Garmin Forerunner 201 Wrist-Mounted GPS Fitness Computer
Product Description
Garmin Forerunner 201 GPS Training Assistant - The Forerunner 201 offers athletes an easy-to-read display, ergonomic wristband, and integrated GPS sensor that provides precise speed, distance, and pace data. It's a compact, lightweight, accurate training assistant with performance tracking, auto-lap, auto-pause and more. The Forerunner 201 is easy to use right out of the box and delivers the benefits of GPS technology at an affordable price. Working out with the Forerunner 201 means you're never alone in your personal training, because the unit provides a Virtual Partner. This unique 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. Includes - Wrist strap, AC Charger
Amazon.com Review
Combining powerful performance-tracking features with a GPS receiver, the Garmin Forerunner 201 offers runners and hikers a unique way to track their exercise regimens and goals. Unlike its main competitor, Timex's BodyLink sport monitoring system, the Forerunner 201 integrates the GPS receiver into a single body (BodyLink has separate housings for watch and GPS).
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101 |
201 |
301 |
1. Allows you to set up profiles for running, biking, and another sport.
2. Set up workouts with specific durations and targets (speed or heart rate). |
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Speed |
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Pace |
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Distance |
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Calories burned |
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Heart rate |
 |
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Sports profiles
1 |
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Advanced workouts
2 |
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PC interface |
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(serial) |
(USB) |
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Analyze workout data on PC |
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Size (inches, WxDxH) |
3.3 x .9 x 1.7 |
3.3 x .7 x 1.7 |
3.3 x .7 x 1.7 |
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Weight (ounces, with batteries) |
2.6 |
2.75 |
2.75 |
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Batteries |
2 AAAs, 15 hours |
Rechargeable, 15 hours |
Rechargeable, 14 hours | |
At first, the device felt a little bulky on my wrist, both in weight and in size (it measures 3.26 by 1.71 by 0.69 inches). But it really is light enough (less than 3 ounces) that it felt comfortable and transparent. I did, however, position the band a bit higher up my arm to ensure full mobility of my wrist, as the length of the Forerunner tended to get in its way.
The large display--with equally large, easy-to-read characters--helps you avoid having to squint at the readout. Just a quick glance at your numbers and you'll maintain your training concentration. The six rubber buttons on the front of the chassis are easy to access (unless you're wearing bulky gloves). I easily got the promised 13 hours out of the rechargeable lithium-ion battery. At the end of the day, I'd just recharge it for around two hours and it would be ready for me the next morning.
While this is definitely a workable GPS receiver, the Forerunner is slim on overall GPS features--which is not to its detriment (think of it as a performance monitor with a dash of GPS). That said, the Forerunner was able to pick up a GPS signal just about wherever I went outside (though it had very slight hiccups in the center of downtown). But if you're looking for a full-fledged tracking device, the Forerunner isn't for you. (You'll want to start with a basic GPS unit like Garmin's eTrex.)
The Forerunner 201 has a variety of helpful tracking, monitoring, and navigational features. The History function enables you to view your workout statistics broken down by individual days, cumulative weeks, or your entire workout history (if you track different workouts during the same day, they'll be broken out as different laps). You can even view a map of your route. And much like other GPS units, you can save waypoints (called "locations" in Forerunner parlance) to mark the coordinates of a place you want to return to later.
Most interesting is the Virtual Partner mode, which enables you to set goals for a workout which will then be completed by a digital character displayed on the Forerunner's screen. You can then see how far off the time, pace, or distance you are of your virtual training buddy's; your digital character even stops when you do (though the buddy keeps on going). I found that, unless you've got a good idea as to your pace or distance, you'll have a couple of trial-and-error training sessions to get in sync with your buddy. I cut short my first attempt after my buddy got so far ahead of me that he disappeared off the screen (which I'd like to believe was not due to my woeful pace).
