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Looking for a Garmin Forerunner? This article outlines each of the 5 choices and some of their benefits and weaknesses. These are the main features of the models, but by no means is every feature covered!!

Rechargeable? The Garmin Forerunner 101 is the only one that is not rechargeable, it uses 2 AAA batteries. All others have a rechargeable lithium ion battery that lasts between 10-15 hours depending on usage.

Waterproof? All the Forerunner units have an IEC 60529 IPX7 rating, which means the GPS case can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Notice it says ACCIDENTAL….do not use these devices for the swimming leg in triathlons, they will not hold up for long!! Running or biking in the rain will not cause issues.

Computer downloadable logs? Again, the 101 is the only device which does not have a computer interface, so the information that is kept must be deleted at some point. All the devices are capable of holding approximately 5000 laps, which equates to around 2 years of data.

Size & Weight? The 101, 201, & 301 are virtually identical in size and weight. The 101 is slightly larger at 3.3″W x 1.7″H x .9″D compared to the 201 & 301 at 3.3″W x 1.7″H x .7″D. Believe it or not these are extremely lightweight. The 101 weighs in at 2.6 ounces with batteries, the 201 and 301 both weigh in at 2.75 ounces. The 205 and 305 have a different design which looks more like a watch. They both have the same measurements at: 2.1″W x 2.7″H x .7″D and 2.7 ounces in weight. Both designs are very comfortable and lightweight. My opinion….there is not enough difference in weight or designs to make a decision from.

GPS Signal Strength The Forerunner 101, 201, and 301 all have the same antenna and the 205 and 305 share a antenna design. Between the 2 groups, the 205 and 305 have the stronger signal strength with an improved antenna design which points at the sky while running. The 101, 201, and 301 all will occasionally lose signal while running under dense tree cover or around large buildings. The 205 and 305 don’t seem to have this behavior.

Heart Rate Monitor: Only the Forerunner 301 and 305 have a heart rate monitor option. This allows you to display and track your heart rate and configure audible alarms if your heart rate goes above or below certain thresholds.

Cool things: All 5 devices have AutoLap, AutoPause, Virtual Partner, Pace Alerts, Time or Distance Alerts, and Interval training options. AutoLap creates a lap for you at an interval you define (1 mile, 1 minute, 30 minutes, etc…). Auto pause will pause the timer if your pace falls below a threshold you specify. This is a nice feature if you have to cross a lot of streets and are waiting a lot. The Virtual Partner feature is for those of us competitive types who have to have the sense you are beating something!! You set up a predefined time/pace and it shows this 2 little people on the screen, one is you, one is the computer. It then tells you who is ahead of who and by how much! Talk about motivation….can’t let a stinking computer beat you!!!

Specific features for the Forerunner 301 and 305: As already mentioned, the 301 and 305 have a heart rate monitor capabilities. They also have the ability to have multi-sport profiles (biking, running, one other sport) and advanced workout features. The advanced workout features allow you to set up workouts with specific durations and targets (speed or heart rate) so you can follow them. Things like 4 1 mile intervals at a 8:30 pace with a 1 minute rest period between intervals. It then beeps to alert you on your intervals.

Do they tell time? Believe it or not, this is one of the most asked questions and yes, you can configure one of the screens with many different pieces of data. Time of Day is one of them.

Foreign Language and Units of measure? All units allow to change the language on the console and the unit of measure to meters if so desired. The manuals only come in English however.

The Forerunner 305 also has an optional GSC 10 speed cadence sensor you can purchase for bicycling.

All 5 of the Forerunners are extremely valuable in your training and you can’t go wrong, no matter which one you choose.

Ty Thomas
http://www.articlesbase.com/gps-articles/garmin-forerunner-product-review-80245.html

One of the most useful and exciting features of the newer PDA’s, is their ability to serve as real time maps. A PDA GPS built in system serves two purposes – it can help you keep track of your busy schedule as every PDA does, and, it can help you find your way to just about anywhere. You will no more get lost trying to find your way to a new client, to see your son’s soccer game, or in a new city. Some of the PDAs on the market don’t have a GPS Built In system, so they require a special receiver that has to be bought separately and attached to the PDA.

The PDA’s we’ll discuss are PDA GPS Built In devices. You get them with the GPS system already integrated into the machine itself – the receiver, the maps, the antenna. Nothing needs to be added.

