Amazon Deal of the Day = Garmin Forerunner

[Dogmama]

Just got an email that the "deal of the day" for 10/27 (Wednesday) is a Garmin Forerunner 205 for $98.99.

FYI

[zoom-zoom]

If it were the 305 I might bite. I'm paranoid that mine will die. I've had it for about 3 years, now.

[SadieKate]

With free shipping that's a pretty good deal as long as you never want to add an accessories like a HRM, foot pod, etc.. Usual retail is around $120-125.

Standard price on the 305 is $149 which comes with the HRM (and the ability to add other accessories).

[zoom-zoom]

With free shipping that's a pretty good deal as long as you never want to add an accessories like a HRM, foot pod, etc.. Usual retail is around $120-125.

Accessories won't work with the 205, since it has no wireless capabilities. No HRM, no ability to add things like foot pod and cadence sensor.

[zoom-zoom]

Wait...nevermind, I read it again and see that you were getting at the same thing.

*coffee not working today*

[sandra]

Ok, so what exactly WOULD this watch be good for? especially if used for biking or running?

I've started running in addition to biking and was looking for a watch with interval timers. Most of them ONLY have 2 intervals. I looked at the Garmin 305 but didn't want to pay that much. I ended up with a Timex Triathlon watch but am not really that happy with it.

I've never had a GPS watch so they look very complicated.

[SadieKate]

Sandra - you can build custom workouts with alerts based on distance or pace.

I don't find it complicated at all, especially since you can download your data to view it on your computer - plus keep an accumulating history of workouts.

You can then compare similar activities.

[zoom-zoom]

Sandra - you can build custom workouts with alerts based on distance or pace.

I don't find it complicated at all, especially since you can download your data to view it on your computer - plus keep an accumulating history of workouts.

You can then compare similar activities.

Yup. And they are beautiful if you ever run or bike trails, but still want relatively accurate measure of distance and/or pace. My Garmin Forerunner completes me.

[GLC1968]

Yup. And they are beautiful if you ever run or bike trails, but still want relatively accurate measure of distance and/or pace. My Garmin Forerunner completes me.

This!

I got my Forerunner 305 on an Amazon daily deal for like $120 last summer and it's wonderful. If the 205 were physically smaller than the 305, I'd order one! I hardly ever wear my HR strap with my 305 anymore and it's kind of big on my wrist. It looks like they are the same size though.

Ah well...maybe one day I'll have the money to switch to the 310XT.

[7rider]

I just took delivery of a new Forerunner 210 - with HRM and Foot Pod - yesterday.

[Kerry1976]

I have a 205 and I absolutely love it! Highly recommend!

[warneral]

So I don't suppose it helps you map and find your way? I need something to help me prevent getting lost

[zoom-zoom]

So I don't suppose it helps you map and find your way? I need something to help me prevent getting lost

I seem to recall that there is a feature that will walk you back the way you came, but there is no way to upload a route or anything like that.

[SadieKate]

I seem to recall that there is a feature that will walk you back the way you came, but there is no way to upload a route or anything like that.

No, you can upload plenty of pre-planned routes and follow a "cookie trail". I have done that many times for both road and trails. You create the route on either your PC and upload to the device, or create a route from a previous activity so that you can just follow the cookie trail of that activity (in essense just duplicating a previous ride/run).

You can sort of use it to go back to the start of your activity. You can mark waypoints so you can tell if you are headed toward them but . . .

This gadget is not a mapping GPS. In other words, while you are out on your ride, you cannot enter a waypoint or address and have map out a route to that destination.

There is no map in the device nor can you load one (so that you can see streets). If you want a mapping device, you'll need a far more sophisticated and expensive mapping version like an Edge 705 (?) or the Oregon, etc.

The focus of the FR205/305 is to record your activities and provide a training tool, NOT a navigational tool.

[zoom-zoom]

No, you can upload plenty of pre-planned routes and follow a "cookie trail". I have done that many times for both road and trails. You create the route on either your PC and upload to the device, or create a route from a previous activity so that you can just follow the cookie trail of that activity (in essense just duplicating a previous ride/run).

No kidding. I swear, 3 years later and I still discover features on this thing that I didn't know existed (I think my favorite that I learned maybe 6 months ago was that I can hold down the mode button and it gives me the option to select sports and whether I am indoors or outdoors without having to go through menus).

But, yeah, it's primary purpose is definitely to give current info. and record data from an event...definitely not a navigation device.