Customer Reviews:
 Surprisingly helpful October 20, 2008
Although I don't train for racing, I do train for general fitness, and wish to keep track of my pace and distance. This helps to ensure I don't start slacking off in my exercise (that, and I love gadgets). I opted for the 205 instead of the 305 because I already had a Polar heart rate monitor. I kind of wish now I spent the extra $50 and got the 305 so that it was all in one, and so I could download my heart rate information on the computer with the running information. Live and learn.
The pluses on this are: 1)Adjustable display-I can set it up to show up to four pieces of information selected from a long list including lap time, pace, speed, altitude, time of day, etc. 2)When displaying only one or two pieces of information, the numbers are larger and easier to read. 3)The buttons are easy to locate by feel while running, even when wearing thin gloves. 4)I can use this just as a GPS, i.e. locating and saving landmark coordinates and paths, although it requires a lot of fishing through the menus; not something you want to do while running or biking. 5)Virtual running partner-I set the desired pace in the watch and stick figure runners show if I would be in front of, with, or behind a running partner who held the set pace.
The minuses are: 1)The backlighting borders on worthless. I sometimes run in the twilight after sunset or before sunrise, and I can only use this for the downloadable data. 2)The bundled software seems to crash more often than I care for. Downloading the latest update from Garmin usually fixes that, but it is inconvenient. 3)The battery lasts a few hours, but that might not be enough. If I ride my bike to work while wearing this watch, and forget to turn it off upon arrival, I may not have enough power to run it on the way home eight hours later.
For someone who is not training for a marathon, this is an expensive toy, but worth it to me. For determining distance on new running routes, this can't be beat. I have tried carrying my heavier hiker's GPS 12XL while jogging, and it is just enough to wear my down after a couple of miles. This is an improvement.
 Garmin 205 delivers October 19, 2008
The 205 delivers in every category it was designed for. Surprisingly comfortable for how large it is. Great accuracy and display set up make it easy to track your stats without breaking stride. Absolutely love this product.
A Must For Any Runner October 16, 2008
What a great piece of technology. I can not only track my distance when out on a run I can analyze the data when I get home. I love the fact you can customize the data screens to show what information YOU want when out running. A must for any runner. Only advice, download after each run so you don't lose any info.
Pleased with the Garmin October 13, 2008
I love the Garmin, my only complaint is that it is a little heavy. But, all in all, I am pleased.
Mac OS X Compatible! October 6, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Hopefully I'm not repeating anyone (I scanned the reviews and didn't see this). There is now a Mac OS X version of Training Center. It is compatible with: Forerunner 301, Forerunner 205, Forerunner 305, Edge 205, Edge 305, Edge 605, and Edge 705 [...]
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