As soon as I found out about the Forerunner, I looked for it in various stores in the NYC area, but no one had it. I managed to buy it on AMAZON.com. When I recieved it, it took about 45 minutes for it to orient itself to the area, and I immediately took it for a run. I logged about 5 miles, according to the forerunner 201 - and it gave me a very good idea as to how far I was running. It also logged my run into memory.

I then used it in a race that I was running on Sunday in Central Park. It was a four mile race. I set the training assistant feature to set my goal at four miles, under an 8 minute pace. As soon as the race started, it takes about a minute or so before you get an accurate reading as to how far ahead you are, or how far behind you are on your pace. But once it kicks in, it spurred me to run a pace in the mid 7 minute range.

The device lost the satellite reading more then once, but it seemed to recover. Relying on the forerunner to tell me where I was in terms of pace helped me to log a personal record in the four miler - a 7:49 pace. (not that I'm the fastest runner in the world).

I would recommend this product, but keep in mind that you need unobstructed access to the open sky for it to work. The signals that I lost on my run, were lost because I was running to close to the rock outcrops that line the race route. Be aware of this.

Another feature is that you are supposed to be able to download your run data onto your pc. However, for some reason GARMIN has not released this software yet and according to GARMIN customer service, it will be available in January for download at garmin.com.

As a collegiate track/cross country athlete (17 years old), I found the Garmin Forerunner 201 to be one of the most important things in my training.

Before I got this, I was always surrounded by a ton of athletes who would train using these devices (or the 101/301), and still am. I was amazed by the features, but was thrown off by the price (again, i'm a broke college student). So with this in mind I used Google maps, and variatios of it to measure out my runs. This got very time consuming, not to mention inaccurate.

So I buckled down and got it, and boy was I happy! It's like having a computer on your wrist. It has all the good stuff you read about(tells pace, distance, time, time of day, etc.) and many more. It logs your weekly and total mileage, so you don't have to sit and crunch numbers anymore. It also finds your average pace for the week. The training assistant is pretty neat to have, especially if you're doing intervals or track workouts, and can't remember all your times. You can also set it to tell you your pace and give an alert at whatever distance you want. The map mode isn't quite what I expected (I was looking for a full on city map), but it shows a trail of where you have ran for the total run, great to avoid getting lost.

I can go on and on about how cool this little guy is, but that's boring, let's get to the flaws.

Cons: WEEEEAAAAAKKK signal. If you like to run in a park with tall trees shadowing your every step, you won't get a very accurate measurement. I've read reviews where people say the signal gets lost behind tall buildings, but I live in the suburbs so i've never had any problems. If you go inside ANY building, you will lose the signal, and the device will continually annoy you with 'Weak GPS Signals' until you go out in the open again.

After storing your run in the history, you can't navigate through the map mode very well, unless you upload your run into your computer. Which brings up another con; the software sucks. It's very user friendly, but only because it doesn't have much features. It displays a simple graph of your overall pace, time, and distance, and a map of your run. It also lists your total runs, but in a hard to navigate style. It would be much nicer if it came with a type of training log to personalize.

And the serial port?!? I can't believe Garmin is forcing us to rely on a serial connection, when we are in the USB age. And the cable they provide you with just barely wraps around to the back of my computer.

Of course, don't let these little annoyances stop you from getting this. It's a great tool, and I seriously recommend it. Rob a bank, collect cans, steal your little sister's piggy bank, do whatever it takes, this is a great product that will last a good while.

Unless you're running on a track, treadmill, or in a race, you probably don't know how far you're traveling. The Garmin Forerunner 201 will help solve this problem. I purchased this unit in December 2004 and have logged many miles with it strapped faithfully to my arm.

Just to address some of the concerns I've seen in the reviews:
1) It does take some time to acquire a signal. If you travel more than 500 miles from home, it can take 10 minutes or more to figure out where it is. Aside from that, even staying locally it can take 1-5 minutes to fully acquire signals. This is a good time to stretch and get into a good frame of mind.

2) It's GPS, so it's only accurate to w/in 3 feet or so. This means over several miles, it may be off plus or minus a 10th of a mile. However, when you generally run the same routes, you get a feel for the average distance.

3) It seems to have problems under tree cover. If you're running in a straight line, this isn't a big deal. Once it gets it's next reading, it can figure out how far you've travelled. If you're on a twisting road or trail, it may not give you credit for the entire distance you covered while it was having trouble finding signals.

4) The log software is really cool. Download it from the Garmin website for deeper analysis of pace/distance/elevation/totals.

5) This is not a device for figuring out where you're going. If you're out on a run and you need to figure out how to get back to where you began, it is a handy aid. But some other reviewer apparently expected turn by turn driving directions. I never saw anything like that in the marketing for this device. If that's what you're looking for, you're looking at the wrong unit.

With all that said, I have found it to be a highly effective training aid. My speed sessions and long runs have improved considerably over the last year.

The Forerunner was the best product that I have purchased in a while. I just completed my first marathon 3 weeks ago and during my training I was having a very difficult time judging distance and pace because I was traveling every week. With the Forerunner, I was able to keep accurate track of actual miles run and pace, which was key to understanding my progress.

I've never had a problem getting a satellite signal. One of the nice surprises has been the "Training Center" software which you can download all of your runs into. This shows elevation, pace, speed, and time for every part of your race. Using this, you can see where you are starting to slow down, or what pace you are keeping when you are running hills.

I've heard that the distance isn't precisely accurate, but since I am a 'middle of the pack' runner I wasn't that concerned about +/- a tenth of a mile.

I received the 201 as a Christmas present. I've put a little over 50 miles on it, and so far, the 201 has been great.

Comfort:
The 201 is designed to be worn on your wrist, but includes an extender so you can wear it on your arm. I've only worn it while wearing long sleeved shirts, so I don't know how it feels against the skin, but on top of a shirt it is plenty comfortable. It may seem big, but it light and doesn't bother me.

Accuracy:
One of my most recent runs, was the Rock 'N' Roll Arizona half marathon (13.1 miles). My 201 measured it out to be 13.20, which I'm plenty happy with because there was probably some distance added weaving around people. I haven't taken the 201 on any heavily wooded paths, so it is rare that I lose a signal, and when I have, it is only temporary. There are 3rd party software programs that will put your data onto a satellite map, and usually the 201 is accurate, but there are times when the line will go off the trail.

Mac Support:
One of my biggest gripes with Garmin, is their Training Center software was only available for PCs. However they just announced that they were making TC for Mac and should be ready in "Spring 2006".



