| Brand: | Garmin | ||
| Average Rating |
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Just when you thought Garmin had cornered the market on powerful, affordable, and effective wrist-mounted GPS devices, here comes the Forerunner 205. The release of this device is a major achievement from a design and technology perspective. This isn’t just marketing-speak; the Forerunner 205 is the most accurate, most reliable wrist-mounted performance and GPS tracking tool we’ve ever tested. Yes, it’s that good. While no device this compact can do everything (yet), the 205 pushes the boundaries of what is possible from something strapped around your wrist. While the 205 doesn’t offer heart rate monitoring, or connectivity with Garmin’s wireless speed and cadence sensor — for that, you’ll need to step up to the Forerunner 305 — but it’s a great way to get basic GPS location and performance data.
View Garmin’s Forerunner demonstration video.
Choose from 12 data fields to display on the 305’s screen. View larger. |
The design cleverly integrates the GPS antenna and aims it towards the sky when you’re running or walking. View larger. |
The Virtual Partner function makes your workouts more competitive. View larger. |
Choose from three workout modes that help you target your training goals. View larger. |
The 305 features rudimentary mapping and location marking functions. View larger. |
Design
The 205’s design is a radical departure from Garmin’s previous generation of wrist mounted GPS devices, which reached a pinnacle with the Garmin Forerunner 301. While the 301 delivered accurate heart rate monitoring, good performance tracking, and decent GPS reception, it didn’t quite deliver in the design department. The form factor was bulky and wearing it wasn’t much different than duct taping a full-sized GPS device to your wrist.
Not so with the 205. Garmin’s engineers obviously burned the midnight oil and have come up with a waterproof design that, while certainly not as small as a sports watch, feels just as comfortable. The curved casing allows the unit’s antenna to face the sky when you’re running, while the widescreen display is perfectly positioned for viewing when you need it. And the display certainly deserves a few kudos. While it’s smaller than the display found on previous Forerunners, its resolution is far higher, offering incredible clarity and crispness.
Garmin has smartly given the 205 a simple button layout and the buttons have a nice tactile feel with good pressure response. The right side houses the menu selection and enter buttons, while the left houses a power/backlight button and a mode button. This simple and elegant solution is a big improvement over the sometimes confusing button functionality of previous Forerunners. View button layout.
The underside of the 205 is pretty nondescript, except for a row of contacts that interface with the included charging and data cradle. The cradle is small and unobtrusive and its single mini-USB port connects to either an included AC adapter, or a USB cable that connects to your PC. In addition to data transfer with the USB cable, you can also charge the 205’s embedded lithium-ion battery via a powered USB connection from your computer.
GPS Performance
The big news about the Forerunner 205 is that it features an integrated, high-sensitivity SiRFstar III GPS receiver. What does this mean? It means that the 205’s ability to both track, and maintain a lock on, your position is better than anything before it. After an intial battery charge, our product tester had the 205 on his wrist and was tracking speed and distance with GPS satellites within 3 minutes. The next time we used the 205, satellite acquisition was nearly instantaneous. A run through dense trees didn’t faze the unit either; tracking remained true and steady. Performance on a bike was equally impressive. Whatever witchcraft has been cooked up by the designers of the SiRF technology, we like it!
The simple docking cradle makes charging and data connectivity a snap (Forerunner 305 model shown). |
While the Forerunner 205 isn’t billed as a GPS navigation device, it does have some rudimentary mapping, waypoint marking, and routing capabilities. In addition to marking locations along your journey, you can zoom in or out of a simple map that displays your current direction and path. There’s also a go to location feature that routes you back to your starting location, or to any location you have defined. Once you have defined several locations, you can save this information as a route, allowing you to travel the same path in the future. As you’ll see below, the 205’s new Courses feature gives you new levels of control over how you define your favorite runs and rides.
Training Functions
The 205 is first and foremost a training tool, and its ability to organize a ton of data types into a user experience that is intuitive and simple is no small feat. Whiz-bang technology aside, if you can’t use it and make it a natural part of your exercise routine, it’s worthless. When it comes to these factors — and here’s the take home message on the 205 — this device is successful where many other devices fail.
The heart and soul of the 205 can be found on the data screens, which give you real-time information about all aspects of your workout. In fact, the 305 can display a dizzying array of data, such as calories burned, distance, elevation, grade, and heading, as well as multiple lap and pace modes.
Thankfully, the device makes it easy to define how much or how little data you want to view during a workout. You can arrange the data that’s most important to you and then make that data appear front and center on the device. Indeed, within a few minutes of skimming the manual and fiddling with the device setup, you’ll have your most important data displaying just the way you like it.