So here are the selected few pocket PC’s that have a BuitIn global positioning navigation system:

1.Pharos Traveler GPS 525 – Includes maps and all your personal data. $388-$529
2.Mobile Crossing WayPoint 200 – A Good PDA and a great GPS. Too Expensive – $599.
3.Mio 168RS (GPS/PDA combo) – practical and cheaper than others. -$209
4.Garmin iQue M5 – Excellent navigation software makes this one of the best PDA/GPS combos. It’s expensive – $599


5.Asus MyPal A636 – This is a PDA with a built-in GPS receiver that puts maps and directions on an equal footing with appointments and e-mail. While it delivers accurate directions and long battery life, it’s a bit sluggish – not priced yet.

No matter what you use your global positioning navigation system for, you will find that the improvement over traditional paper maps is startling. Instead of trying to drive with the map folded on the steering wheel, the navigation system on your PDA can give you step by step and turn by turn directions to guide you right to your destination. No more stopping at every gas station for directions. Your satellite connected PDA will give you great instructions and keep you from getting lost.

If you are traveling on a regular bases, and often to unknown destination, you’ll probably want to consider getting a PDA/GPS combo device. The cost will be considrably less than purchasing these two products separately. Why not stop by your local computer store or internet retailer and take advantage of this great technological breakthrough?

Ron Hel-Or
http://www.articlesbase.com/gps-articles/pda-gps-built-in-helps-you-find-your-way-no-matter-where-you-are-59959.html

Buying a Global Positioning System (GPS) to meet your needs may not be as simple as one might think. There are a myriad of different devices, for many different purposes.

The first thing to consider when buying a GPS device is its primary use. Will you be using it on the road, on the trail, or on the water?

On the road devices are usually temporary mounted in the vehicle with suction cups or bean bags. Most of these devices have turn-by-turn instructions and auto correction if you miss a turn.

We recommend getting a device with the auto-correction feature, that way you don’t have to mess with the device if you take a wrong turn, it will recalculate the route for you automatically.

There are some devices that are also portable, so you can unplug them from your vehicle and take them with you as you walk around in a large city.

My favorite in this category is the Garmin c330, c340, and c530 series. They are a wonderful size for using it in the vehicle and small enough to use as a portable. They have city maps pre-loaded, so they are not much use off-road.

Many of the newest designs have built in picture viewers, MP3 players, traffic updates (careful, that usually costs extra!!), and many other bells and whistles.

One of the best features of the Garmin c-series line is the ability to ask for the closest landmarks, such as food, gas, shopping, golf courses, etc.

Like anything you buy, make sure you understand what the device has and what you want to use for before making the final decision!

One of the most asked questions is should I buy the car with GPS already in it?

Personally, I don’t like that option because it limits how you can upgrade, and the device cannot be used in multiple vehicles.

In addition, some car manufacturers are charging several hundred dollars to update the map data on these devices and you have little choice in using them to do this.

The GPS market is an ever changing market and I like to be in control of which device I want to purchase.

Having said that, I am choosing to have a device mounted to my dash or windshield (suction cups….also illegal in some states, so make sure you know which ones!!!) with wires trailing to the power source.

On the trail devices are handhelds which depict topographical, or basic mapping data, not detailed street level details. These are great for hiking and geocaching. They have the ability to either import or download coordinates of a location (called waypoints) and then tell you how close you are to that waypoint.

Ever fear of getting lost hiking, well, you can set different points as you walk, like a breadcrumb trail so you can get yourself out the way you came in. These devices range from $80-$500+ depending on the different capabilities of the device.

Higher end models allow you to buy pre-loaded map detail on memory cards, so they can double as driving directions, however, they still don’t have the turn-by-turn capabilities.

GPS devices used on the water are fixed mount devices. These devices can have water depth, temperature, etc, especially helpful for the fisherman.

Maps that can be downloaded can have tidal waters, known shipwrecks, ports, and are very detailed. There is a huge range of devices to consider in this area.

Keep in mind that mapping software used on these devices changes about 1-2 times per year. Less frequently for the maps on the water.

Understand what your devices downloading capabilities are so you don’t get stuck with outdated maps forever!

Be aware that maps change, you have to be somewhat flexible when following the directions. I have had instances where it tells you to “turn left here”, only to have that be the wrong way on a one-way street!!!

In other words, these are guides to get you close to where you need to be, you cannot use them as gospel….common sense should prevail!

