Garmin Forerunner 201

Pros: Easy to use, good tracking features, good battery, feature rich

Cons: Limited GPS functions, feels odd on the wrist

The Bottom Line: A very good performance tracking device, but a mediocre GPS device.

Review: With spring coming I am sure a lot of people are ready to get out and start a walking or running program. You want to know how far you went and how many calories you burned, right? You want to know if one route is the same distance as another route...

Pros: Easy to use, accurate, lightweight, options

Cons: Takes some getting used to, software could be better

The Bottom Line: A very good tracking device when it comes to working out.

Review: I have always used some method to try to track my performance while working out. Almost all of my workouts are performed outside and it is not always easy to determine how far or fast I have covered the territory. I have used numerous pedometers,...

Pros: GPS based track record, heart rate monitor, basic GPS function, training programs, PC link

Cons: Spotty GPS reliability in thick forest, one user only, chest strap unreliable, useless indoors

The Bottom Line: Excellent for dedicated outdoors sports (running & biking), but overkill for occasional workout.

Review: The Garmin Forerunner 301 is the latest gadgetry in fitness accessories. Heart rate monitors (HRM) like the ones from Polar are common these days. Garmin offered until recently everything but heart rate. With the 301 the GPS based Forerunner (101 or...

Pros: Everything about this tool is top notch for the serious outdoor trainer.

Cons: It has same limitations that effect all GPS receivers using the worldwide GPS system.

The Bottom Line: After seeing my Forerunner 201 in action for 2 weeks, I purchased 5 more these for training partners who just had to have one too. Technology at its best.

Review: The Garmin Forerunner is an excellent training tool for all outdoor runners, inline skaters and cyclists. Using the 12 GPS satellites orbiting the earth, it uses triangulation to keep exact track of your position, speed, distance traveled etc. This...

Pros: Great training tool; fairly accurate; easy to use

Cons: Loses GPS signal occasionally. Software doesn't work with Apple computers

The Bottom Line: I would absolutely recommend the Garmin Forerunner 201. It's fairly accurate, easy to use, provides excellent training information, sells for a reasonable price, and works efficiently

Review: Let me start by saying, I'm not one for gadgets. I'm not good at them, and frankly, I don't need them. So I was not particularly excited when my husband bought me this device for my birthday. I am an avid runner, but was always happy with a pair of...

Pros: Combination of pedometer/cyclometer and heart rate just the thing for outdoor workouts

Cons: Heart rate monitor sometimes loses signal

Review: I have used the Forerunner 301 for some time to record my bike rides. I use the Auto Lap function (Training Assistant menu) frequently. Marking waypoints is rather slow. Getting there from "time of day" requires a minimum of 5 keystrokes. The heart...

Pros: Simple to use, convenient Velcro wrist strap.

Cons: Doesn't work indoors.

Review: Wanted something simple to track how far I walk/jog on various residential streets around my house. This is perfect! Strong GPS signal (although it doesn't work indoors, so can't use for tracking indoor distance - i.e. walking around house, mall). I...

Pros: Large face, easy to read. Accurate pacing and distance. Record-keeping software available.

Cons: Can only be used outdoors (GPS satellite). Bigger than normal watch but doesn't bother me.

The Bottom Line: If you want to know your pace and distance anywhere outdoors, the Forerunner 201 will more than meet your needs.

Review: I bought my Garmin Forerunner 201 for two reasons: first,I needed help with my pacing (I've run nearly 60 races at distances from 5K through marathon). I also wanted to know how far I've traveled on unmarked roads and trails, and in races. I was...

Pros: No foot pedometer (pod)to wear on your shoe.

Cons: Heart rate monitor(HRM)imperfect in performance. Trees and buildings do impact the GPS signal.

The Bottom Line: Purchase the Garmin FR201 unless you really, really want an all-in-one heart rate and distance monitoring system.

Review: I have been using the Garmin 301 since June-05 on almost all my training runs. I have not been too disappointed in the GPS tracking system. I ran a marathon recently that started in the city. I thought the FR301 wasn't going to lock onto a satellite...

Pros: Compact, easy to use GPS, with some really cool features.

Cons: Loss of signal in heavy urban areas, serial port interface.

The Bottom Line: Great fitness aid, would recommend for use rural and urban use, but expect to lose signal from time to time in the city.

Review: I purchased the Forerunner 201 mainly for my wife to aid her in training for a 60km (40 miles) walk to fund Breast Cancer. As she gradually walks more and more each outing, she wanted to know exactly how far she was going, and how fast of pace she...