Garmin’s Virtual Partner function was cool feature of previous Forerunners and they’ve decided to keep a good thing going with the 205. If you’re the type that performs best when you’ve got a competitor egging you on, you’ll love this function, as it allows you to set up virtual running or biking companions that compete against you.
If you’re looking for an complicated workout with a variety of intervals and intensity levels, or just a quick three-mile jog against your best time last week, the 205 has you covered. Navigating to the Workouts menu on the device yields three options: Quick Workouts, Interval, and Advanced Workout. A quick workout is just that; set the distance and time, distance and pace, or time and pace of your planned workout and off you go. Interval workouts are just the same, but they allow you to add repetitions and rest between them. When you really want to get fancy with your exercise, you can step up to advanced workouts, which include goals for each workout step, as well as varied distances, times, and rest periods. You can use the Garmin Training Center software to set up these workouts and then upload them to the device.
PC Connectivity and Software
Garmin has been outfitting their devices with USB connectivity for some time now — a welcome move for those who struggled with serial port connections in the days of yore. Thanks to USB, the 205 integrates seamlessly with the Training Center software and we quickly had workout history uploaded and stored on the PC (Sadly, Training Center is not Mac-compatible).
In a first for the Forerunner series, the Training Center software also lets you define courses on your PC that you can upload to the device. When course information is combined with uploaded workout information, the Forerunner becomes a complete guide, telling you where to go, when to make a turn, and what kind of workout to do when you’re on the road or path. Back on the PC, the software’s ability to overlay workout data on maps of the course makes it easy to see where the course offers up the tough hills and the easy recovery spots. Plus, the ability to track historical performance on a given course is a great way to measure your improvement.
The 205 is also fully compatible with Garmin’s MotionBased service, which takes your training to another level by connecting your data with the Internet. While we weren’t able to use the service, the promise of sharing courses, maps, workouts, and performance data with other users is intriguing. And if you’re a serious endurance athlete, you’ll be glad to know that the 205 is also compatible with TrainingPeaks.com, an easy-to-use web based training system designed to help athletes train for any event.
Pros
- Radically new design is better in every way
- Amazing accuracy and fast satellite acquisition time
- So simple to set up and use, you will actually use it
Cons
- Okay, it’s bigger than a sport’s watch — but so much more powerful
What’s in the Box
Forerunner 205, Garmin Training Center CD-ROM, docking cradle, expander strap, A/C charger, USB cable, owner’s manual, quick start guide. more info
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June 1st, 2010 at 12:17 am
Fantastic training aid!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
What the wife sez: This is easy to use on short and long runs. Accurately tracks my pace and distance and is loud enough for me to hear the interval beeps over my headphones. It’s great and a fantastic training aid!
June 1st, 2010 at 2:42 am
How did I ever run without one?
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I can’t be accused of rushing into technology. I had been a runner for over 25 years without even bothering with a running watch. I would answer (rather over-optimistically, as it turns out) questions as to my running pace and distance with guesses. Still, I wanted to really know: how far did I run? and can I still run as fast as I did twenty years ago?
Obviously I can’t, but now I can give accurate and useful answers. And I find that my running has improved – my pacing is more consistent (I can tell when I am slowing down) and my five-mile runs really are five miles.
I don’t expect a GPS watch to be perfect. Many of my runs are from my workplace in an urban setting, but even there, it only takes about two minutes to find the satellites (just enough time to strecth). At home, in suburbia, most less time is needed. The distance and average pace seem very accurate (instantaneous pace isn’t accurate, but then again, not helpful either). Most of my runs are reasonably level so any inaccuracy with elevation isn’t important. I have, however, used the Garmin for peak hiking and for major elevation shifts it is accurate.
It has gotten to the point that this thing is almost as important for a run as the shoes. I haven’t bothered with many of the more advanced features, other than to download my runs to the free Garmin software.
A GPS watch isn’t, for me, a replacement for enjoying a run. There are days that I feel like I ran fast, but the watch reveals a more objective reality, but who cares if you felt good anyway? And there are days that are the reverse. I think almost any runner would benefit from and appreciate the 205.
June 1st, 2010 at 3:42 am
Exactly what every runner needs!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This product is easy to use, durable and very accurate. I would recommend this to any runner as it is light, so you can barely feel it on your wrist. Lots of capabilities for the price.
June 1st, 2010 at 3:59 am
love it!
