ejunkie1958's Full Review: Garmin Forerunner 201 Handheld GPS Receiver
If you are one who, after taking a walk or bike ride, got on your car, retraced the route and guessed how far you had gone (I'm describing myself :-)), you will love to have the Forerunner 201.
The Forerunner 201 is so much more than just a pedometer. It is a serious training device for casual and serious runners, walkers or bikers. On a pinch, it doubles as a navigator that gives you bearing guidance to a destination and help you to retrace your steps...great for hiking. It also keeps perfect time and date so you don't need to wear a watch.
What Does It Do, Really?
Here are the features I copied from the Garmin website:
*GPS sensor provides exact location information, including your altitude.
* Mark specific locations, and then look-up and navigate to these points using an electronic map.
* Retrace your steps to a starting point or reverse your normal route for routine variation.
* Amount of calories burned can be tracked and calculated over the course of a workout.
* Lap history—such as lap time, lap distance, and average pace—can be stored for up to two years.
* Performance data can be automatically archived and calculated to provide an accurate record.
* Automated stopwatch provides auto-lap and auto-pause features.
* Lap timer indicates when a certain speed is reached or when you've fallen below a pre-set level.
* Pace whistle sounds alert when you begin traveling slower or faster than your desired pace.
* Distance whistle sounds when you reach a specified duration or distance in your workout.
* Download free Garmin software to transfer data from your Forerunner 201 to your PC for storage and analysis
Wearability -- The first impression with the device with me is "you want me to wear this thing on my wrist?". It is a lot bigger and longer than an average men's watch (about 3 times the size of my Seiko watch). However, it is very light and feels pretty comfortable. After wearing it a couple of times, I often ended up forgetting that I had it on. The Forerunner comes with a velcro strap and an extension strap for bigger arms. The straps are latched on to the Forerunner using standard watch spring-loaded pins so you can replace with any watch straps of your choice.
WaterProofing -- The Forerunner is waterproof (can be safely immersed in 3ft of water for half an hour) but the manufacturer does not recommend you wear it while swimming. Rain and sweat will be no problem.
Durability -- The unit looks and is tough. I accidentally dropped it a few times from 5 ft, no harm done. Someone reported leaving his on the roof of the car, drove off and had it thrown off at high speed...after he retrieved it, besides a few scratches, no harm done.
Ease of Use -- Everything is menu-driven and is easy to use.
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