Garmin Dakota 10

Garmin Dakota 10 Review

Garmin Dakota 10 Overview

Garmin Dakota 10

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 10, 2010 07:15:14

Magellan SporTrak Map Handheld GPS

Magellan SporTrak Map Handheld GPS Review

I've owned the Sport Trak Map for more years than I can recall. I originally bought it to find the borders of a 5 acre piece of property that has been in the family for years. Don't make the mistake that I did and think that it might be accurate enough for surveying. It's not. But I love it anyway. Why?

1)I have used to check speedometer accuracy on a number of cars, trucks and motorcycles. As published in various magazines, most vehicle speedometers have a certain amount of intentionally built-in error. Your speedometer might read 60mph, while in reality you are doing 55mph. If you start changing tire sizes without having your speedometer re-calibrated, you really have no idea of true speed. I would like to think that I have saved myself and my friends many speeding tickets.

2)Geo caching is a blast. The Sport Trak has always put me to within a couple of feet of the cache.

3)I used to own a dive shop in the Caribbean. I used the Sport Trak to mark our dive sites.

4)Recently, I've been working for the Forest Service. While they have Trimble units costing thousands of dollars, they are heavy, cumbersome, and require a lot of computer time to make them viable. The current trend seems to be towards the Garmin units. But when no one feels like carrying their Garmin, I still have my Magellan in my pocket. Yesterday we had to cross a creek in 4 different places. Each time we had to walk up and down the banks to find a place to cross. Then it was a half mile hike to our location. On the way there, one of our team grumbled that we would never find our way to those specific creek crossings again. I just smiled and told them I was pretty sure we would find our way back. Once we got back to the truck (no problems) they decided my Indian name should be "GPS's With Wolves."

Yes, the case has cracked over the years. Specially around the battery compartment and the screws that hold the halves together. Yes, the old Topo map is not real accurate. The software CDs are pricey. I traded a friend my Topo CD for his Streets CD. So we were able to cut our software cost in half. In thick tree cover, it loses satellites. So does the multi-thousand dollar Trimble unit.

While I am considering a Garmin 76csx as a replacement, I don't regret owning the Magellan. I'll probably carry it as a backup. It has survived everything from being strapped to a dirt bike, to life on the ocean. I will have to spend big money for the Garmin software, just like the Magellan. But the topo lines on the Garmin are so much more accurate. Maybe the new topo maps for the Magellan are just as accurate. But from what I've read, they won't work with my (10 year old?) unit. I only hope the Garmin is just as rugged.

Magellan SporTrak Map Handheld GPS Feature

• 12-channel GPS receiver; WAAS enabled for up to 3 meter accuracy
• 2 MB North American basemap of roads, waterways, parks, and more
• 6 MB memory for additional map downloads
• Large, easy-to-read display; 9-key keypad for quick access to software features
• Rugged, waterproof design; Quadifiler Helix antenna for superior tracking in harsh environments

Magellan SporTrak Map Handheld GPS Overview

The Magellan® Sportrak Map GPS receiver is WAAS enabled with a 2 MB North American basemap of highways, parks and major waterways, as well as 6 MB of built-in memory for downloading detailed maps. It stores up to 20 routes, 500 way points and 2,000 track-points to help you easily find your way.

Magellan SporTrak Map Handheld GPS Specifications

Magellan's Sportrak Map--with its gray monochrome screen and limited data upload--is a little bit old school. But that's not bad. Think of the Sportrak Map as a jeep--rugged exterior, spartan controls (that are easy to access), and all the power you need to get you to any destination, whether it be the rain forests of the Pacific Northwest or the urban jungle.

This Map model resides at the low end of Magellan's Sportrak series, which is geared more toward the outdoorsy type than the business person navigating appointments from the car. The Sportrak Map offers a 2 MB built-in map database of North America, a relatively small 6 MB flash memory for downloading maps and points of interest from your PC, storage for 500 waypoints and 20 routes, and WAAS reception (more on that in a moment).