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This is our first GPS watch for running. My husband and I both share it and it works great. I love that it is able to be charged and it works great! It has been very easy to use and does exactly what we want it to do, track our distance and pace.
June 1st, 2010 at 4:54 am
Pretty good deal for the money
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I looked around on the internet for a while before choosing the Garmin Forerunner 205. It also came recommended from a friend and was quite a bit cheaper than the 305. The watch itself is very user-friendly- I’m still learning all the ins and outs but i don’t forsee a lot of problems. My only dissatisfaction is with the size and this is the downside of ordering something only from the internet. The monitor piece is huge and i wish I would have gotten something smaller. So if you want something unobtrusive, maybe find another watch. But please don’t go into a store and use up the salesperson’s time and then turn around and buy it online. That qualifies as bad karma.
June 1st, 2010 at 8:13 am
Garmin 205
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Santa brought me a Garmin 205 for Christmas. I thought it we be OK to have one, but initially didn’t really care if I did or did not. Now that I have been running with it for a few weeks, I’ll tell you that I really like it and a lot more than I expected. Its easy to use and gives me a lot of feedback concerning my running. I have also worn it in two races and it really helped me keep my early pace down, and as a result I have already run a PR in the 5K…… Its a little big and clunky on the wrist, but you can get used to it,and gives me good information concerning training and running. I recommend it for runners.
June 1st, 2010 at 8:43 am
Love my Garmin
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Very easy to use. After charging I just turned it on and hit start then stop at the end. It gives a HUGE amount of information for a device so easy to use. I’ve noticed the time it takes to find a satelite varies from a few seconds to several minutes, but once it is locked on I have never had any trouble with it. I love seeing the map of the route I’ve run and looking to see where I speed up and where I slow down. Has really helped me focus on my pace.
June 1st, 2010 at 8:46 am
Great GPS Device
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’ve owned my Garmin 205 for about 3 years, and this device is spectacular. It’s been extremely reliable over the 2000+ miles and 240 hrs+ of operation. I bought this device because I’m a fairly analytical person and wanted feedback on the progress I’m making. It has been the cornerstone of helping me get back into running (I went from 0 miles/week to running marathons). As a runner, it’s extremely useful to get feedback on your current pace, average pace, distance, etc as you run to know how hard to push (or not to push). The battery life is great, even after all of these years. The multi-sport option is great for my triathlons, as it provides a convenient ability to see sport-specific feedback as you’re racing. The GPS receiver is extremely accurate; for typical runs that I upload into Google Earth, it’ll even get the side of the path I ran on correct. Note that sometimes altitude can get a little inaccurate when running under lots of tree cover or in a canyon, but this is an artifact of the physics of the GPS satellite constellation, not the device. I also sometimes use the RunKeeper application (great App) on my iPhone when I run, but the GPS receiver accuracy for the iPhone is terrible in comparison to the Garmin 205.
The only issues I’ve ever had with it is that perhaps a half dozen times in the past 3 years, it’s refused to turn on when pressing the power button. This requires a reset by holding the Power+Mode+lap button for a few seconds, and then you’re up and running again. Note that this reset does NOT lose your data, so no big deal. The only other issue is that one of the four copper pads on the back of the device has been slowly corroding, which has caused me to have to scratch off the residue to get a good connection with the dock (once again, no biggie).
I would highly recommend this product, especially if you do not have a Droid or iPhone which can use RunKeeper. I would also highly recommend looking at buying the Garmin 305 as I often wish that I had a heart rate monitor for feedback (this is a must if you ever get serious about training). Great Product, Great Buy.
June 1st, 2010 at 9:44 am
Versatile GPS Unit For Multiple Activities
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
The versatility of the Forerunner 205 is what sold me on this GPS. I mainly wanted to use it for my long bike rides. But I wanted a GPS that would do more that just work for bike rides. I also wanted a GPS that would work on my 5K runs and on my cross-country ski outings. The Forerunner 205 works well for all of these activities. You can even set it to “multisport” mode so it can track both runs and bike rides, which is useful if you do triathlons.
I also like the many different display options available. For each activity, there are a number of different data fields you can choose to display. You choose how many data fields are shown (1, 2, 3, or 4) and which fields to display. I have different setups for each sport and the 205 remembers my preference for each sport.
My wife, a marathon runner, also loves her Forerunner 305, which is a 205 with a built in heart rate monitor. I didn’t need the HR monitor, and the 205 is quite a bit cheaper, so it was perfect for my needs.