For $100, the Garmin Forerunner 201 is a great buy if you want to track your workouts. Garmin is releasing the Forerunner 205 in February, which will have a more accurate GPS, and a better design, but it will be $250.

I have purchased many electronic devices that have been a huge disappointment, including a handheld GPS unit. So perhaps I didn't have high hopes for this particular unit, given the pricerange and the ambivalent reviews.

However, this does exactly what it is advertised to do, and does it extremely well. It is versatile, working for both running and biking with different speed modes. It finds satellites very quickly versus the other GPS receiver that I have. It seems durable, and the size is not overly cumbersome once you have had it on for a few minutes--it's like an oversized wristwatch.

When it comes to training, I can't believe I ever trained without this. The interval training feature has been invaluable, automatically setting distances and rest periods with no intervention from me. The display is very intuitive. And, except for a few times losing the signal in heavy tree cover, I have had no problems with the reception or the apparent accuracy of the unit.

Lastly, the history feature of the unit is wonderful. The device itself has a pretty good history display, keeping track of days, distances, paces, calories burned, and so forth. But, when you download the training software from Garmin, and upload your data to the machine, it makes it even better.

Yes, I agree the cable to do the upload could have been a USB cable rather than a serial cable, but I suspect there were size issues to deal with here, even with a mini-USB plug, that made the serial cable the best choice. I would say that the device/PC interface is probably the one weak spot here.

Lastly, I bought the bike mount for this...but then realized you can just wear it on your wrist! So I haven't even used the bike mount.

All in all, one of my best purchases, especially given the price point.

1) PRO: Garmin is a great company with excellent customer service. They immediately replaced my watch when the battery failed under warranty.
2) PRO: The 201 has many neat features and they all work great.
3) CON: You must wait for for GPS signal acquisition before you start your run, and it is slow, it takes a minute or two.
3) CON: Because the positional accuracy is limited, the pace error is high, especially if you don't run in a straight line. While running around my 1/4 mile track at a steady 8 min/mile pace, with pace smoothing maximized, the 201 will indicate values ranging between a 7.5 min/mile and an 8.5 min/mile.

Overall it is a cool device, just not quite accurate enough for me.

I'm a novice racewalker training for my first marathon in September. The Garmin Forerunner has been a great help with my short/long distances training.
POSTIVES: Adjustable strap (have small wrist); easy to navigate through menu modes; backlight; LCD display easy to read for quick glance; training assistant-virtual partner, pace/speed alert,time/distance alert, history, custom page. Applied for Amazon credit card and received $30 off the price.
NEGATIVE: My device charges only up to 14 hours instead of the 15 hours as stated in the manual. But 14 hours is still alot.

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.

I was trepidatiously purchased the 201 after reading some of the negative reviews on here, but I'm glad I disregarded those as "operator error." The two complaints I read the most were:

Takes Forever to Find Satellites: Never been a problem. I set the 201 out while I'm getting my iPod, hydration gear, shades, etc. out; it's done before I'm done. I have a feeling some of the complaints are from people wearing it on their wrists while waiting for it to track or moving. Set it down, turn it on, and you'll have satellites in less than a minute. I do... every time.

Customer Support (or lack of it): I contacted Garmin's customer service because I had a question about the mapping in the Training Center software (which you download for free from their site). I got a very detailed and personable response within 24 hours.

I love the 201 and coupled with the MotionBased web site, it has everything you need to get detailed analysis and maps of your workouts.

I bought this back in September and raved about it to everyone I know that runs. The Forerunner was an excellet tool for tracking my run distances and training progress.

At times, I was annoyed by how long it would take to acquire a GPS signal. It wasn't too bad, as it gave me an excuse to stretch.

The joy of my Forerunner 201 ownership came to a screeching halt as I was waiting at the starting line of a half-marathon last weekend. About 10 minutes before the race, I turned on the Forerunner, allowing ample time to acquire a GPS signal. After about 3 minutes, I looked down and saw that it was still trying to acquire the signal...however, the signal strength bar was not moving. The race started, and the bar was in the same position. At that point, I knew it was not to be, so I put the Forerunner in my pocket and was unable to use during the run. After the run, still in the same position, so I tried to shut it off...nothing happened after hitting the power button--the screen remained.

Alas, my Forerunner is dead, a short life of 6 months and a few hundred miles. It was great while it lasted.

Great piece of equipment. I use it to pace my basic training unit at Fort Benning while on foot marches and during runs. I recently used it on a foot march during a pretty heavy thunderstorm. Being out in the middle of nowhere with heavy cloud cover didn't seem to faze it much. A bit slower loading in its location with the satellites, but it still worked. During this march, it was soaked in water and sweat. It also got a taste of some mud when our evac. vehicle got stuck on a dirt trail. However, I wasn't able to manipulate the "custom" pace alarm within my specified time. It only allowed me a 10-minute gap instead of a preferred 2-or-3-minute gap. The battery provides a pretty decent charge and the settings are otherwise easy to manipulate.

Since I purchased the Foresunner 201 I cannot run or bike without. It works perfectly, it is very simple to use and it makes my training much more enjoyable. It would have been nice if both the pace (run) and the speed (bike) could be monitored at the same time. But unless you run duathlons like me, it is a minor problem. The battery life is amazingly long. I highly recommend this product and the bike mount accessory. You do not need to buy any (extra) charger as it obviously comes with it.
The connection with the computer is a bit outdated and probably you can use it with a laptop, for example. But it works with any PC desktops.

For the money (thru Amazon), it's a great deal. The wife bought one of these at a local running store for $159 (on sale they said). It worked so well that I looked on Amazon and it was so much less in price that I bought myself one. I already have a Polar that works great, but this one was half the price and does just as good a job. The only thing we have found a little disappointing is if you have a lot of trees around on your run especially on trails, we lose the signal for the GPS at times. On open ground, it's super accurate and we have had no problems. We measured a mile with a measuring wheel, then used the Garmin and it measured exacly 1 mile. Kind of nice when making new running coarses.

Great product if you're in the open with a clear sky. If you run in a city with buildings or a park with trees the GPS is useless. The other features are great, the unit is lite and easy to read while running. Software that integrates with the unit is the icing on the cake.

I have had the Garmin 201 for nearly 2 months and have found it to be an excellent training aid. Most of my training takes place in the flat farmlands of Northern Ohio and I have found the distance measurements accurate in comparison to other methods of measurement (e.g. car and bike odometers). Over the course of a workout the "average" pace and distance seem to be spot on in the open farmland. I have observed erratic behavior of the "current" pace during the course of a run sometimes showing that I am running much quicker or slower than I believe is correct even though I have not perceived a change in pace. I have experienced lost signals in the county parks that line the nearby river valleys. My first 5k race on flat ground registered 3.11 miles whereas a trail half marathon (13.1 miles) in a river valley registerd about 12.5 miles.