Our first of the Sportrak Map was that it was much smaller than we imagined from the online images we'd seen. At 2.2 inches wide and 5.6 inches, it's about the same size as our old Nokia 5190, and its 6.1-ounce weight is slightly lighter than that old behemoth. The controls at the bottom of the device are well laid out and easily accessible, whether you're right- or left-handed (though the smaller Enter and Nav buttons could prove challenging if wearing bulky gloves). The 2.2 by 1.4-inch grayscale display was adequate, and definitely geared toward handheld viewing.

The Sportrak Map has 9 information screens, including compass, track details, and satellite status. It also has such useful features as track back (which helps you to retrace your steps to previous waypoints) and a track-to-route saving function. (A track represents your current direction of travel, but it won't be saved to your GPS until it's created as a route.)

As mentioned, the Sportrak Map is a fairly base-level GPS unit, which can be a bit disconcerting for GPS newbies. Though it does have a North American land-mass and waterway database, it does not show much mapping detail (save for major highway systems and points of interest like airports and lakes). Again, the Sportrak Map is best used for hikes, mountain biking treks, and the like. You can easily set it to capture the path you follow (i.e., create a track) with specific markers (waypoints), and then upload this set longitude/latitude data to a PC to record your route. Our first attempt at naming a waypoint, which requires using the thumbpad to navigate to onscreen letters and numbers, took longer than it should, but we devised a system that kept our names short but recognizeable.

In our testing, we had access to a Magellan Mapsend CD-ROM, and were able to download maps to the Sportrak Map. We grabbed a large swath of the Seattle metropolitan area (including detailed city streets) and transferred it easily to the device (the file was a little over 3 MB, or half the available memory). Smaller map selections for multiple hikes and such will definitely fit on the device, though highly detailed topographical maps may not.

As with most new handheld GPS receivers released since the middle of 2003, the Sportrak Map adds WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation Service) reception for a reading of your location that's accurate to about 3 meters. Is it handy? Definitely, for some--but it will be mostly transparent to you under typical use. For others, such as a friend who is plotting specific hikes in the Pacific Northwest for a book, the accuracy WAAS provides will improve the precision of tracks and offer better detail for map illustrations.

The Sportrak Map isn't the most powerful GPS receiver out there. But if you're looking for a navigation device that offers accuracy, transfer of routes and waypoints to a PC, and a modicum of extended features (such as detailed map download), the Sportrak Map might just be your ticket to adventure. --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Pros:

• Easy to use, accurate GPS receiver for outdoor activities
• Ruggedized, waterproof exterior (that even floats)
• Internal memory enough for medium-sized map downloads
• Ability transfer of routes and waypoints to PC via included serial cable

Cons:

• 6 MB memory won't be enough for detailed topographical maps
• No external memory card capability (for that see Magellan's Meridian series)
• Isn't recommended as primary in-city navigation device

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 09, 2010 05:08:03

TomTom XXL 550M 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Maps Edition)

TomTom XXL 550M 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Maps Edition) Review

I purchased the TT XXL550M to replace a TomTom One (second edition) that was beginning to misbehave, as well as to get the larger screen (which is very nice) and lifetime maps (at /yr or so for new maps, the cost of the new GPS was easy to justify).

The XXL550M is attractive, easy to use, and sticks well to the windshield (but the GPS comes off the mount easily and is hard to reattach).

However, I was used to all the options that the One offered (screen layout, compass, etc.), and these appear to be missing from the XXL550M. Also missing was a real user's manual. Checking the website, I couldn't find one. I posted a question to them, and got a quick reply that gave me the link to the manual. Of course, excluding it from the box (or any reference to it!) is stupid, as is not including it in the list of manuals on the website.