I was disappointed at not having the LogBook software, which enables you to keep a journal of your exercise activities (it was not available at the time of this test). But overall, the Forerunner 201 is a very useful exercise-monitoring system that will be prized by anyone involved in serious physical training. --Agen G.N. Schmitz
Auto Menu: Timer pauses when you stop running. Auto lap logs your performance over a predetermined distance. |
History: Review training history by day or week. |
Map: Navigate back to the start or to a stored location. |
Virtual Partner: Set time, pace, and distance goals, and train with a "virtual partner." |
Pros:
- Loaded with performance-tracking features for the serious athlete
- GPS functionality a bonus, especially in referring back to previous routes
- Virtual Partner feature offers a fun, competitive way to keep you concentrated on training
Cons:
- Lack of Logbook software at time of test
- Virtual Partner feature takes some trial-and-error adjustments
Amazon.com 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
Customer Reviews:
A great fitness product.......2007-12-28
The Garmin Forerunner 201 is a great fitness tool. I am a walker and this unit gives me an accurate distance covered versus using a pedometer.
I like being able to download the data to my computer and keep track of my progress. My only minor complaint is the unit sometimes takes several minutes to orient to the GPS satellites after being turned on outside.
Can't run without my Garmin!!!.......2007-12-18
I purchased the 201 for a friend who is a big time marathon runner and she can't run without it now. I purchased the 301 for myself and love it. The only difference is the heart rate monitor which I never use anyways. There are only 2 draw backs... if you are running in an area with a lot of trees the monitor will loose its satalite signal or if you run by huge grain elevators!!! The other draw back is when you are running with a group sometimes you pick up other peoples heart rates or at times it will even go back or skip ahead a 10th of a mile or so.
The Garmin is SERIOUS!!!.......2007-11-23
As a distance runner, it is very helpful while training. It tells me the distance I've ran as well as the time by minutes and seconds. It's got the backlight for hours of darkness and is very easy to read while running. I really have nothing bad to say about this product. I would recommend this for anyone who is serious about fitness. NEOSOUL06
Garmin Forerunner 201.......2007-11-18
Excellent product for tracking exercise. Easy-to-read display. Connection to download data should be for USB rather than serial cable
Good runner product.......2007-10-24
I really liked this product and it helped me to train. The only problem is that it loses the GPS signal from time to time, which I would not expect because I live in a large city (Population>1million). This only happens every once in a awhile though, usually its great.
Amazon.com Product Description
The Forerunner 101 offers athletes an easy-to-read display and integrated GPS sensor 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.
|
101 |
201 |
301 |
1. Allows you to set up profiles for running, biking, and another sport.
2. Set up workouts with specific durations and targets (speed or heart rate). |
|
Speed |
|
|
|
|
Pace |
|
|
|
|
Distance |
|
|
|
|
Calories burned |
|
|
|
|
Heart rate |
|
|
|
|
Sports profiles
1 |
|
|
|
|
Advanced workouts
2 |
|
|
|
|
PC interface |
|
(serial) |
(USB) |
|
Analyze workout data on PC |
|
|
|
|
Size (inches, WxDxH) |
3.3 x .9 x 1.7 |
3.3 x .7 x 1.7 |
3.3 x .7 x 1.7 |
|
Weight (ounces, with batteries) |
2.6 |
2.75 |
2.75 |
|
Batteries |
2 AAAs, 15 hours |
Rechargeable, 15 hours |
Rechargeable, 14 hours | |
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, and altitude data. The Forerunner 101 is easy to use right out of the box and it delivers the benefits of GPS technology.
Although it lacks the rechargeable battery and PC connectivity features of the Forerunner 201, the 101 retains all of the other great features of the 201, at an even more affordable price. The Virtual Partner 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 101 features:
- Mark specific locations, and then look-up and navigate to these points using an electronic map.
- 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 5000 laps.
- Performance data can be automatically archived and calculated to provide an accurate record.
- Automated stopwatch provides auto-lap and auto-pause features.
- Pace whistle sounds alert when you begin traveling slower or faster than your desired pace.
- Time and distance whistles can be set to sound when you reach a specified duration or distance in your workout.