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.

Definately worth the money. I only have trouble losing signal in heavily covered areas. Great for use to manage lap times and unknown distances. This device is not designed to give exact locations, so don't use it to guide yourself in a new area. Be careful when running on tracks, it sometimes cuts the corners when triangulating. It is most accurate with straight distances. Worth the buy, not worth upgrading to the newest model. I run with people who have the upgraded model, they work basically the same.

I bought the Garmin 201 on a whim the night before the Waves to Wine event in California Wine country. It justified itself the very next day when a turn was poorly marked by the organizers.

I have been riding with it three times a weeks since then and it is a terrific gadget. Keep in mind that this is NOT a navigation tool. You cannot download maps. However it is ideal as a training aid. As mentioned elsewhere, the altitude (and therefore the gradient information) is not nearly as accurate as the X,Y coordinates but this is true for all GPS units, including factory installed navigation systems in cars.

The software that comes with the unit is ok but if you really want to maximize the value, look into the topo! software on the national geographic web site. With this software, you can plan your route ahead of time and download way points into the GPS unit. Also topo! will give you a much more accurate altitude information and you can obtain a profile of your ride.

If you are one of those people that gets bored running on a treadmill all of the time, the Forerunner is for you. I used to run on a treadmill simply because it tells you how fast, how far you have gone, and how many calories you have burned. Not only does this Forerunner give you this information--on a large, easy to read while running display--but it tracks your progress and provides a training partner for you (something a treadmill doesn't offer). In addition, the Forerunner doesn't regulate your pace like a treadmill. This forces the runner to watch their own pace, allowing them to learn what a particular pace feels like -- an essential skill for anybody who runs in races. A must have for anyone - whether you're just tyring to get in shape or are a serious runner gearing up for a race. The one drawback, however, is that this version of the forerunner doesn't monitor your heart rate. If this is an option that you require, check out the Forerunner 300 series.

This is a great motivator for every single run. Provides a much better idea on how far, long you've been running. Have been improving my pace consciously since I've bought the Forerunner.

Only thing missing is heart rate option.
Maybe one day they'll put an mp3/ipod chip in there too.

If you are into jogging, biking or walking to keep fit this product will help to keep you motivated. It keeps a record of distance, pace/speed, time, calories and will show a map of your route. You can also retrace your route to the starting point. The only down side is that the GPS unit can take up to 15 minutes to find the GPS but I've had no trouble once it locks on.

I have 2 friends who have the 205 and I just cant see the reason to spend the extra $150 for it. This tracks my time, pace & distance. There are also several items like calories burned, fastest pace, etc. I use coolrunnig.com to keep my running journal and have not used the software for the device. If you are debating between the 2, get this one and save the use your savings to some new running shoes.

This is without doubt the most useful piece of running equipment (other than good shoes) that I have ever purchased. Gone forever are the days of running tempo runs, intervals, and other routine workouts and finishing each run only to discover I had run too fast or too slowly. The Forerunner 201 lets me train at the precise paces I have targeted for myself and if I want it too it can alert me audibly if I fall off the pace or exceed it all within ranges I preset before workouts. It is very durable, water resistant, has no trouble tracking GPS in rainy/cloudy conditions, and the battery life is tremendous (15 hours running time on one charge, with charging taking only a few hours). The Interval Partner feature allows me to set the pace/distance/time or any combination of those and then I race against my Forerunner partner, as the device tracks my position relative to my partner (i.e. how far ahead or behind I am). The device stores over 1 year's worth of workout data, and an easy to use interface connects it to my PC for downloading the data to Forerunner Logbook software where I can analyze my workouts. I travel a lot and this device is great because I can walk out the door of my hotel and start running, no need for premeasured courses or trails, as I always no how far I've run and the pace/total time. It even prevents one from becoming lost, because you can backtrack the distance you run following the "back to start" feature. Garmin is releasing a new version of the Forerunner on 2/13/06, and it promises to be even better (which is amazing considering how useful the 201 is). I have owned the 201 for 4 years and I will be buying the new version simply because the 201 is such an easy to use runner's best friend.

I recently bought the forerunner 201. I chose this model mainly because I don't need the heartmonitor. I now can't imagine running without it. I have been on 2 mini vacations and I use it to measure distance and time of run. It's great because I don't have a route while traveling but I still have a great run without the guess work. I like to cross train too so it's so helpful with rollerblading, biking and hiking. I am currently working on my speed. It tells me my miles per minute so I know how I am doing. Not a negative comment on this product!

This is the best "toy" I ever bought for myself. The fact that I can tell what distance I have run is invaluable, as well as the pace. I can check to see if I am slowing down too much, and speed things up. Having all this information in exact form rather than trying to estimate it is wonderful!!! Plus, I found that the half marathon I just ran was actually 13.35 miles, not the 13.1 it is supposed to be!! Very cool, and I highly recommend it! Buttons could be a bit easier to identify as you cross the finish line, but that's all I have to complain about!

I previously owned the AAA battery operated Forerunner 101. I lost it while moving to a new home, so I needed a replacement. I opted for the 201 and have been very pleased so far. I love the fact it is rechargeable. The added benefit of being able to download your workout data onto a computer is very beneficial as well. I am in the Army and run quite regularly. The simple, yet effective, functions of this GPS help to push me towards my speed and endurance goals better than any drill sergeant ever did. This particular model seems lighter in weight than the 101. I will caution that the unit is noticeable while you are wearing it on your wrist. It has an oblong shape that you will feel when you bend your wrist. But after you get your heart rate up, it will probably be the last thing on your mind. I give this model my endorsement, but if you want essentially the same functions, and have a stockpile of AAA batteries to spare, then I'd also recommend the 101.

This device is great at giving time and distance. However I often found the pace times to be a little off. I also had trouble getiing a strong signal. The computer software included is great it allows you to look at past workouts very easily and displays everything in an easy to read format on your computer. It also saves all of you workouts.

It is anexcellant product. I have a heart monitor so I didn't need this function from Garmin. Only one issue is I wear reading glasses and the display customization is a little limited to get the results Iwant but it is better than anything I own.

My product is exactly what I thought it would be, it is extremely useful for marathon training! The only downside is that if you run under alot of trees, the tracking can get screwed up, and the pace is not always accurate.