June 1st, 2010 at 10:25 am
Great GPS and MPH monitor
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I got this for running and biking. I wanted to be able to know how far and fast I was running while I was running. I love it. It has helped me in my training, and I am able to push myself harder, because I know what I can run and I try and keep up with that pace without slacking or slowing down. I wish it had the heart rate monitor and wish the watch wasn’t so bulky, but other than that I love it. It is easy to program and use. The battery life is great. So far it has lasted us 8 hours + without needing recharging yet.
Thanks.
June 1st, 2010 at 10:29 am
LOVE IT!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I upgraded from the forerunner 101. I love this new watch. It keeps track of speed, distance, pace, and calories burned. It motivates me during my runs.
June 1st, 2010 at 10:42 am
Awesome piece of equipment!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’ve been running for over thirty years (US Army, Infantry), logged over 19,000 miles and have used a Polar the majority of my time. I discovered the Forerunner through a co-worker and he was right, all I needed for data is Speed, Distance and time. No chest strap, no losing signal and ease of use, Start-Stop-Reset and you data is all on one screen. It offer much more, I don’t need it right now will follow up on other uses later.
Buy it-try it- you’ll like it.
CSM(R) Joe Western
June 1st, 2010 at 11:07 am
Love It!!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have spent a lot of money trying to find something I liked…my search is finally completed. I have had the Forerunner 205 now for about a month and it is exactly what I have been looking for. What kept me from buying before was the price. But now that the prices have gone down, I thought it was finally time to get it. It was great. I have not had any problems with the GPS. I’ve ran at several different locations from open roads to tree covered trails and it always finds my location. I used the Nike+ for about three years but realized during a half marathon how off it was in tracking my mileage. It was off by almost a 1/2 mile. I had to ask another runner who was wearing a Forerunner what the actual distance was. That’s when I decided it was time to make a change. So far, I’m very pleased.
June 1st, 2010 at 11:45 am
Great motivator
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I love my Garmin Forerunner, it was easy to install the program on my computer and my running has improved now that I know just how fast I am running at any given time. I have set 1 mile intervals so I get an average after I complete each mile. If I have a slow mile I really try to pick up the pace for the next one. I look forward to learning about the many features I haven’t had time yet to figure out and put to use yet. It was well worth the investment. The elevation information will be great for hiking.
June 1st, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Great training aid for my upcoming marathon
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Forerunner 205 Personal Trainer
Best purchase in years! The 205 has assisted with keeping me on my marathon training schedule. Love the neat features of the virtual runner mode. Also with the 205 I’ve been able to record all my training runs and see the progress I’ve made each week. Before you decide to run your first or next marathon. I suggest getting the 205 if your the Iron Man type one of Garmin’s advanced forerunners may be what you need!
June 1st, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Loved it!!!!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Loved this as a training tool! I have used it for the last two years for training from 5k to marathon. Worked perfectly. I left it in the car this past weekend while running in the rain during a 1/2 marathon. Someone stole it out of the car. I plan on buying a new one, that is how much I loved it!
June 1st, 2010 at 2:46 pm
A great system for running
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I love this gps watch. I had previously used the Nike+ stuff, and here’s why I like the Garmin watch better:
1. The Nike+ sensors run out of batteries after a few months for me, and they’re $29 each. So over the next 3 years, the cost is about the same.
2. The GPS watch is more accurate.
3. It automatically maps routes.
4. The software lets you add workouts you did without the watch – Nike doesn’t.
5. You can schedule workouts, I found some marathon training schedules on runner’s world UK for free.
6. Works for biking, hiking, etc. not just running and walking.
7. Don’t need to fiddle with ipod, itunes, etc.
8. Workouts that are setup will keep you within a certain speed, great for training.
Minuses:
1. Big and bulky.
2. Takes a while to find the satellite if I don’t turn it on ahead of time.
3. Software isn’t as user friendly or fun as the nike website.
4. They have separate online and PC software, and I could never get it to work with the online software.
5. This is the cheapest GPS option by far, but it’s a bit more money than the nike+ system. So if you’re not sure you’ll stick with running, I think the Nike+ is perfect for beginners.
6. Watch itself has tons of menus, small font, really intimidating and reminds me vaguely of calculator watches from the 80s. But without the cool factor.
7. If you set up a workout, it will beep if you’re going too fast or slow. But it beeps constantly, and while you can change the beeping setting, that won’t stop the beeping until the workout is over.
Other stuff:
- The software is effortful, it syncs with the watch easily enough, but there aren’t any training programs set up, the calendar is lacking basic features ( like highlighting today’s date), the workout details are hidden, etc. The software seems really afterthoughtful.