TomTom XXL 550M 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Maps Edition) Feature

• Preloaded with maps of the US, Canada, and Mexico, with Lifetime Map Updates (new editions four times a year)
• More than 7 million points of interest in over 60 destination categories--gas stations, restaurants, hotels, ATMs and more
• IQ Routes Technology calculates the fastest route possible based on time of day, saving you time, fuel and money
• Advanced Lane Guidance indicates exactly which lane to use, so you can go confidently
• Announces turn-by-turn directions aloud, including street and place names

TomTom XXL 550M 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Maps Edition) Overview

XL 550M 5" Widescreen Auto GPS Navigation Unit

Outsmart road changes with the TomTom XXL 550·M--complete 5-inch widescreen navigation plus Lifetime Map Updates*. On average, 18% of road information changes each year, so it is important to have the most up-to-date maps. With Lifetime Map Updates, start fresh every few months by downloading a new edition of the industry's most accurate map. New editions are issued four times per year. Since TomTom has the industry's most accurate and dependable maps you'll have access to one million more miles of roads than you would using other GPS brands. Navigate to any location in the US, Canada or Mexico--or directly to one of 7 million preloaded points of interest. Finding your way has never been easier, using TomTom's new EasyMenu and spoken turn-by-turn instructions including street names.

Maps of US, Canada & Mexico with Lifetime Map Updates
TomTom is known the world over for the accuracy and extensive coverage of its maps. TomTom maps include 1 million more miles of road than other GPS brands and have been rated highest in terms of quality and reliability.

Roads change, but with Lifetime Map Updates your map will always be up to date. Start fresh every few months by downloading a new edition of the industry's most accurate map. New editions are issued four times per year.

Note: You receive up to four non-transferable map data updates per year until the product's useful life expires or TomTom no longer receives map updates from its suppliers, whichever is shorter. Details and terms at www.tomtom.com/legal.

EasyMenu
Easily access all of TomTom's powerful features through its simple and intuitive two-button menu. Just a tap gets you started, and easy-to-follow commands and recognizable icons lead you through a quick start-up process to get you on the road in no time.

7 million Points of Interest
Comes preloaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 categorie

TomTom XXL 550M 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Maps Edition) Specifications

Outsmart road changes with the TomTom XXL 550·M--complete 5-inch widescreen navigation plus Lifetime Map Updates*. On average, 18% of road information changes each year, so it is important to have the most up-to-date maps. With Lifetime Map Updates, start fresh every few months by downloading a new edition of the industry's most accurate map. New editions are issued four times per year. Since TomTom has the industry's most accurate and dependable maps you'll have access to one million more miles of roads than you would using other GPS brands. Navigate to any location in the US, Canada or Mexico--or directly to one of 7 million preloaded points of interest. Finding your way has never been easier, using TomTom's new EasyMenu and spoken turn-by-turn instructions including street names.

Complete 5-inch widescreen navigation plus Lifetime Map Updates.

Expand your horizons with a 5-inch extra-wide touchscreen.

The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds into the back of the device for maximum portability.

Only TomTom has IQ Routes*. This exclusive technology evaluates routes based on actual traffic speeds, rather than posted speed limits, and will recommend the fastest route for the time of day. You'll always be directed to the quickest, most efficient route. Advanced Lane Guidance** provides extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won't miss your turn or have to make dangerous lane crossings. Photorealistic images and a pulsing green arrow indicate exactly which lane to use.

With TomTom's exclusive Map Share On-Demand Updates, you have the ability to update your own map instantly or download verified updates from other drivers. Update your TomTom daily or whenever you wish.

The "Help Me!" menu lets you travel with peace of mind. It provides added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations, and hospitals. The "Where Am I?" feature pinpoints your exact location so you can accurately communicate it to emergency resources.

The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds neatly onto the back of the device, so both are small enough to fit into your pocket or bag.

Maps of US, Canada & Mexico with Lifetime Map Updates
TomTom is known the world over for the accuracy and extensive coverage of its maps. TomTom maps include 1 million more miles of road than other GPS brands and have been rated highest in terms of quality and reliability.

Roads change, but with Lifetime Map Updates your map will always be up to date. Start fresh every few months by downloading a new edition of the industry's most accurate map. New editions are issued four times per year.