The Garmin Forerunner 201 is just right for my running needs. It allows you to set custom display on one page which is nice. It keeps me honest. I thought I was running faster than I am, but since I got the 201 my speed has improved since it gives me immediate feedback on how I am doing relative to my goal. It also has an interval training option so you can set it up to do intervals on any course and I like that since I don't like to run on or go to a track. I got it rather than the 101 because of the rechargeable battery. I didn't want to have to keep replacing batteries every week or two.

I like it as a running buddy, but they tend to only last about a year or two! The buttons will stop working there for needing replacement.

I bought this watch 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.

Excellent product. Gives an extremely accurate read out. The free software downloaded from garmin.com is easy to use and fun. One thing, the cable it comes with to connect to your computer has a serial port on it, we bought a serial to usb adapter (about $30) so we can plug it in to the front of our computer.

I've had my FR for about a year now and all-in-all it's a good product.
For the price, it's the cheapest/best you'll get in that range. However, the 301 has dropped to around $150 and it includes a heart rate monitor and a USB connection interface. For a couple bucks more, that's the way to go.
Top of the line now is the 205 and 305 (w/ heart rate). The number one problem with this watch is the GPS connection is tenuous. There are too many times I'm running and I lose the signal for no apparent reason (i.e. clear skies and little tree cover). This is rectified with the more recent FR's- but for around $100, this one still gets the job done. But if you're very concerned with accuracy 100% of the time, spring for one of the better ones.

I love running and walking with my Garmin. It helps to keep me focused and feeling successful. My only gripe if the impact of buildings and trees on its accuracy. The battery life is great as are the features. I recommend it highly but with the advise to be patient when in an area with high physical features-

The forerunner 201 works well and has allowed me to keep track of my workouts. I should have had one along time ago.

Awesome. Sometimes signal is weak and pace/mile fluctuates every couple seconds. Otherwise, acurate to a tenth of a mile over a recent 7 mile run on a measured course. Good value at $100.

I really enjoy the 201. I have had very little issues with loosing the signal, so I am very satisfied. The feedback during a race has really helped to achieve my goal for that race. The new version looks to improve on the signal loss and size issues, but I'm not sure if its worth the premium.

works great. great price. used it on my motocross bike for lap times. does not work so well in the woods, though. used it on my mountain bike and road bike for speed and pace and unlike my bike computer i can download my results on the computer, just wish it had a usb plug. plan on using it on my jet ski this summer also.

If you're looking for something pretty basic, to log your speed, distance and time - get this. It is perfect. I read tons of reviews prior to purchasing this. Some people complained it didn't have enough functionality, others complained about it not having an HRM - but, when it all boils down to it, this Garmin does all you really need it to do. Log your speed, distance and time. And for $100 - you can't go wrong. If my 201 ever breaks, I will be on here ordering another one right away, no questions asked. Definitely worth every penny you spend on this - if you're seriously into running, or training for a marathon. Or, just need method of keeping track of your distance, without having to drive the car around to get the mileage prior! :)

I did a lot of research before I picked this for a friend and she never leaves for a run without it now. It's actually helped her to keep up her pace (and sometimes pick it up) in 5k's. She had no complaints.

I have owned one of these for three years. It has worked perfectly, with accurate distance and overall pace times. It sometimes takes a while to acquire a signal, especially if there are tall buildings or if you've moved a long distance since you last used it (another state or country). I even ran it through the wash accidentally a month or so ago, and it still works! I just pulled it out, let it dry out on the counter, and no problem... amazing! Highly recommended.

I purchased the Garmin Forerunner 201 from Amazon, believing I was buying a reliable piece of gear. It doesn't work properly in any built up area, i.e. city, where most of us live, or areas with too many trees, i.e. where we city dwellers like to go when we leave the city. Basically it leaves stretches of your running route out, but the stop watch carries on ticking. So if you're like me, and take satisfaction in turning out fast-paced runs (or what passes for fast-paced for us amateurs), the 201 will only be a source of frustration. It'll time your run perfectly, just like any stop-watch (duh!), but then leave out some of the distance you ran, so that you get a mile for mile average that yo-yos in a very suspicious way. Particularly when you've put out a steady effort. And it'll miss out bits of your course in different places on a day-by-day basis. You'll find yourself "adapting" the info the device gives you: how's that for precision? The interval training feature is even worst. You dial in some mile repeats, with a timed interval, and set off at full blast. The minutes tick by and the mile never ends! That's when you find that there are gaps in the "mile" you're running, and you're killing yourself when you've actually done the mile, and should be in your rest period. I kid you not, I wouldn't dare sell a GPS device that works 70% of the time and I'm not speaking of heavily built up areas, I run in spaces where the closest buildings are at least 60-90 feet away...
br /
br /But this is not the worst of it. I though I was getting a well made piece of equipment. I live in Brazil, so I bought it off Amazon, and a friend kindly brought it over for me from the US. In less than 1 year, it started turning on/off by itself, in a crazy dysfunctional way, rendering it totally unusable. Currently it doesn't stay on for more than 1 minute at a time. It now runs it's battery flat by itself. Even though I'd been scrupulously careful w/ it, not taking it out in the rain, and drying off the moisture sweat after every run religiously. Some of you may say I should have used the warranty, but when you have mailing costs Brazil-US, and if the thing's fixed or replaced, 100% customs duty when it gets sent back here, you'd give up, just as I did. I'm not paying twice for a piece of gear that never worked properly in the first place.
br /
br /My conclusion: try some other model, or even brand. I'd not lay my hard-earned cash on this gizmo again.

I have started using the 201 to track both my bike riding and walking. However, I can't get it to be recognized by the computer to use the tracking software. Garmin so far has not been able to help, another phone call to customer service is in the future. I really am satisfied with products that operate as they are advertised - I do not like to drag satisfaction out of a company.

I love the forerunner 201. I've used one for over 2 years to track my runs. I can keep track of my pace, distance, calories burned, and even keep a record of bike trips. Unfortunately, Garmin hasn't updated the device to allow me to connect this newly purchased forerunner with my 2008 computer. Their customer service department has been unable to help me with the problem and I may be forced to return this device and purchase something that is compatible with my computer.

When it works, it's terrific. Problem is that it's inconsistent in picking up GPS satellite. I start my runs from the same location every time and the 201 varies in its pickup of signal even though it's the same time, same location, same weather. Some days it works without a hitch -- and on other days, it will not pick up a signal even though it had no problem the day before. It will drop the GPS in the middle of a run in inconsistent places (again, I generally run the same route), and when it finally picks it up again it can misjudge the mileage by up to a half-mile. I know it's not top-of-the-line, but I would expect a company with Garmin's reputation to provide a better product. I'm hoping the 205 does a better job.