- I think I would rather wear the watch as an armband. It’s quite a bit much to put on my wrist and I don’t normally wear a watch.
- I really just want an accurate system, so this watch is total overkill. But it’s easy to ignore all the add-ons, I just hit start to run and stop to finish.
Overall, I’m very happy with it, it just feels like wasted potential. Clearly, Garmin’s money is in their car products, and Nike has more software talent. I wish they’d combine forces, and then we’d have the ipod of workouts.
June 1st, 2010 at 3:31 pm
A must for all runners!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I order the 205 after I left my 305 on a treadmill at the gym – goed figure no turned it in! Anyway, I loved my 305. I had it for a little over a year. Since I rarely – if ever – used the heart rate monitor (and cheaper) I chose the 205. I’ve found the 205 to be just as reliable as the 305. As with all GPS’s you’re going to experience some momenntary signal losses in heavily covered areas and jogging between tall buildings, but only for an instant. It’s multiple screen configurations and data collecting are irreplaceable for even a novice runner. I would highly recommend this watch!
June 1st, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Garmin Forerunner 205
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I am very satisfied with the unit. Finds satellites in about 35 seconds from same starting place. Accuracy is very good. Charging station works easily and same cable lets you downlaod information to your computer. Unit is rather large in size but no bother when wearing it.
June 1st, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Uncomplicated
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
With my previous GPS watch I only used it for longer runs because it was complicated to program and took awhile to find the signals. With the Garmin you more or less just strap it on and go. It is easy to program and only takes seconds to find the signal. I use it every day. The charging cradle is also a big improvement. No more batteries to buy.
June 1st, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Great for cross country running
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Large face and easy to read, but READ the directions before using! Great for pace setting.
June 1st, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Simple, Straight Forward, and Perfect!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’m training for a half, and then a full marathon this year, so I needed something I could use to measure my time and mileage while out running. I’m not a “professional”, so what’s important to me is simply time, speed, and distance. This watch provides all those attributes. You simply turn it on, and go! I love it – I have not had any difficulty with satellite signal either – I’ve yet to lose the satellite signal while out. So I highly recommend this watch to any runner. I know it does have more involved features as well, but I’ve yet to try those out.
June 1st, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Don’t pay Amazon’s high price!
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I bought this through Amazon a few weeks ago for $120. Last night the price was up to $199.99 and today it is well over $200. Garmin on their web page has a suggested retail price around $150. I am not sure how Amazon justifies this price – except maybe they are trying to make up money from all those black Friday week deals. Save your money and buy elsewhere.
June 1st, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Amazon Verified Purchase
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
My friend has this same watch and loves it. I had to try it for myself and I’m glad I did!
June 1st, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Great for walking!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I spent hours reading GPS reviews both at Amazon and other sites before I decided on the Garmin Forerunner 205. Was hoping there would be one portable device that would provide street map screens as well as elapsed time and distance walked. To the best of my knowledge, no such GPS exists yet. GPS gadgets appear to fall into mapping or fitness categories. I decided fitness was my priority. I wanted to be able to record my pace, elapsed time, distance walked, and to navigate back to a starting point. The Forerunner does all that and more. After you enter your personal user information, it will tell you how many calories you have burned. It is very easy to set up and use. The included software is simple to install and provides a useful and customizable record of your training statistics and courses. The ability to see your course (once uploaded via USB cable) superimposed on a street view in Google Earth is VERY cool. There was a small glitch with the program, but it was easily and completely fixed by downloading an update from Garmin. I am thoroughly satisfied with my Forerunner 205 and believe I have made the right choice. Members of my walking group are super-impressed with all the neat stuff the Forerunner 205 can do.
June 1st, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Fabulous
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is a fabulous running and training partner. It’s very easy to go from one mode to another. The face is very easy to read. I’m very happy with this product.
June 1st, 2010 at 9:27 pm
So Far So Good
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Got this as a X-mas gift for my wife. So far, it works as advertised, and she loves it. It must be easy to use, as she is not tech savy, but has been able to figure everything out. Great product.
