Garmin Forerunner 201 Wrist-Mounted GPS Fitness Computer

101 201 301 1. Allows you to set up profiles for running, biking, and another sport. 2. Set up workouts with specific durations and targets (speed or heart rate). Speed Pace Distance Calories burned Heart rate Sports profiles1 Advanced workouts2 PC interface (serial) (USB) Analyze workout data on PC Size (inches, WxDxH) 3.3 x .9 x 1.7 3.3 x .7 x 1.7 3.3 x .7 x 1.7 Weight (ounces, with batteries) 2.6 2.75 2.75 Batteries 2 AAAs, 15 hours Rechargeable, 15 hours Rechargeable, 14 hours

The large display--with equally large, easy-to-read characters--helps you avoid having to squint at the readout. Just a quick glance at your numbers and you'll maintain your training concentration. The six rubber buttons on the front of the chassis are easy to access (unless you're wearing bulky gloves). I easily got the promised 13 hours out of the rechargeable lithium-ion battery. At the end of the day, I'd just recharge it for around two hours and it would be ready for me the next morning.

While this is definitely a workable GPS receiver, the Forerunner is slim on overall GPS features--which is not to its detriment (think of it as a performance monitor with a dash of GPS). That said, the Forerunner was able to pick up a GPS signal just about wherever I went outside (though it had very slight hiccups in the center of downtown). But if you're looking for a full-fledged tracking device, the Forerunner isn't for you. (You'll want to start with a basic GPS unit like Garmin's eTrex.)

The Forerunner 201 has a variety of helpful tracking, monitoring, and navigational features. The History function enables you to view your workout statistics broken down by individual days, cumulative weeks, or your entire workout history (if you track different workouts during the same day, they'll be broken out as different laps). You can even view a map of your route. And much like other GPS units, you can save waypoints (called "locations" in Forerunner parlance) to mark the coordinates of a place you want to return to later.

Most interesting is the Virtual Partner mode, which enables you to set goals for a workout which will then be completed by a digital character displayed on the Forerunner's screen. You can then see how far off the time, pace, or distance you are of your virtual training buddy's; your digital character even stops when you do (though the buddy keeps on going). I found that, unless you've got a good idea as to your pace or distance, you'll have a couple of trial-and-error training sessions to get in sync with your buddy. I cut short my first attempt after my buddy got so far ahead of me that he disappeared off the screen (which I'd like to believe was not due to my woeful pace).

I was disappointed at not having the LogBook software, which enables you to keep a journal of your exercise activities (it was not available at the time of this test). But overall, the Forerunner 201 is a very useful exercise-monitoring system that will be prized by anyone involved in serious physical training. --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Auto Menu: Timer pauses when you stop running. Auto lap logs your performance over a predetermined distance.

History: Review training history by day or week.

Map: Navigate back to the start or to a stored location.

Virtual Partner: Set time, pace, and distance goals, and train with a "virtual partner."

Pros:

• Loaded with performance-tracking features for the serious athlete
• GPS functionality a bonus, especially in referring back to previous routes
• Virtual Partner feature offers a fun, competitive way to keep you concentrated on training

• Lack of Logbook software at time of test
• Virtual Partner feature takes some trial-and-error adjustments

To please folks who are passionate about their exercise and training, Garmin has added something special to the Forerunner 201 called the Virtual Partner. The feature allows you to set your training goal by configuring your Virtual Partner's pace and workout distance. You'll get a graphic perspective of your performance by viewing your pace in relation to your Virtual Partner's pace, so you can always see at a glance if you're keeping up or falling behind.

Almost as important as the training device itself are the accessories to integrate it with your active lifestyle. If you're into cycling, the best way to keep an eye on your GPS while you ride is with a bike mount bracket that straps to the handlebars of your bike, motorcycle, or whatever you're traveling with for easy viewing.

Other Forerunner 201 features:

• 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.

What's in the box:

• Forerunner 201 unit
• Wrist strap
• A/C desktop charger with serial interface

I went on a five-mile run and the unit was amazing. I did not lose signal once. It gave me my time, pace, distance ran, calories burned, and average pace. I am extremely impressed with this unit.

I am looking forward to the release of the software that will allow me to track all of my running statistics. The Forerunner adds a new dimension to running.

I now highly recommend it.


Greatest invention since the Running Shoe   November 28, 2003
26 out of 27 found this review helpful

I wonder if this simple to use, lightweight, reliable device wouldn't have been better named the "Liberator". If you, like me, have ever done marathon training you know how frustrating it can be sticking to well marked, pre-measured trails for your training runs...and then, even when marked, having to undergo those mental calculations for each split.... Buy this device and leave those cares behind! For good. Seriously.

This is not your typical pedometer or other cheesy gimicky product promising to measure your speed or distance. This is the real deal. Second by second reports on your pace, distance traveled, altitude (or grade, your choice), etc. Configurable alarms. This has it all...and no more (i.e. no other extraneous functionality that would just confuse/complicate things).

Unlike some Garmin products I have used before which have a pretty steep learning curve this product is simple to use too. Very intuitive and easy to setup.

Having never tried the Timex Bodylink system which espouses to do the same thing, I can't comment on a comparison, here, except to note the obvious: price. $124 for this thing is a steal!! Contrast this with the several hundred bones you'll have to shell out for the Timex.

Other reviewers have hit on a couple of the opportunities for improvement: serial vs. USB, heavy charger, outdoor only, etc. These are valid nits...but really trivial compared to the freedom you'll experience the moment you take your first long run with this device. I'm sure future release will address these nit (and I wouldn't be surprise if some integration with a Heart Rate Monitor isn't in the works). But trust me don't wait for these improvements get this now and your runs will never be the same.

By the way, you could really say goodbye to daily entries in your logbook as well. This thing does it for you (and stores it for several years). It then summarizes your mileage by week, month etc...as well as other key parameters (avg speed, etc.) This is all done within the watch to...no need to upload to the logging/analysis software for your desktop which will be available for free from Garmin in Jan.


Forerunner review   December 9, 2003
Rick Schnell (Wisconsin, United States)
24 out of 25 found this review helpful

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.