Overall this is a great product that works well and does exactly what it should. The only real drawbacks are what others have mentioned already. The serial interface is a pain, but for a few dollars you can buy a cable on ebay that will convert serial to USB, so that's not a huge deal. The other thing is the reception. It is not bad, but definitely not great. In addition when you are going at a decent pace and then make a sharp corner, your info is way off for a few seconds while the unit realizes that you are not still moving in the same direction. I'm not sure if Garmin has fixed this with the new Forerunners, but this can be a pain sometimes when you turn a corner and suddenly the unit shows that you are barely moving!

The other thing I have experienced is that the contacts on the charging unit get corroded, so the connection to your PC can be shady sometimes. I have to periodically brush off the contacts to try to upload to my PC.

One thing that has improved is the ability to use the Training Center software instead of the Logbook software which was the only thing originally available with the 201. If you don't have it, check it out on the Garmin website.

Overall a great product that I have been very happy with and has seen me through a couple of years and many, many miles! If the new models improve on this they are definitely worth the money.

The watch 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.

Been using my Garmin 201 for 2 years now and I hate to go for a run without it.

Pros: Accurate distance, ending average pace, automatically calculates split times, lightweight, computer interface keeps my running log. My friend's locked up and she was very happy with the replacement customer service from Garmin.

Cons: The current pace is unreliable, but the ending average pace is accurate, as is the distance. The calories burned measurement seems to be way off and I can't seem to find if I have a setting wrong which is affecting it. The wrist band is a bit tricky to get off in order to wash it and you need to carefully handle the little pins to keep them from flying across the room ... yes, I suggest washing it, you'll know when the time has come. It does take a long time to acquire, sometimes up to 5 minutes on a route which you run repeatedly.

Still, I love my Garmin and most people in our Run Club are Garmin fans.

Great product for runners or anyone else that want to know how far they have run or walked. Gives instant feedback to you on how well your doing. To those who want to get faster, get one. Totally worth the price. Also a great training partner.

I love this thing! It is easy to use and makes me actually look forward to excercising! I have been recommending it to all of my friends. It is fun to be able to track results and keep track of my workouts.

I've tested this item out on several occassions and the accuracy is perfect. Works great and I have never had a problem in the few hundred miles I've used it on.

I purchased this personal trainer primarily to keep track of distances I run and it has helped increase my run times. The virtual partner tool helps motivate my to run harder and if you dont want to use that, you can use the interval tool which helps just as much. This is a great investment for runner's or bikers.

I bought this for my husband for Valentine's Day - he absolutely loves it. A friend recommended the product to me - she loves hers as does her husband. I've also used it and I like how accurate it is and how easy it is to use.

I have enjoy using this item. It has help me to train better and to determine how hard I should push myself for race day. I am still learning about the 'Navigation' feature since you learn as you use it. The one thing is that it doesn't work when tall buildings are around, the GPS can't located a satellite and it also gives wrong information about your pace. Like I said, you learn as you go.

I was looking for a GPS training/pedometer device to help me get in shape for a 1/2 marathon coming up. I checked at our local Sports Authority store and found this one for about $200. When I saw the same one on Amazon for just over $100 I got excited! I love this thing. It is easy to use, sets up training programs for you, and will even navigate you back to your starting location if you get lost on a run/walk. Yes it's great for walking as well as running. The model below this is not rechargeable which was a big selling factor. The model above this is the same but it has the heartrate monitor. This is an excellent buy and an excellent training tool. I highly recommend it.

It is true that it does not work great near skyscrapers. Other then that, it is great.

I bought the Garmin Forerunner to help with my training for police testings. To my surprise, this gadget has really helped in my endeavors. The greatest part is being able to look back on the progress you have made with your training. I have had the garmin forerunner for two weeks now and have run every day with it. I love the fact that i can race against a "virtual" racer to help with my times. Another nice part of it, is that it tells what my pace is as well as if im behind or ahead of where i want to be. If you dont care about pace, you can switch to a custom page and you can see how many calories burned instead. After my runs, i come and load up what i have just accomplished on the computer. With the PC software, i can see everything from the map i just ran to the elevation and grade of the track. Everything is broken down to the second. The Garmin Forerunner GPS was so accurate, it showed me running in a little cultasac in my neighborhood. Yes, its a little bit of a pricey toy BUT, it is well worth it!

Prior to purchase, I read many reviews for the Garmin 201 device. Since receiving it back in late November, I have used it many times and have had no problems at all. Its very nice to just run without having to worry about tracking distance beforehand. I would recommend this product to any runner.

Love this GPS. I use it for both running and for inline skating. Works great for both. Easily calculates calories burned, speed, pace, mileage and much more. I dont find myself using all of the features but they are there if needed. Battery lasts a long time and I like that it actually tells you how many hours are left on the battery so you know if you have enough for your workout. All stats are stored for 1 year. Havent used the computer interface yet but I look forward to seeing how the maps and data come out. If I were to purchase another gps I would get the version with the heart rate monitor. This is fine but for convience it wouldnt be bad to have the heart rate monitor combined with the GPS rather than having two seperate units like I use now.
Have not had problems with using it in poor weather. If I go under thick trees then it may lose its connection but it always picks it back up just fine when I come out.
Overall, this is a great unit.

This is a great item for walking/running. It calculates how fast and how far you went. It also is rechargable which is great because you don't have to worry about replacing batteries. It also has a lot of other features including one that notifies you if you drop down below a desired speed. I would recommend this for anyone who is an avid walker/runner.

I love this watch. It has improved my running so much. I work harder to beat my time but I love it. I would never have thought I would work so hard to keep my pace. IT is excellent. And, battery life is great too.

I'm extremely happy with the Garmin Forerunner 201. It does everything I need and is simple to use. This is a great product and I would recommend it to anyone looking at an exercise tool to keep you on track. I really can't say enough good things about it and the service I received. It's simple and it works.

This is the second Forerunner 201 I have purchased and have been delighted with them both. As a keen but amateur runner the precision measuring of the distance of my running routes off road and in inaccessible places is superb. I use it in the British Virgin Islands in the hills and island pathways and the GPS never fails me. It's a terrific running partner and motivation tool. My only annoyance is it not having a USB link to my computer. The serial port connection cable is not user friendly to many new laptops and so I cannot use it to it's fullest extent. I think it's great value for money.

This is a great unit for tracking all outdoor activites. The ability to overlay your track onto a map is really handy when reviewing trails ventured off road.