Auto Menu: Timer pauses when you stop running. Auto lap logs your performance over a predetermined distance. |
History: Review training history by day or week. |
Map: Navigate back to the start or to a stored location. |
Virtual Partner: Set time, pace, and distance goals, and train with a "virtual partner." |
What's in the box:
Forerunner 101 unit, wrist strap, manual, and quickstart guide.
Product Description
The Forerunner 101 stores lap histories for up to two years to provide an archive of workout performance over time. Users can retrieve lap data for previous workouts by date, week, month, or over a specific time interval. For business travelers who want to train on the road, the Forerunner 101 also doubles as a navigator. Users can mark their hotel as a specific location, see their current position on the plotter display, and follow an electronic breadcrumb trail back to their starting point. Working out with the Forerunner 101 means you're never alone in your personal training, because the unit provides a Virtual Partner. This unique 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. 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. Automatically records up to 5000 laps by day or week; stores approximately two years of data Performance data can be automatically archived and calculated to provide an accurate record. Automated stopwatch provides AutoLap and AutoPause 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 Display - 1.44W x. 92H, LCD 100 x 64 pixels; Case - Waterproof to IEC 60529 IPX7 standards; Temperature range - -4 to 140 degrees F
Customer Reviews:
Just as Ordered.......2007-12-21
This product was delivered in a timely manner and was just as the description had listed... Positive purchase experience.
Good beginner gps for running.......2007-12-02
I had my Garmin 101 for 3 years. I just upgraded to the 205. If you are looking for a good entry level gps and trainer for running, walking, etc. this is it. Enough bells and whistles to keep you going for a while. The only draw back is if you live more urban and get stuck in those "concrete valleys", this will loose contact with its satellites. But runnning for 3 years in Denver with it was great. I've moved to a more urban area and wanted a more robust receiver. If you need that, get the 205.
Good Entry Level GPS for runners.......2007-11-12
I bought the Forerunner 101 after considering the more expensive and smaller models. I got it to see if I would use it for training.
I think its terrific. I've worn it in several races and it seemed pretty accurate. I like the "virtual partner" and have used that for track workouts.
It helped me train for my first marathon at 49 years old and I really have found nothing to complain about. I have not had the experience of it losing signals though I have not run in the woods with it.
I'll probably upgrade in 2008 now that I am convinced that I will actually use the device and while its not obtrusive it would be cool to have one of the small ones.
Very useful tool.......2007-10-24
I use this device frequently to log my mileage and average speeds. I have found that I can only get about 2 weeks worth of battery life from rechargeable 750 mAh AAA batteries. It takes its sweet time locking onto GPS satellites during a cold start. I have had to wait 5 minutes in an open field and even had it flake out on me a few times, losing the signal completely. Once I even lost an entire run for no good reason.
The positive aspects include good water tightness, flexible mounting (use the extension as an armband or wear it as a watch), and flexible settings. I prefer reading average speeds rather than minute paces and it allows me to do that.
Another interesting use for this device is as a speedometer for a car. I have logged 60+ mph while driving and it seems to function properly. Theoretically you could check elevation and speed so it is useful on the track or dragstrip.
Would recommend.......2007-09-06
Except for a few concerns with accuracy at times, really like the Garmin forerunner 101 wrist GPS. Easy to use, and great for different routes on runs.
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Garmin Bicycle Mount for Forerunner 201 (010-10446-00)
Garmin A/C Charger for Forerunner 201 (010-10483-00)
Garmin PC Interface Cable for Forerunner and Foretrex (010-10484-00)
Garmin 010-10483-02 Charger, A/c Euro, forerunner 201
Garmin Foretrex 201 Wrist-Mounted GPS Navigator with PC Cable
Garmin PC Interface Cable for Garmin GPS Units (010-10141-00)
Garmin MapSource Trip and Waypoint Manager (010-10215-04)
Garmin Automotive Mounting Bracket for GPS 60 Series (010-10457-00)
Garmin 010-10085-00 DC Power Adapter
Garmin Velcro Wrist and Expander Strap for Forerunner 201 (010-10494-00)
