Garmin Forerunner 205
Garmin Forerunner 205, is a sports watch for running, cycling, windsurfing etc.
But it's not just a watch.. it also has many functions..
Accurate speed, distance, pace and elevation measurements.
Great signal reception GPS, even when you are near forests or building forests (tall buildings in the city), tracking is assured by the High Sensitivity SiRFstarIII GPS.
The size is (Width x Height x Depth): 2.1 ” x 0.7 ” x 2.7” (5.33cm x 1.78cm x 6.86cm), and the weight is 77 grams (2.72oz), maybe some people think that is a little large, but this size provides bigger font display, also the real wind resistance is relatively small compared to human body.
The battery life is 10 hours in typical use, and recharge-able (internal lithium-ion). Also water-proof by IEC 60529 IPX7 standard, basically that means it has to be put into 1 meter deep water for up to 30 mins.
The normal package includes, the forerunner 205, a docking cragle, an expander strap, an A/C charger, a PC/USB interface cable, and Owner's manual, quick start guide, Garmin training center CD.
With the usb, you can connect to a computer, export data, workout, course, maps and save as jpg images etc., also charge the battery.
The Forerunner 305, is very smiliar to 205, added heart rate monitor and more wireless sensors. The manual and start guide combines 205 and 305 together, but for basic tracking, 205 is as good as 305.
It's compatible with TrainingPeaks.com, motionbased.com, or you can just use default training center software. With these tracking methods, you can save history, check the saved maps, compete with your own record (if you like competition), improves your workout.
Based on amazon.com customer reviews, it got 4.4 out of 5 stars, with 417 five stars rating, 157 four star rating, 25 three star rating, 25 two star rating, and 28 one star rating. So the feedback is quite positive, such as the testimonials provided there:
“ So I highly recommend this watch to any runner. ” Halle Cupp
(178 reviewers made a similar statement)
“ I'm very happy with my purchase of the Garmin Forerunner 205. ” R. Bianco
(82 reviewers made a similar statement)
Then checking about low star ratings, in summary some possible cons may be..
- bad customer support
- plastic wristband not very comfortable
- if gps goes wrong, it's hard to get connection back
- break after 1 or 2 year usage
- not better than forerunner 201
- size is too large
but also for positive feedbacks in summary..
- nice software
- wristband is more comfortable than 201 (this really depends on person, some people like it, some don't..)
- GPS accuracy (some people find it's fast connection and accurate, but some people find it's hard to use)
- better than forerunner 201, in accuracy, buttons design, software, waterproof etc.
In summary, Garmin Forerunner 205 provides good experience for running/biking/etc., its workout analysis is good and you can save history, for later tracking, comparing, or exporting to computer. The GPS is quite accurate (typical <10 meters 50%, velocity accuracy < 0.05 m/s), and fast signal acquisition, water-proof, especially good for outdoor usage, and highly recommened.