I bought the Forerunner 201 to help me maintain my pace on longer distance runs. The unit took only minutes to orient itself to my location (took probably 30 minutes to finally dial the elevation in though). The display is easy to read and the features are just what I was looking for. Could probably be a little more customizable but I haven't found the built-in options to be limiting. I also like the ability to download to the PC for detailed analysis. Just wish it had a USB interface in lieu of the serial connection. Overall, it's one of the best purchases I've made.

I ordered it, it arrived, I charged it up, and after it was charged, I took it outside, turned it on and left it in a place with a clear view of the sky. It's supposed to find the satellites in 15-30 minutes; after 2 hourss, nothing. The unit had completely locked up; it would not respond to any of the buttons. It would not turn off, or reset, or do anything.

I'm sending it back.

I went through three of these units--one was replaced after about 3 hours on the phone with technical assistance. That one broke shortly after warantee. On a Sunday day condensation appeared beneath the screen and hours later the screen went dead. The new one suffered the the same fate after a rainy day. They're supposed to be waterproof to 10m. A third was gifted to me and now that I'm two months past warantee it won't charge. In all don't bother.

I was really excited about the features that this product has. I was training for a half-marathon, and was really looking forward to the training buddy feature. But when I tried to use it, it never found the satelite signal. We live in an area where there are lots of trees. I went down to the beach where it was a little more open, but it still wouldn't pick up a signal. No matter where I tried, there was no signal. So I wasn't even able to test it to see if it worked, or if it was what I really needed for training. I still like the idea, and maybe when we move to some place with less trees, I might try buying it again. So for anyone who lives in a wooded area, it's probably not for you. If you don't, then it's probably great.

I wanted to have a device that would give me freedom to run where I want (not just doing laps on the stadium) and still know my time and distance. For the most part, Frontrunner worked, but it has a tendency to lose signal, so you end up running longer distance without getting satisfaction from your good time. Frustrating.

Goods: Garmin has a very good customer service so if your machine breaks, it can be replaced right away. Large buttons and screen make it easy to operate and read.

Bads: I have had 3 Forerunners up to now and 2 out of 3 have gone broken within a year. The problem are the buttons which stop working for some odd reason. The good part is that I have gotten new Forerunners everytime my old one breaks but won't be able to do that any more since the guarante is now over. The problem since to either be the moisture or the rain.

Overall I'm happy with the product, as it's great to have a device that I can use to time my runs (I don't have a watch with a timer on it). However, it sometimes takes quite awhile to link up with the satellite, so the pace and mileage aren't as accurate as they could be. Also, there's a weak GPS signal more than I'd like, which also conflicts with pace and mileage. This is a great product if you run only in very open areas with nothing that could conflict with the GPS signal.

For the price, its hard to beat this device. It's lightweight and comfortable to wear and when it works its great.

I wanted the GPS so that I could run in new locations and know exactly how far I am going. On many occassions, the thing works like a charm and I've been able to create new routes with an accurate estimate of mileage. However, the Garmin does lose its signal fairly frequently -- as a result its stops keeping track of the miles you have covered. It does this often in overcast conditions or in wooded areas. It is very frutrasting to be running and realize that the unit is no longer tracking your distance.

This condition also makes using the Garmin useless as a log of your runs. You can't add back the miles, so your log is always inaccurate. Back to the good old pen and paper.

Works, I guess. But who uses "serial ports" anymore? Didn't they go out with bellbottom pants? Able to work with a little fussing, but initially had problems because you have to push REALLY hard (really), to get the serial connector to connect to the point where it all works to upload your data to the computer. There's an intermediate insertion point where you think, "Yes, I have it in all the way; it clicked and everything...", but you don't. Push REALLY hard (really) and it clickes in a little further, and then the unit communicates with the computer. YMMV...

I had to send this back because it does not have a USB connection. Therefore it did not hook into my computer and I had to upgrade to a different watch.

Worked well in wide open spaces but easily lost GPS signal if running on trails or in city. Also, battery stopped charging after 11 months. Would've expected more longevity but not a bad product for someone trying a GPS for the first time.

I purchased the 201 for a friend who is a big time marathon runner and she can't run without it now. I purchased the 301 for myself and love it. The only difference is the heart rate monitor which I never use anyways. There are only 2 draw backs... if you are running in an area with a lot of trees the monitor will loose its satalite signal or if you run by huge grain elevators!!! The other draw back is when you are running with a group sometimes you pick up other peoples heart rates or at times it will even go back or skip ahead a 10th of a mile or so.

Excellent product for tracking exercise. Easy-to-read display. Connection to download data should be for USB rather than serial cable

I really liked this product and it helped me to train. The only problem is that it loses the GPS signal from time to time, which I would not expect because I live in a large city (Population1million). This only happens every once in a awhile though, usually its great.

Awesome - bought Nov 2004 and it still has the 1st mile i ever ran (11/26/04). Screen is larger and easier on the old eyes to see than the newer models. Only thing i couldn't do was get it to download into my computer. But, would buy this same model again.

I purchased the 201 two years ago because I was tired of 'guessing' how far my runs were or checking with my bike. The 201 perfectly fits my needs and works as advertised. Once fully charged the battery lasts a real 14 hours which is great for taking it on trips. The display is large, easy to read, and allows you to customize it subscreens. You really don't notice it on your wrist when jogging.
br /
br /So why 4 stars? It does lose its signal from time to time when there is tree cover, the charger is like a brick for know good reason, there is no case for traveling, and the serial interface is a dated.
br /
br /For the money it is hard to beat this as a GPS for jogging.

Gets a satellite signal easily tracks miles accuately.
br /Not always correct on the pace speed.

Pros
1. Works well for total distance/pace.
2. The logbook software is excellent and easy to use.
3. Really helps to keep mileage in your target range to avoid overtraining.
4. Battery charge works really well. (I did 8 runs and still showed 13 hours charge time left).
5. Does not have a heart monitor. (I already had a heart monitor that works very well when I purchased).

Cons
1. The pace feature is not good in real time. I have tried both "most" and "least" smoothing settings with suspect results. The avg pace that is calculated at the end of your run is good however. (Real time pace bounces up and down. I would sometimes see a pace of 6:31 and seconds later see 8:24 without changing my running speed).
2. Unit is large but light. You don't even notice it while running.
3. Should have USB port instead of com port.
4. Takes several minutes to lock on to satellites. (I always warm up with a 1/4 mile walk first which works for me).

Summary
This device works very well for me. I would buy it again.

The Forerunner is an excellent device for recording workout pace and distance. I particularly like the ability to set distance based "laps" set to a mile. There are a few shortcomings. The unit is bulky enough that it bounces a but during a run. The accuracy on a trail run with a lot of elevation change and turns is diminished, I estimate it loses 5-10% depending on the severity of the terrain. The current pace fluctuates enough that I don't find it particularly useful. I use the custom settings to display the pace for the current mile "lap". This damps the fluctuations and still provides good enough pace information.