Note: You receive up to four non-transferable map data updates per year until the product's useful life expires or TomTom no longer receives map updates from its suppliers, whichever is shorter. Details and terms at www.tomtom.com/legal.

EasyMenu
Easily access all of TomTom's powerful features through its simple and intuitive two-button menu. Just a tap gets you started, and easy-to-follow commands and recognizable icons lead you through a quick start-up process to get you on the road in no time.

7 million Points of Interest
Comes preloaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 categories. Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels and more on your route. Or, seek out a new tourist attraction, nightlife spot or shopping center and navigate directly to it. Customize by adding your own favorites.

IQ Routes*
Despite posted speed limits, traffic traveling along a road at 8 a.m. moves at a different pace than it does at 2 p.m. Actual traffic speed is affected by rush hour, traffic light changes, pedestrian traffic, day of the week, and more. Only TomTom offers exclusive technology that evaluates routes based on actual traffic speeds, rather than posted speed limits, and will recommend the fastest route for the time of the day.

Advanced Lane Guidance**
TomTom provides extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won't miss your turn or have to make dangerous lane crossings. Photorealistic images and a pulsing green arrow indicate exactly which lane to use.

Announces Street Names
Keep your eyes on the road while your TomTom announces turn-by-turn directions, including street and place names.

5-Inch Touchscreen
Expand your horizons with a 5-inch extra-wide touchscreen. A wide screen allows an expanded driving view and easier menu operation.

Fold & Go EasyPort Mount
The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount provides maximum portability. It folds neatly onto the back of the device, so both are small enough to fit into your pocket or bag and can be taken with you wherever you travel.

Traffic Update Service* (Optional)
Outsmart traffic. Optional traffic receiver accessory keeps you up-to-date on traffic conditions to minimize potential delays. Based on incoming traffic information, your TomTom will recalculate travel time and suggest alternate routes. Traffic updates available in the US and Canada.

*Feature available in the US and Canada only
**Feature available in the US only

All TomToms Feature

Plug & Go--Works right out of the box.

30 Day Latest Map Guarantee--Up to date, off the shelf.

TomTom Map Share--Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share.

Help Me! Emergency Menu--Easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations and hospitals.

TomTom HOME--Always up to date.

Fuel Price Service (optional)--Know more, pay less.

What's in the Box

TomTom XXL 540M device, EasyPort mount, USB cable, adhesive disk, car charger, and user guide and lifetime maps voucher

About TomTom

Founded in Amsterdam in 1991, TomTom has established itself as a global leader in navigation by being an innovative company with a strong brand, clear customer focus, and high quality products and services.

TomTom is the world's leading navigation solutions provider with navigation products sold in 30 countries and in over 20 languages. To further our commitment to car navigation, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas maps in 2008 so we can continually provide the most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing.

We have our own mapping company!
Did you know that every year roads change by up to 40% in high-growth areas? Tele Atlas manages this by using the world's most comprehensive systems to identify and incorporate these changes into our maps with unprecedented levels of speed and accuracy. All TomTom devices benefit from the Tele Atlas advantage--more coverage, more points of interest, and more freshness and accuracy.

Why TomTom?
At TomTom, we believe that personal navigation should be as easy and safe as possible. We develop smart technology that gives you straightforward solutions, innovations to make life easy.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 08, 2010 04:32:04

GR-213-USB: Holux USB Mouse GPS Receiver GR-213 for PC

GR-213-USB: Holux USB Mouse GPS Receiver GR-213 for PC Review

I recently purchased the Holux GR-213 GPS mouse device for use with my mobile weather platform, and it works very well, with the notable exception of the installation. I run Windows Vista Home Premium x64 edition, and the installation only supports 32-bit systems. Slightly disappointed, I needed to run around the internet and install another serial driver to even interface with the device. I ended up using the "Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port" driver, and now the device works perfectly and is fairly precise. It is very compact, and has a long USB cable for placement wherever you need it, and, as advertised, is waterproof. It has a very good lockup time, ranging from a few seconds to around 10 seconds. It provides programmers with plenty of information, including your GPS position, sattelite positions, altitude, speed information, and much more. All in all, this is a very good device, and I do advise any consumer to purchase it.

