Garmin Forerunner 201 GPS Training Assistant - The Forerunner 201 offers athletes an easy-to-read display, ergonomic wristband, and integrated GPS sensor that provides precise speed, distance, and pace data. It's a compact, lightweight, accurate training assistant with performance tracking, auto-lap, auto-pause and more. The Forerunner 201 is easy to use right out of the box and delivers the benefits of GPS technology at an affordable price. Working out with the Forerunner 201 means you're never alone in your personal training, because the unit provides a Virtual Partner. This unique 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. Includes - Wrist strap, AC Charger

Garmin Forerunner 201 Customer Comments

Terrific Training Aid, February 6, 2007
Reviewer: Richard J. Griffin "umhockey99" (Ann Arbor, MI United States)
(REAL NAME)
I received this watch as a gift. I have found it to be a great training aid. It's features are easy to use which is important to me as I am not a techno geek. The watch appears large and cumbersome but it is lightweight and you hardly are aware that you are wearing it. I like the large display because I do not wear my glasses when I run and I can easily read the display.

The data it collects is quite impressive. I set it up to record my intervals so when I do long training runs it will track my splits for every mile. It also keeps a record of my training runs in memory. I have also found its distance measurements to be reproducable - within 1%. The rechargable battery is a plus.

Here's what I do not like. The data from the watch can be downloaded to a PC. The watch did not come with a CD ROM so I went to the Garmin web site and I have had difficulty downloading their software. As mentioned previously, I am not a techno geek so when I tried to hook the cable into the USB port I was disappointed to find that I had to plug it into one of the ports in back. Since my PC is installed inside my desk, it will be a major effort to pull it out and sort through all the wires. This process would have been so much easier if I could just plug it into the USB port on the front of the PC.

Forerunner 201, January 29, 2007
Reviewer: J. Oharrah (Knoxville, TN USA)
(REAL NAME)
Been using for a month. It works well for the purpose I intended...to keep track of my mileage and times. Also has a function for interval training which has been useful. LED readout is big enough to easily see. Have had no problems with locking on to satellites. If you plan on using the available running log software, been forewarned that the 201 only comes with a 9 pin connector. If you only have 1 port, you will have to buy a splitter or USB converter which will be around $25. I have been told the 301 has a USB connector. Also, the warning tone is not very loud. I run with a friend who has a 301...I can hear his "beep" better than mine. Important if you plan to use the pacing function.

It works, most of the time, January 19, 2007
Reviewer: J. Rosen "aspiring strobist" (Rochester, NY USA)
(REAL NAME)
A great idea. Run where you want and know how far you've gone. The breadcrumb trail is pretty useless and it doesn't hold a signal in wooded areas but for knowing how far you've gone, and how fast you're going, this thing is great.

Great for running, January 17, 2007
Reviewer: Ryan Michael Martin "Ryan" (Los Angeles, CA USA)
(REAL NAME)
I bought Forerunner 201 to help train for a marathon, and it has proven indispensable. I was afraid it was too bulky or akward to wear while running but in fact it is lightweight and hardly noticeable. The variety of training assistant features help spice up an otherwise boring training run and the distance readings are reasonably accurate. Once the watch picks up the GPS signal it rarely loses it unless you are in a shaded area, so if you run under treecover I wouldn't recommend this product. My only complaint is that the instantaneous pace calculation is not very accurate at all (it can vary by 1 to 2 min./mi. in a few seconds!) even when I set the averaging to the smoothest possible. All in all however this is a great product and well worth the price.

Good training watch, January 16, 2007
Reviewer: Knud A. Hermansen
(REAL NAME)
The Forerunner 201 has performed well and has a lot of features. The menues are very intuitive and easy to use. My only complaints are that one of the pins that holds the watch to the strap popped out when I was trying to squeeze through a door - not as strong of a design there as I would have liked. The watch also seems to loose satelites more often then the Timex Bodylink that I had. But I consider it a better watch and it is a better value than the 305.

What types of athletic training was the system designed for?

Triathlon training, marathon training, cycling training, running training, multisport training and more.

Forerunner 201 Features:

*GPS sensor provides precise latitude, longitude, and altitude data for exact location information.
* 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.
* Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Forerunner 201