I have had a 201 for quite a few years (you can still buy them new) and it the main problems with it compared to the 305 seem to be:
1. It doesn't look as cool so other runners laugh at you.
2. The antenna isn't as sensitive so it's easier to loose signal.
Despite that the screen is bigger and easier to see. Personally I can't justify upgrading but if you're buying from scratch I'd go for the 305.
I use my 201 with tracklogs software ( http://www.tracklogs.co.uk/cgi-bin/publ/user.cgi ) - you can choose an OS map centred on where you live or that match up with the standard paper ones.
Nobbie,
I have had a 305 for about a year now and use it a lot. You could never hope to use all the functionality but most of it is useful. For running I use it for distance/time/HR in training and then pacing in races. I also use its navigational ability a lot on the bike but you do need some decent mapping software to be able to do this (I use Memory Map). The combination of the two is fantastic - being able to see 3D images of past races or planned routes and viewing HR and elevation profiles is great.
However, I have heard of a few problems and I have had to send back my HR strap to be replaced because it stopped working. Also a friend had one of the buttons stop working which meant it was next to useless. It is a bit variable in time picking up the satalites (max 5 mins which is no good in the rain and cold). But as it my first GPS I don't know whether this is worse than any other.
There is now a 405 but I haven't heard anything about this.
Nice one and many thanks for
Nice one and many thanks for your reply.
I have had a 201 for quite a
I have had a 201 for quite a few years (you can still buy them new) and it the main problems with it compared to the 305 seem to be:
1. It doesn't look as cool so other runners laugh at you.
2. The antenna isn't as sensitive so it's easier to loose signal.
Despite that the screen is bigger and easier to see. Personally I can't justify upgrading but if you're buying from scratch I'd go for the 305.
I use my 201 with tracklogs software ( http://www.tracklogs.co.uk/cgi-bin/publ/user.cgi ) - you can choose an OS map centred on where you live or that match up with the standard paper ones.
Have fun
Garmin Forerunner 305
Nobbie,
I have had a 305 for about a year now and use it a lot. You could never hope to use all the functionality but most of it is useful. For running I use it for distance/time/HR in training and then pacing in races. I also use its navigational ability a lot on the bike but you do need some decent mapping software to be able to do this (I use Memory Map). The combination of the two is fantastic - being able to see 3D images of past races or planned routes and viewing HR and elevation profiles is great.
However, I have heard of a few problems and I have had to send back my HR strap to be replaced because it stopped working. Also a friend had one of the buttons stop working which meant it was next to useless. It is a bit variable in time picking up the satalites (max 5 mins which is no good in the rain and cold). But as it my first GPS I don't know whether this is worse than any other.
There is now a 405 but I haven't heard anything about this.
Hope this helps
Mike B