June 1st, 2010 at 9:41 pm
This GPS is a must for those who want to keep track of a beginning training regimen!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
My husband bought this watch for me for my birthday a couple of years ago. I had been walking to train for the P’tree Road Race, and this device helped me to know how far I had walked each day, as well as the calories burned. It also has features that you can download your info to the computer to visually see your route taken, pace with each lap, best pace, time of day, total time of lap, stop watch, as well as many other wonderful features. The visulal stimulation that the detailed information provides you while exercising makes you keep on walking/running/biking, etc. a little further each week to best your last times and distances. It’s a great motivator!!!! I love this GPS, and so much so that I bought one for my husband for his birthday. And now he, too, is a hugh fan of his Garmin!!! It truly is a must have!!!! Enjoy getting in shape!!!!
June 1st, 2010 at 10:03 pm
1st GPS Watch
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
It’s easy to get going and use. It’s bulky but light. So although not something you’d wear around town, it also doesn’t bother you when running. It does take a while to locate a satellite when 1st starting, but once located, it works fine.
June 1st, 2010 at 11:07 pm
garman gps watch
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
wonderful product but wish the actual watch feature of actual time was in large print in a mode.
June 2nd, 2010 at 12:22 am
Greatest training tool ever!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
A running friend of mine told me about his watch and I finally purchased one. This thing is so cool I wish I had purchased one years ago. Too bad I’m not the serious runner I use to be. Still, everyone should own one of these.
June 2nd, 2010 at 1:07 am
It’s ok
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
this is ok when it works. it’s a good tool to have for running but i’m not satisfied with it because for some reason or another it just stopped working and wouldn’t recharge or even turn on.
June 2nd, 2010 at 2:03 am
Why did I wait so long?
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I love this watch and you will too. Generally I will turn it on as soon as I close the car door and it will start acquiring a satellite signal right away. By the time I am done stretching, and I don’t stretch enough, the watch is waiting for me to go. I have not had one problem with it not being able to retain the satellite signal or losing the satellite. The information it outputs is terrific. I wish it had one more bit of knowledge that the 305 has. The 305 will tell you at the end of a 10 mile run that you average, for example, 8:30 a mile. I also wish you could maniupalte the data you see on the screen while running, and to be honest maybe you can, but this watch is so plug and play friendly that I haven’t even read the manual. I would like a screen of: time spent exercising, distance completed, average time/siatnce completed, calories burned and the actual time of day. Either way, this watch is great and I should have bought it long ago.
June 2nd, 2010 at 2:28 am
Great Watch! Very minor complaints!
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I purchased this watch in Spring 2007 and am still using it problem free. I run about 4-5 days per week and have been using this watch for about 3 years…that’s some durability. I do not use the watch to the fullest extent possible though. I am the guy that runs the same route every day except Saturday. I do the same 4 mile loop every week day and a 7.85 mile loop on Saturday and if it weren’t for the Garmin, I would not know it was 4 or 7.85 miles. The biggest reason for the routine is the location I live. I prefer to run from my front door back to my front door and there aren’t many safe routes where I live. I have 2 minor complaints: not Mac compatible and (nit picking here…) it takes too long to connect to satellites.
The first complaint: I’m sure I would use more features on the watch if it were Mac compatible. Because it’s not, I rarely connect it to my laptop and use all of the features.
The second complaint: time to connect to satellites. It is minimal and almost all days it will connect by the time I’m done my pre-run stretch routine….
June 2nd, 2010 at 2:32 am
A necessity for runners
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
After two weeks with my Garmin 205 GPS I wondered how I had managed all these years without one. Although at times it is somewhat slow to locate satellites once it is powered on (this depends quite a bit on your location), when it locks on the satellite it is extremely reliable and accurate. The autolap and bell function are great. It has so many features it is difficult to use them all. I have yet to take advantage of the virtual runner. It can store large amounts of data which can be easily downloaded to a computer. At first I was worried about how bulky it may feel, but after a brief bit of use, I don’t notice it any more than the sports watch I used to wear while training.
June 2nd, 2010 at 2:36 am
Great motivation to train!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Was not too sure if the Forerunner would help me train better. But it sure does a great job. I’ve been more focused on running than ever before.
The instructions aren’t complicated. Doesn’t take too much time to set up. The basic stuff is easy to use. Tried the more complex stuff like planning a course / workout. Didn’t work out for me.
It latches onto satellites pretty quickly & while running you don’t feel the watch at all. Its that light & the size isn’t obtrusive.
Sometimes wonder if I made a mistake by not choosing the 305 (and its heart rate monitor).
Overall, a necessity if you plan to train hard.
June 2nd, 2010 at 2:43 am
great tool for running
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
love it! i find it very motivational when i run. it’s really helpful to know what your speed is. i’ve just started using it and found it extremely helpful.
i recently used it in a half marathon and i found that it really helped me pace myself and not get caught up with the front runners.
