Garmin Forerunner 201 Wrist-Mounted GPS Fitness Computer

Average Customer Rating:

List Price: $167.99

Features:

Waterproof, wrist-mounted training device/GPS receiver for tracking lap times, distance, and calories burned

Integrated GPS receiver displays your progress on favorite routes and saves up to 100 locations

Virtual Partner mode sets time, pace, and distance goals and races you against digital competitor

History function breaks down workout statistics by day or cumulative weeks; includes serial PC interface

Adjustable wristband and AC desktop charger; measures 3.26 x 1.71 x 9.69 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty

Product Description

Finally, an alternative to awkward pedometers and cycling computers. The Forerunner 201 offers athletes an easy-to-read display and integrated GPS satellite receiver 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. 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, altitude data. Choose either the 201 model for rechargeable power or the 101 if you prefer to use 2 AAA batteries. The Forerunner 201 is easy to use right out of the box and delivers the benefits of GPS technology at an affordable price.

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

Spotlight Customer Reviews:

Customer Rating:

Summary:

Decent Watch for Reasonable Price

Comment:

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).

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.

Overall, though, I'm glad I've got it, and it's helping me get faster.

Customer Rating:

Summary:

Garmin Forerunner 201

Comment:

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.

Customer Rating:

Summary: MNWolf
Comment: 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.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Garmin Forerunner 201
Comment: 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.

Customer Rating:

Summary: hard to charge after a while
Comment: 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.