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Garmin Forerunner 101 Waterproof Running GPS by Garmin
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Garmin Brand: Garmin Edition: Electronics Model: 010-00329-05 Publisher: Garmin Studio: Garmin Music Label: Garmin Product features: - GPS Sensor Provides Precise Latitude, Longitude
- & Altitude Data For Exact Location Information
- Mark Specific Locations & Then Look-Up & Navigate
- To These Points Using An Electronic Map
- Retrace Steps To A Starting Point Or Reverse Normal Routes For Routine Variation
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Garmin Forerunner 101 Waterproof Running GPSCustomer Review: Revolutionized my running Summary: 5 Stars
1. Super easy to use. Turn it on, wait until it syncs up with the satellites, push start, and it's off. Push stop when you want to stop. Reset the counters. The run is now in internal memory.
2. The unit's got a pretty sensitive reciever. Our neighborhood is pretty wooded, but it'll gain sync in our driveway, under a giant maple tree and smaller japanese maple. It holds it pretty well on the roads. I haven't tried a trail run - yet.
3. I don't think it's too obtrusive. My lovely wife thought it was a little too big to strap to her wrist. It does come with a band extender; Melissa is thinking about trying it again strapped to her upper arm. The disadvantage would be not being able to see the display, but if you're just interested in recording, it's not an issue. That, and most of the functions (mile marker, etc) have audible cueing. I can't hear the beeps over my iPod, though.
4. Nice features - Clear display, good backlight. The backlight automatically comes on when the unit has an alert (passing another mile, falling off pace, etc). The Training Partner is kind of nice. If Garmin keeps it when the Forerunner is updated, they could speed it up on downhills and slow it down on uphills (GPS gives elevation data).
Gripes:
1. The unit design is not poor by any stretch of the imagination. But, after the iBook and the iPod (not to mention small details like the international power adapters Apple has available that work with both items' power supplies), my standards are high. My gripe is that the UI is 6 buttons, all pretty similar size and texture, on the side of the unit. One of the reasons I'm skeptical of today's third mile split is because I accidentally turned the unit off between the 1st and 2nd miles. I stopped and turned it back on again, but it threw off the "odometer". Yes, I was an idiot for pushing and holding the power button (for like 3 seconds; it's not really easy to do by mistake), but the backlight is turned on by briefly pressing the power button.
2. It's missing the geeky GPS features, like a lat/long display, or the ability to select between different GPS data (WGS 84/UTM/etc - you either know what I'm talking about already, or you don't care). There are some work-arounds I've found (such as marking a waypoint at the current location to get lat/long), but I don't think I'm getting rid of my Magellan GPS 315 any time soon. I think this may be intentional on Garmin's part - why give away a big part of their market on a sub - $100 device. I think it'll work backpacking, especially if I take the time to pre-set waypoints. But I'm still mainly a map-and-compass kind of guy in any case. And the 101's "Back to start" feature ought to bail me out.
3. There's no ability to turn GPS on/off unless the machine can't acquire a satellite. There's also no ability to tell the unit where it is, so initial acquisition of a signal can last up to 30 minutes the first time you turn the unit on, or if you travel more than 500 miles with the unit off. In practicality, mine acquired signal in about 5 minutes right out of the box.
Description of Garmin Forerunner 101 Waterproof Running GPSGPS and a personal training device! The Forerunner 101 is a personal training device designed for the high-performance athlete as well as the recreational walker or runner. This wrist-top GPS product offers athletes the same features as the Forerunner 201, but operates on two AAA batteries and cannot be hooked up to the computer. It offers an easy-to-read display, adjustable wristband and an integrated GPS sensor. It is compact, lightweight and waterproof. The Forerunner 101 is the ultimate personal trainer. It uses GPS satellites to calculate speed, distance and pace information so you can focus on your run. You don't even have to think about starting and stopping the timer or punching the lap button to record stats; Forerunner will do it automatically. When you need motivation, Forerunner's Virtual Partner Amazon.com Product Description The Forerunner 101 offers athletes an easy-to-read display and integrated GPS sensor that provides precise speed, distance, and pace data--all in one compact unit that straps to your wrist. It's a lightweight, accurate training assistant with performance tracking, auto-lap, auto-pause and more. |  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 | | And because it is a high quality Garmin GPS device, you get many of the features GPS users have come to rely on, such as precise latitude, longitude, and altitude data. The Forerunner 101 is easy to use right out of the box and it delivers the benefits of GPS technology. Although it lacks the rechargeable battery and PC connectivity features of the Forerunner 201, the 101 retains all of the other great features of the 201, at an even more affordable price. The Virtual Partner 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 101 features: - Mark specific locations, and then look-up and navigate to these points using an electronic map.
- 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 5000 laps.
- Performance data can be automatically archived and calculated to provide an accurate record.
- Automated stopwatch provides auto-lap and auto-pause features.
- Pace whistle sounds alert when you begin traveling slower or faster than your desired pace.
- Time and distance whistles can be set to sound when you reach a specified duration or distance in your workout.
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." | What's in the box: Forerunner 101 unit, wrist strap, manual, and quickstart guide.
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