June 2nd, 2010 at 3:02 am
GPS forerunner205
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I really love my GPS. It’s nice to see how many miles I
have gone when i’m walking or riding my Bike.I would’ve
liked it if it had come with a velcro band as it would
make it a lot easier to place on my arm.
June 2nd, 2010 at 3:14 am
Long time runner
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought this for my wife. She is TOTALLY Non-Tech. All she wanted was time and distance. I set it up for her. She is very happy with it. I know it is capable of many oother functions that she has not used so can’t comment on them.
June 2nd, 2010 at 3:24 am
Garmin 205
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Lots of great features including software which downloads run totals, etc. Only drawback is time it takes to aquire satellites and having to be outdoors to have it successful – tough when you want to go for a run and its 10 degrees. Have overcome this by putting unit on outside door handle, turning it on and waiting for a couple of minutes before going out.
June 2nd, 2010 at 5:15 am
Walkers path management
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
GPS was purchased as a gift for a trail walker and hiker. GPS is started to record at begining of walk and is shut off at the end. The data is then uploaded into the provided software and then plotted with Google Earth automatically. The trails and pathways can be reviewed, pace determined, way points set and seen. Great fun to review the walk later and if desired over again. Data can be saved and records maintained if desired. The GPS is being used by a techno phobe! without issue. Great Product.
June 2nd, 2010 at 7:06 am
Forerunner 205
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
My husband and I had been walking regularly for a couple of years before we purchased the 205. Since we have been using it we have made strides not only to walk farther and at a quicker pace but we have started jogging as well.Thank you Garmen for a great idea and product.
June 2nd, 2010 at 7:25 am
205GarminReview
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Very good awesome product, but cannot wear when temperatures very low in Winter. I am a daily runner, complete usually 1 half-marathon and one marathon annually, I need an accurate gps to track time, speed and distance accurately. This is the best product out there for the price.
June 2nd, 2010 at 10:58 am
Great running tool
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I used this to train for my first marathon and when actually running the marathon. Its only drawback is that it’s so accurate, you watch every 1/100 of a mile slip away!
June 2nd, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Couldn’t ask for more!!!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have a 305 and bought the 205 for my girlfriend. They are identical with the 205 just missing the Heart Rate monitor. I had no use for the Heart Rate monitor so the 205 would have been perfect for me, but the price on the 305 was cheaper (sale at the time) than the 205.
Anyway… the feature set is great. The GPS never fails unless you’re under an overpass or between multiple tall buildings. It was flawless on my ING Miami Marathon run just 2 weeks ago!
You can view 1, 2, 3, or 4 items on the screen at a time and have the ability to completely customize the view to what you deem important. For me that is (1) Time, (2) Pace, (3) Average Pace, and (4) Distance. Pace allows you an insight into your recent pace and Average Pace allows you to know your pace for the overall run. When running a marathon if you know that you will achieve your 3:30 marathon with an 8:01/mile pace… then you no longer have to run the numbers in your head since you’ll have the Average Pace with you the whole way.
It also has a speed/pace warning that you can set to monitor and alert you with a tone if you’re going too fast or too slow.
While the watch looks bulky it is very light and not cumbersome. My girlfriend has smaller wrists than I do and it’s comfortable for her as well.
2 thumbs way up!
Oh and don’t get the 405… I’ve heard the touch bezel is not so great when your hands are sweaty.
June 2nd, 2010 at 1:32 pm
didn’t last long
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I received this as a Christmas gift, after adding it to my Wish List. It lasted about 3 months. Now it does not turn on, nor charge. Does not work at all. Up until now, I liked it, except it seemed to take a very long time to find satellites if I used it in a race or any place that was not close to my house. In any case, since it only lasted 3 months, for the price, I would not recommend it.
June 2nd, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Garmin Forerunner 205
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Excellent product. I have owned my own for over 2 years and love it. This was for a gift and they love it too.
June 2nd, 2010 at 5:30 pm
My New Garmin’s Even Better
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I had a Garmin 104, but for some reason it quit working one day. I run marathons for a hobby and I like to see my pace as I’m training. The 205 has features that I’ll probably never use, but what I really like about it is the way it acquires satellites (almost instantly if I’m outside.) Also the buttons are easier to use, being a bit bigger and also raised further. The only issue I’ve had was when I was running the Las Vegas Strip, as the watch lost it’s bearings for a time. It recovered nicely once the race passed into normal streets, though, and over all I’m quite happy with this purchase.