GR-213-USB: Holux USB Mouse GPS Receiver GR-213 for PC Feature

• Antenna Type: Built in Patch Antenna
• Max update rate: 1 HZ
• LED function
• Update Indication
• Waterproof: IPX7

GR-213-USB: Holux USB Mouse GPS Receiver GR-213 for PC Overview

The HOLUX GR-213 Smart GPS Receiver is a total solution GPS receiver, designed based on SiRF Star III Architecture. This positioning application meets strict needs such as car navigation, mapping, surveying, security, agriculture and so on. Only clear view of sky and certain power supply are necessary to the unit. It communicates with other electronic utilities via compatible dual-channel through RS-232 or TTL and saves critical satellite data by built-in backup memory. With low power consumption, the GR-213 tracks up to 20 satellites at a time, re-acquires satellite signals in 100 ms and updates position data every second. Trickle-Power allows the unit operates a fraction of the time and Push-to-Fix permits user to have a quick position fix even though the receiver usually stays off.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 07, 2010 04:29:03

Speck Products RoadHome Charger, USB and Universal GPS Charger for Car or Home (CLA AC & DC)

Speck Products RoadHome Charger, USB and Universal GPS Charger for Car or Home (CLA AC & DC) Review

Speck Products RoadHome Charger, USB and Universal GPS Charger for Car or Home (CLA AC & DC) Feature

• Easy-grab silicon ridge
• Ample (but not excessive) cord length
• Removable cap protects wall charger
• Bright green accents for easy spotting
• Use RoadHome to charge any type of device that uses a mini USB connection

Speck Products RoadHome Charger, USB and Universal GPS Charger for Car or Home (CLA AC & DC) Overview

Specifically engineered for the modern road-warrior, RoadHome Dual charger allows you to power up your GPS or other mini USB-powered device through your car’s cigarette lighter while cruising the streets. Then, plug it in to a standard wall socket while crashing out for the night! Enjoy double assurance that your GPS stays juiced up and ready to roll!

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 02, 2010 10:01:05

USB Mini-5 Pin Charging Cable for Garmin Nuvi 850 / 855 / 860 / 880 / 885T / 900T

USB Mini-5 Pin Charging Cable for Garmin Nuvi 850 / 855 / 860 / 880 / 885T / 900T Review

USB Mini-5 Pin Charging Cable for Garmin Nuvi 850 / 855 / 860 / 880 / 885T / 900T Feature

• For GPS & Cell phones
• Revolutionary 2-in-1 cable for charging power and transferring data simultaneously!
• Start to sync and charge your phone with a PC today through this premium quality data cable.
• Connect your cell phone to your PC/Laptop to access and synchronize your phone book contacts, e-mails, and appointments, change ring tones and background pictures, take advantage of other useful applications!
• Length: approx. 48 inches (122cm)

USB Mini-5 Pin Charging Cable for Garmin Nuvi 850 / 855 / 860 / 880 / 885T / 900T Overview

Compatible With:

