I had a basic Polar HR monitor with the chest strap--I can't remember exactly which model.

But it had a timer, HR, calories burned, hr zones . . .

I really enjoyed using it. I know that the calories burned were not 100% accurate and that it tend to be over--as I hear is the case with most HR monitor's.

I used it comparatively. It gave me an idea of how hard I was working during each of my workouts. I really enjoyed being able to monitor what I was doing. And it really motivated me to work harder.

I lost the chest strap last year and can't find it anywhere. I would definitely consider getting another Polar. If I had the money, however, I would love to get one that has GPS and is MAC compatible like the Nike Triax Elite.