June 2nd, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Must have for training
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Great product. Use it all the time for training and racing pace control. Didn’t get the 305 with heart monitor bc I thought I would never use it, now I wish I had gotten that option so I could do HR training.
June 2nd, 2010 at 6:55 pm
Garmin 205 Rocks!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is the way to track your prep for a marathon or Triathalon! If you are still using the older versions (205, etc.) you will appreciate the speed that it grabs the satellites and is ready to go. Clear, easy-to-read displays give you all the info you could ever need to tweek your training. Plus, the results of your activity synch to your computer for an amazingly detailed analysis showing spot speeds, elevations, etc. in a very usefull graphic. One word of advice is the battery status shows on the main menu, not on the event tracking display, so make sure you have a full charge before going on an extended bike ride. Buy this one!
June 2nd, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Indespensable Training Tool!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
For serious distance runners the Garmin GPS watch is an indespensable training tool. Once you lock into the satellites, you have the information you need (time, distance, and pace) to make every run count. The Garmin 205 is the most basic of Garmin GPS watch series, but it is still packed with features, which makes it a great value. You can configure the display to show different data fields. Mine is set-up to show my overall time, distance, curent pace, and average pace for each workout. When I go out for a long training run, I’m no longer guessing how far I’ve gone or what my pace is throughout the run. It’s useful in race, because I can control my pace, making sure I don’t go out too fast in the early miles.
After a workout, you place the Garmin 205 in a cradle that connects to your computer. That charges the device, but also lets you transfer your statistics from the run into the software that comes with the watch. This allows you to build a log of all your workouts, so you can review your progress as you improve. You can also upload workouts to the Garmin Connect web site, which is the online fitness log. On the web site, each run is displayed on a map, and you can review your distance, pace, etc., for each workout. Send a URL link to your friends to show them your latest workout or a new running route you’ve discovered!
The Garmin 205 is well designed and easy to use. It’s a little large, but because it’s light, you forget you’re wearing it during workouts. It tracks the satellites well, so it can be used on trail runs, where there are trees overhead. I’ve also used mine while biking and cross-country skiing.
June 2nd, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Great gift for the runner in your life
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Awesome gift if you have a runner in your life. It is easy and fun to use!
June 2nd, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Great Way To Track Your Runs And Calories!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I started out running with the Nike Plus fitness chip and my iPod but as I increased my distance I found that the mileage was off no matter how often I calibrated the chip so I invested in the Garmin 205.
So why the 205 vs. 305 or 405.
205
-The 205 is a basic GPS receiver that I could get into for under a $125.00 to see if I even liked it.
-It has all the features of the 305 minus the heart rate monitor. Truth is I don’t know how to train with a heart rate monitor and didn’t want the extra expense. The cool thing about the 205 is if I want to add the heart rate monitor later I can for a small price.
-The features include distance, minor mapping, setting check points, calorie count, time, lap time feature, etc.
-The best thing in terms of traveling with it; you can turn it off and make the 10 hour battery life last longer between charges which is important to me since I travel for work and don’t want to drag extra stuff with me on the road.
-Push buttons to scroll through features.
-To sync the device you have to use a USB cord and the docking station that it comes with.
305
-Same as the 205 just a different color and with a heart rate monitor strap.
405
-Is smaller with a touch scroll bezel ring that you use to change feature screen. I have a friend with one and she said that it is difficult to work when you run.
-You can’t turn it off between runs so you can’t save the battery life.
-You can sync the device via bluetooth with the USB chip that comes with the unit.
Software
-All the units come with the same basic software that will work in a PC or Mac. The software itself is basic and will keep track of your runs or bike rides and has basic mapping.
-All the devices however can sync to the Garmin website that has very cool features. You can see a map of your run and change from a map view to Satellite.
-The Garmin site will let you analyze your run by playing back the run with elevation and time changes.
-You can embed your run map into a website or share it on Facebook. So it’s very interactive and fun to use.
All in all it’s worth the purchase and I hope to have many good days ahead. Honestly, I don’t have any complaints at this point but if something changes I will update the review.
June 2nd, 2010 at 8:56 pm
My first running watch
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought this watch as a newbie runner mainly to help me keep pace for race training. Once I got it and saw all the features, I realized that it would be more helpful than I could have imagined.
The battery life is very good. The software is great and helps track my progress.
June 2nd, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Fantastic watch
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This watch is perfect. I am very satisfied with my purchase. I definitely reccomend this GPS watch. It is very easy to use and pretty self explanatory. It’s worth every penny.