make a drop in docking station that charges the battery and interfaces with your PC. The snap in cradle is Mickey mouse.
So, all in all, 135.00 well spent.
Customer Review: Better than advertised...and expected.
Summary: 5 Stars
I have purchased many electronic devices that have been a huge disappointment, including a handheld GPS unit. So perhaps I didn't have high hopes for this particular unit, given the pricerange and the ambivalent reviews.
However, this does exactly what it is advertised to do, and does it extremely well. It is versatile, working for both running and biking with different speed modes. It finds satellites very quickly versus the other GPS receiver that I have. It seems durable, and the size is not overly cumbersome once you have had it on for a few minutes--it's like an oversized wristwatch.
When it comes to training, I can't believe I ever trained without this. The interval training feature has been invaluable, automatically setting distances and rest periods with no intervention from me. The display is very intuitive. And, except for a few times losing the signal in heavy tree cover, I have had no problems with the reception or the apparent accuracy of the unit.
Lastly, the history feature of the unit is wonderful. The device itself has a pretty good history display, keeping track of days, distances, paces, calories burned, and so forth. But, when you download the training software from Garmin, and upload your data to the machine, it makes it even better.
Yes, I agree the cable to do the upload could have been a USB cable rather than a serial cable, but I suspect there were size issues to deal with here, even with a mini-USB plug, that made the serial cable the best choice. I would say that the device/PC interface is probably the one weak spot here.
Lastly, I bought the bike mount for this...but then realized you can just wear it on your wrist! So I haven't even used the bike mount.
All in all, one of my best purchases, especially given the price point.
Customer Review: Forerunner 201 is MAJOR motivator for this NJ runner
Summary: 5 Stars
If you always wonder how far you run and if your pace really slows down when you feel like you're dragging as you pass that beautiful oak tree on the corner, this is the device for you. It's big, but that means it's really easy to read. It's dorky, but who cares what you look like when you're at mile 11, anyway? Bottom line is that it's absolutely awesome!! When I finally decided that I would train for the NY Marathon in November, I needed inspiration. Unlike my sister who runs in Central Park, and knows her distances and can just do splits with her watch, I like to vary my runs on the many farm roads and through the parks where I live in suburban NJ and really never know how far I go (I can only estimate with my watch). Now I have the answer (and I am psyched because I run faster than I thought). The Forerunner has become my savior. Now I know the exact distance of my loops and can plan my runs based on the needs of my training schedule. I can also kick things up a notch when my time is dragging. The download program is simple and keeps track of things for you. I really like the visual of the where you run. I also keep an Excel sheet (because I am anal and want to include HRM data), but all the necessary running info comes from the Garmin. I have no problems accessing satellites where I live, even though I go through some seriously wooded areas. NYC is somewhat of a problem, especially spots in Central Park. It stinks when you lose reception because then your numbers get a bit messed up. And it gets a bit frustrating. So, if you plan to run in a big city, go to a shop and find out if there are problems. I recommend wearing a wrist band underneath because it's not too comfortable without it. If you like confirmation of your times and distances, and like electronic gadgets, this is the ultimate toy!! Happy running.