BlackBerry: 5810 Series 5810 / 5820
6200 Series 6210 / 6220 / 6230 / 6280
6500 Series 6510
6700 Series 6710 / 6720 / 6750
7100 Series 7100g / 7100i / 7100r / 7100t / 7100v / 7100x / 7105t
7130 Series 7130c / 7130e / 7130g / 7130v
7200 Series 7210 / 7230 / 7250 / 7270 / 7280 / 7290
7500 Series 7510 / 7520
7700 Series 7730 / 7750 / 7780
8700 Series 8700 / 8700c / 8700f / 8700g / 8700r / 8700v / 8703e / 8705g / 8707g / 8707v
8800 Series 8800 / 8820 / 8830
Bold 9000
Curve 8300 / 8310 / 8320 / 8330 / 8350i
Pearl 8100 / 8110 / 8120 / 8130
5790
Garmin: Nuvi 1200 / 1250 / 1260T / 1300 / 1350 / 1350T / 1370T / 1390T / 1490T / 200W / 205 / 205W / 250 / 250W / 255 / 260 / 260W / 265 / 265T / 265w / 265WT / 270 / 275T / 300 / 310 / 360 / 370 / 465T / 500 / 550 / 600 / 610 / 660 / 680 / 750 / 755T / 760 / 765T / 770 / 775T / 780 / 785T / 850 / 855 / 860 / 880 / 885T / 900T
StreetPilot i2 / i3 / i5
HTC: Droid Eris / Elf / Excalibur / Fusion / Fuze / Herald / Herman / Hermes / Hero CDMA / Hero GSM / T-mobile G2 Touch / Touch / Touch (CDMA) / Touch 2 / Mega / T3333 / Touch Cruise / Touch Diamond 2 / Touch Diamond CDMA / Touch Diamond CDMA Verizon / Touch Diamond P3700 / Touch Diamond2 CDMA / Whitestone / Imagio / XV6975
TomTom: GO 520 / 530 / 530T / 630 / 720 / 720T / 730 / 730T / 920 / 920T / 930 / 930T
One 125 / 130 / 130S / 140 / 140S / First Edition / Second Edition / XL / XLs
XL 325 / 325S / 330 / 330S / 335S / 340 / 340S / 340S Live
XXL 530S / 540S

Also compatible with MANY more HTC, Motorola, T-Mobile and OTHER Mobile Devices. Please inquire for additional information

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jul 22, 2010 05:01:07

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor Review

FYI: I am a pretty casual runner (9½ min miles), hitting the road 3-4 times a week averaging maybe 4 miles a run. I bought the Forerunner primarily as an electronic diary, and to compete virtually with friends too far away to meet up with. I've only had the Forerunner for a few months.

This is one of those products that I have never regretted buying, not for one second. I would give it 4½ stars if I could as the Training Center (TC) software is so weak. Why are the TC maps so bad when the Garmin Connect maps so good? However, it does all that I expected of it and has helped me in ways I did not expect (thus the 5 stars). I find myself watching my pace to make sure I'm not overdoing it at the beginning of a run which helps me feel much better at the end of a run. And it's been a great motivator as I love to see new runs posted on the Garmin Connect web site. I've also enjoyed the Autolap feature that breaks my runs into 1 mile segments (customizable) allowing me to compare the early and late miles.

Pluses:
While there is no doubt that it is big, I don't find it annoying or bothersome (this concerned me prepurchase).
Tracking is great - I can see where I cross a street, etc.
HRM data seems pretty good. No weird dropouts, but very very occasionally there is a small spike near the start of a run (I wonder if I properly prep'd the HRM strap).
Price - Amazon was asking ~0 when I got mine - that's not too much more than some higher end HRM's.

Minuses:
The Garmin Training Center software is horrible - fortunately there are much better freeware/donationware programs out there like SportTracks.
Sometimes the elvation data can be... off. It had me 40 feet under water once while kayaking.
Under solid canopies of trees (one trail I use in particular) the pace data can be off a bit - has me running 8min then 12min miles when I've been pretty steady. As I'm not trying to win races, it's no big deal for me.

As a casual user, I haven't tried the more advanced features like intervals or target zones, etc. All things considered, I love it.

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor Feature

• High-Sensitivity, Watch-Like GPS Receiver That Provides Exceptional Signal Reception
• 1 Piece Training Assistant That Provides Athletes With Precise Speed, Distance & Pace Data
• Includes Training Center Software, Which Allows Users To Download Workout Data For A Detailed Analysis
• Used For Multiple Sports Such As Cycling, Cross- Country Skiing & Windsurfing
• Data Acquired May Also Be Analyzed With Motionbased, Which Provides Online Mapping & Route Sharing

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor Overview

Package Includes: Forerunner 305, Heart rate monitor, docking cradle, expander strap, AC charger, PC/USB interface cable, Quick start guide, Garmin Training Center CD & owner's manual

The Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS System combines form and function. This combination running partner and personal trainer is designed for athletes of all levels. It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, new courses feature, and robust ANT wireless heart rate monitor for optimal performance. The super-sensitive GPS tracks your every move, even working on tree-covered trails and near tall buildings. The heart device monitors your heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter, more effectively. These taskmasters will continually push you to do your personal best. Courses feature lets you download recorded courses and compete against previous workouts Auto Pause pauses and resumes training timer GPS features - GPS with high-Sensitivity SiRFstarIII architecture Wireless communication between system devices via ANT protocol Display Size(WxH) - 1.3 x 0.8 (33 x 20.3 mm) Lap Memory - 1,000 laps Rechargeable internal lithium ion battery - lasts 10 hours (typical use) Waterproof - Submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 mins. Alerts - Time, distance, pace and heart rate Physical Size(WxHxD) - 2.1 x. 7 x 2.7 (53.3 x 17.8 x 68.6 mm) Weight - 2.72 oz. (77 g)

Heart rate monitor features - Transmission Range - approximately 3m (9.8ft) 3V CR2032 battery - lasts 3 years (1 hour per day) Physical size(WxHxD) - 13.7 x 1.4 x 0.5 (348 x 35.6 x 12.7 mm) Weight -. 74 oz (21 grams)

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor Specifications

Amazon.com ReviewJust when you thought Garmin had cornered the market on powerful, affordable, and effective wrist-mounted GPS devices, here comes the Forerunner 305. The release of this device is a major achievement from a design and technology perspective. This isn't just marketing-speak; the Forerunner 305 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 305 pushes the boundaries of what is possible from something strapped around your wrist. The 305 model includes wireless heartrate monitoring and it can also be connected to Garmin's wireless bicycle speed and cadence sensor. If you don't need these features, consider the lower-priced Forerunner 205.

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 305'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 305. 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 305 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 305 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 305's embedded lithium-ion battery via a powered USB connection from your computer.

GPS Performance
The big news about the Forerunner 305 is that it features an integrated, high-sensitivity SiRFstar III GPS receiver. What does this mean? It means that the 305's ability to both track, and maintain a lock on, your position is better than anything before it. After an intial battery charge, the tester had the 305 on his wrist and was tracking speed and distance with GPS satellites within 3 minutes. The next time we used the 305, 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.

While the Forerunner 305 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 305's new "Courses" feature gives you new levels of control over how you define your favorite runs and rides.

Training Functions
The 305 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 305 -- this device is successful where many other devices fail.

The heart and soul of the 305 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. The 305 adds the ability to track heartrate, lap heartrate, average heartrate, and heartrate zones via the included coded heartrate chest strap. With the purchase of a separate wireless cadence and speed meter, you can also track bike performance data.

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. The ability to display heartrate is a big plus, too, as it's a fairly good indicator of excercise output, fatigue, and fitness level. The 305 has all the heartrate functions you'd expect from a full-function monitor, including the ability to set target zones and alerts to maximize the effectiveness of your workouts.

Garmin's Virtual Partner function was cool feature of previous Forerunners and they've decided to keep a good thing going with the 305. 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 305 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.

Computer 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 305 integrates seamlessly with the Training Center software and we quickly had workout history uploaded and stored on the computer. Not only does Training Center--which is compatible with both PC and Mac--make it easy to track your performance, you can graph data such as heartrate alongside your speed and distance. Over time, this is a great way to view your fitness levels increase, and it also helps you see what types of workouts are necessary to strengthen your weaknesses. For instance, if you see your heartrate begin to spike after a certain distance, you know you need to increase your endurance workouts to train that area of fitness.

In a first for the Forerunner series, the Training Center software also lets you define courses on your computer 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 computer, 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 305 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 305 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 305, Garmin Training Center CD-ROM, heart rate monitor, docking cradle, expander strap, A/C charger, USB cable, owner's manual, quick start guide.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jun 30, 2010 08:25:55