Ty Thomas
http://www.articlesbase.com/gadgets-and-gizmos-articles/gps-overload-how-to-choose-the-perfect-device-for-your-needs-93761.html

Years ago, driving across the country meant one eye on the road and the other fixed on a heap of tangled, shredded paper covering the dashboard – otherwise known as a map. But in today’s interconnected world, even when you’re lost, you’re not really lost.

GPS devices are no longer reserved for outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, skiers or geocachers. Trip navigators, like the Garmin Street Pilot help road trippers navigate through just about any city, state and province. Take a wrong turn, no problem. The device automatically plots a new course based on your current location. Whether you want to spend a few hundred bucks or reign in your budget, a GPS device can be your best friend.

Pinpointing precise locations is as easy as turning on your device, but making your GPS work smarter takes some time, skill and a PC. It’s all about customization.

Connecting Your GPS Device to Your Computer

Anyone can buy a GPS, enter their starting point, begin wandering and find their way back again. No special skills required. You don’t need a PC to use your GPS device, but connecting the two allows you to customize your routes.

• Before you begin, connect your GPS device to your PC. Decide the area you want to explore and load the appropriate maps (additional software you’ll need to purchase beforehand).

• When you begin your adventure, your GPS device will show your exact location on the maps you’ve uploaded.

• Set your initial location as your home point.

• Begin wandering or follow the route you’ve mapped out. Enter waypoints along your route.

• When you return home, connect the GPS device to your PC again, upload waypoints to your PC to track your routes for future use.

There’s a GPS device for every trip you’ll take this year. Just make sure the one you buy is the one you really need. If you’re a wilderness adventurer, you’ll likely want a high-end and more expensive GPS device than if you’re an urban trekker who wants to track a route from Boise to Fort Lauderdale.

For the road tripper, consider a large enough screen that you can quickly glance at but won’t cause you to take your eyes off the road for long. If you’re a hiker, get one that fits into your hand (or on your wrist) comfortably. Protect it in a plastic cover in case you drop it in the swamp.

Navigating has never been easier, or for tech lovers, more fun.

James W Coates
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/gps-devices-fulfill-your-navigation-dreams-92847.html

Satelite navigation Systems or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are very popular in today\’s society and for many who drive a lot they become indispensible. But if you are looking to buy a Garmin Nuvi Sat Nav, you may be overwhelmed with the number of choices you have. And the price tags differ enormous as well, so where do you start?

The first thing to ask yourself what limit you have on your budget, as this will definitely very quickly reduce the options you may have. Obviously all garmin nuvis will show you the best route to go, but it is often the extras that makes the more expensive ones more appealing.

If you have a limited budget you probably will have to stick with theentry models like the garmin nuvi 200, 250 or 205 gps. The nuvi 205 is a newer model, has more options and is only slightly more expensive then the nuvi 200. So well worth the extra money.

But if money is no option, then you can choose of many different extras for your satelite navigation system. It all depends how important these options are to you and really if you are going to need all the extras. If you are not driving a lot of long distances to unknown places certain options may be no need and could save you a lot of money.

Lets look at some of the available options you have on the garmin nuvi sat nav. To start with a very important issue is the signal strenght area. For those driving a lot in the City make sure the nuvi is capable of picking up a good signal in those dense areas.

If you like to use the voice command option then it may be worthwhile to know that some garmin nuvis come only with an english and american pre-programmed female voice. If you want to be in control of what voice you here, then you need to go for the text-to-speech garmin sat nav, as these are the only units that allow you to change the voice. You can do so by connecting the unit to your computer and then just follow the instructions.

Other extras you can find on the garmin nuvi gps are speed cameras listings, handy when you have a heavy foot. Or if you are a keen user of bluetooth then you can choice one with this enabled. You can even choose one with language translator books on the go. It all depends what you want from your garmin nuvi.

If you drive a lot to different parts of the country on a regular basis then the automatic map updates option may be great value for you to not get on the wrong road. Or if you are in rush to get from A to B then the option of getting to your destination fast is great.

Many more options that are available are avoiding traffic jams, are you driving mainly in the day time then a nuvi with extra bright screen is a great option to have. At the end of the day it all depends on how much you are willing to spend on a garmin nuvi sat nav as the options are almost limitless.

Arjen
http://www.articlesbase.com/computer-games-articles/which-garmin-nuvi-sat-nav-should-i-choose-890095.html