I've had this for a couple months now and it's been great. Here are my comments.
br / 1) It's a lot lighter than it looks. In fact it's light enough where I don't even notice the weight.
br / 2) Extremely easy to use. I was afraid that I would have to read the manual to figure it out, but it was really easy. Turn it on, allow it to acquire the satellite, then press start and go. It takes a minute or two to acquire the signal, so I usually turn it on, do my stretching, then it's ready to go. It also saves the data from all your runs so you can look back at your previous history.
br / 3) Fairly accurate. I've run several races, and it usually overestimates the distance I've run by 1% or so. For a marathon (26.2 miles on certified course) it read 26.5 at the end. For a 15K (9.3 miles) it read 9.4. I think that sometimes it loses the signal and estimates where you have gone, leading to minor errors. Sometimes the instantaneous pace reads incredibly low (5:00 min/mile when you know you're running 8:00 minutes). I have also seen on training runs where it jumps backwards, from say 9.5 miles run back to 9.3. That being said, for the most part it tracks along consistently and gives you a fairly accurate reading of you distance and pace. It's been great for marathons, especially the beginning where you are fighting to stay at your goal pace but everyone is excited and running faster. At the beginning of races I look down at the pace a lot to ensure I am around where I want to be.
br /
br /Overall, highly recommended, especially if you run trails or other places where you can't measure the course with an odometer, or if you travel and want to go for a run but can't measure the distance. I've noticed that many of my guesses based on pace were a little too optimistic on some courses I run.

This is a great watch for stepping up your training regimen. It can sometimes be a little off in calculating pace and distance - but not that much. It has a bad rap for not holding a GPS signal, but I haven't lost a signal yet (having run over 60 miles last month with it).
br /
br /If your'e looking for something with uncanny accuracy, this might not be the best watch for you. (I run a set course, and the watch will record the distance in a range of 5.5 - 5.95 miles - even though I'm running the exact same route). Also, the auto pause feature can be a bit tricky as it will keep timing after you have stopped or not start right away after you start running again.
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br /Overall, though, I'm glad I've got it, and it's helping me get faster.

I am absolutely addicted to my Forerunner 201. After a year or so, the contacts became worn off, so it was difficult to charge. I owned mine for almost two years and it has died completely on me. I miss it.

I like the Garmin 201 very much. I especially like that it is rechargeable and it tells you the time of battery life remaining. I have had it once or twice give faulty mileage (about 15% off), but it has been rare.

I love my GARMIN!! My brother-in-law has the more expensive version that does heart rate too, but after seeing mine...he thinks it might be more of what he's looking for. I recommend it 100%! I've already put over 200 miles in on it!

I love the Garmin Forerunner. It's one of the best little equipment I've bought for my marathon training. I'd feel blind if I didn't have it on. Makes running myself all the more interesting. I highly recommend any runner to run w/ this little gezmo.

The garmin is fantastic! It a great training tool that I couldn't do without. A watch is good, but who can calculate pace when you are running full-out. The 201 is a little large on the wrist but a great value. I've owned two and the first one I lost.

As a distance runner, it is very helpful while training. It tells me the distance I've ran as well as the time by minutes and seconds. It's got the backlight for hours of darkness and is very easy to read while running. I really have nothing bad to say about this product. I would recommend this for anyone who is serious about fitness. NEOSOUL06

This gadget is awesome! I am still learning about it but am very impressed!

This is the third Garmin I have, and I use it for run, when I ride the car or travel and also when I sail. And after I have a log for every place I was and also I can import in Google Earth to see the tracks.

i sent this product to my son serving in iraq. he loves it, says it's the best training watch and monitor he has ever had. based on his rave review, i will give it 5 stars.

I purchased this product over a year ago, and have found it to be very good. I use the "real time" pace quite often while I run and have found it to be quite accurate and reliable most of the time. I also like the way that you can download directly to the software and manage your run data, as I am a data junkie. This maintains your running log without the hassle having to manually write things down. The only complaint I have, and it is relatively minor, but it does take a significant amount of time to initially lock on to satellites some days. Once locked on, however, I have found it to maintain that lock fairly well, although I typically run in areas where I have a pretty clear view of the sky. I would recommend this product to anybody who does not want to make the jump to the more expensive Forerunner 205.

This Garmin Forerunner 201 GPS stopwatch is a fabulous training aid. Offers accurate distance and pace measurements, with continuous updating during the run. Options available in the device include: Alarms to notify you when you are going faster or slower than your chosen pace, Automatic splits at distances you can determine, keeps all information on each run for ready review, can download data into your computer.

Other features include tracking path you take, marking points you visit and direction finder to tell you how to get back to any point.

This is a great aid while running for training or for information while you are competing to help gauge pace.

I'm very happy with my watch. This is the best techno-thing I've bought in the last few years. It made training fun and added accuracy to my logs. I live in the Chicago suburbs and it takes 3 or 4 minutes to find the satelites- in the winter I don't like standing around waiting. I ran the Chic Marathon and it said my distance was 27.1 (vs 26.2)- I'm not sure about the discrepancy. But the positives way outweight the negatives. It has many features I didn't expect and I'm still learning what it is capable of. I've spent twice as much on watches that do relatively nothing compared to the Forerunner.

I absolutely love the Garmin Forerunner. A group of us are starting to train for a mini-marathon this summer and living in the country we were running but had no idea how far or fast we were going. Now we can keep track of our distance, pace, improvement in both and the amount of calories burned!! A brilliant training tool

I purchased the 201 with a little angst becus of the awkward shape. I took it out for a couple of runs an reall love it. I previoly owned a timex GPS system and the two pieces were quite annoying. I run ultramarathons, triathlons, etc. and keepin tack of mileage is key. The only downfall is the serial port adapter. I am not sure what Garmin was thinking but it is easily taken care of by ordering the KEYSPAN USB to SERIAL ADAPTER.

I have had one of these for about a year now and don't know how I got along without it. I use it for walking and hiking. It has consistently worked well although it took a little time to get use to the settings. I think the calorie estimate is high but that only makes you feel better about your work out. While the mapping feature is primitive, it is fun and it will get you back home. I don't think you can go wrong with this gps. My understanding is that the higher priced model offers no real benefit unless you fell the need for the heart rate monitor.

I use this thing all the time, it's awesome. Don't really like the way it freaks out a bit when you travel but it usually catches up - wear it a bit before actually running for a time/distance that's accurate. Overall I love it...keeps me on track and makes me see how hard I've worked towards a goal.

This has been one of my greatest purchases ever. This very easily tracks my mileage, speed, pace, etc. It is simple to use and uploads to my computer with ease.
br /
br /I wish the software gave me greater options for analyzing and planning future runs but even as it stands it is good.
br /
br /The wristmount unit is not heavy or cumbersome to run with and I love it.

The Garmin Forerunner 201 is a great fitness tool. I am a walker and this unit gives me an accurate distance covered versus using a pedometer.
br /I like being able to download the data to my computer and keep track of my progress. My only minor complaint is the unit sometimes takes several minutes to orient to the GPS satellites after being turned on outside.

Entry level watch but it does all I want and alot more! Owner's manual easy to read, easy to find numerous functions available. Especially like the 'custom' screen I can select w/ any 3 functions, ie distance, current pace, avg pace (my favorite) but could be any 3 I choose. I still haven't fully utilized the watch. For the price difference I like the recharger, better than buying/disposing batteries.

I gave my wife one of these a few years back. We found I was borrowing it so much that we ordered a second one. It's great for monitoring running or biking endeavors. My wife used it in a marathon and loved it.

This product is great! It makes it easy to know exactly how fast and how far I'm running as I train. I'm following a training schedule, which is very specific about the distances and pace I'm supposed to run, and this tool makes it very easy. I'm glad I purchased the one with the rechargeable battery. The batteries only last a few days, so it's convenient to just be able to plug it in and recharge it.

br /I only wish I had gotten it sooner .... my running has improved 10 fold since I got my new "running partner".

This is a great product. The price was great and the shipping was great. Thanks.

This is a good basic model.
br /It is perfect for those that want to track their pace and distance and calories, but don't need a bunch of expensive features.

Before purchasing the Forerunner 201, I read LOTS of reviews of both the 201 and the 205 on several different sites. Several reviewers of the 205 had previously used the 201, and raved about the 205's improved GPS signal (though one did comment that on the rare occasions when it dropped its signal, it had more difficulties regaining it than the 201 did). The more compact design of the 205 also had some appeal, though reviewers said they were surprised at the comfort of the 201.
br /
br /In the end, I went with the 201 because it was more affordable, and because I live in Colorado, where clear skies and good satellite reception are the norm. I have not been disappointed. It is perfectly comfortable - not bulky-feeling at all. As some reviewers mentioned, it seems like it does drop signal periodically, resulting in reported distances that are slightly shorter than actual. But they've never been off by more than a couple percent, which is pretty minimal. I even ran a 5K yesterday under completely cloudy skies, and the device worked perfectly.
br /
br /All in all, a great product for the price!! I definitely recommend it.

I definitely recommmend this as great training device for anyone who wants to track distance, time and calories expended. It is a less expensive model without the heart rate monitor (as a girl I don't want to wear that running anyway). Only draw back is the design is a little large and not ergonomic.

The Forerunner 201 is an excellent product to calculate the distance you run, pace, time and calories burned. Also will store your runs daily so you can compare your times from the past day or 2 months ago. Easy to navigate the menu for a beginner or intermediate runner. The only negative comment I have is the system should have a USB cable instead of the serial cable which is provided to upload your running data into the training software that is availalbe via Garmin's web sight. Would like to upload running data into home PC, but I only have 1 serail port which is for the monitor. This is a feature that Garmin overlooked.

Bought this for my husband who is training for a marathon, he loves it especially the feature that keeps him on pace with the time he needs. It has options for what you want to track and stores the info so you can track it on the computer. I recommend this for anyone in a training regimin, I think you will be happy with it.

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.

The GPS was purchesed for our daughter who is at home for the summer from college. She has used it every day and just loves it! She is able to keep track of the miles that she has run along with enjoying the personnal trainer. Her pace has improved. Thanks for creating such a wonderful product.

I bought the Garmin Forerunner 201 thinking that I could use it in the UK . Unfortunately it doesn't work here ... I'm a bit surprised that there wasn't any warning about not being able to work outside the USA.
I would like to return it if possible .

I am very disappointed Amazon's product service. I just got my Forerunner 201 but it is returned product (it even looks used) and AC desktop charger is missing. I don't think I can trust Amazon anymore.

I can not express how disappointed in the poor design of this item. To charge the battery was an incredible hassle. At least Amazon made it
easy to return when we weren't happy.

It works, the directions are OK, but it really isn't worth the effort.

It's great to be able to know excate pace and mileage.

I purchased the Garmin Forerunner 201 but when I received the watch it would charge so I have not been able to use it and now it is back with the manufacturer. Garmin warranty is for 1 year so everthing should work out but I have not received it back yet so I do not have too much to say.

I use my forerunner everyday! I couldn't have found a better deal anywhere else. Thanks Amazon!

This thing only works on clear days on open roads. If you plan on running on cloudy days or on paths with trees do not bother with this thing. I was very dissapointed.

I wish I could return it. was the worest purchase I have made

This watch never seemed to locate its location. Worst of all, after swimming in the pool, water got into it and stopped working for good. Stay away from it!!

I would love to HAVE the product so I could write a review. I ordered this item on December 15th of last year, and as yet, all I've gotten from Amazon is form e-mails telling me that there has been a delay in shipping. If this product is anything like Amazon's service, It's so bad that it causes cancer!

I did not notice in the product description that this product interfaces to the SERIAL port on a computer. Since most new computers use USB for serial interface, the usefulness of this unit is limited. My two newly purchased HP computers do not have an interface that is compatible with this product.
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br /I would not have bought it had I known this. I have not used the GPS since I bought it. It will probably be tossed out.
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br /The serial cable is hidden behind cardboard in the clamshell package. So you don't see it prior to opening the package. Once the package is opened it is a mess that probably cannot be returned.
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br /Lastly, this is one of the worst packaging jobs I have seen. The plastic clamshell is so hard to open that I think the customer is in danger being cut by the opening knife or scissors. The cut plastic is also dangerous.

I bought as a birthday present for my husband, product did not hold a charge, you finally sent me a return label, but I have yet to rec a refund, which I was told I would get.
I am very unhappy about how amazon has treated this situation.
Please refund me as soon as possible!!!

I bought this unit trying to be cheap. I thought it would get me from point A to point B, but all it has is an arrow with a dot. As long as you have the arrow pointint to the dot, you'll get there. I also had to by expensive software to run the unit. If you are looking to get a GPS unit to get you places, this unit is not for you. By the time you buy the unit and the necessary software, buy to one that cost more and tells you turn for turn on how to get somewhere.