More Information
 On: 2005-07-30
First the postitives:
-The Heart Rate Monitor has worked FLAWLESSLY - dont know why another reviewer had problems.
-GPS functions are great
-Software is good, and when combined with an online service like Motion Based its extremely helpful whether you are an elite athlete or someone trying to get back into shape
-It has been durable (yes, Ive dropped it twice :( )
I credit the use of the 301 with revolutionizing my training. For cycling, running and MTB its awesome. Ive also used it to create trail maps, cycle rout maps, and a treasure hunt map for Boy Scouts.
The negatives are all minor
-The usb dust cover looks poor - mine is still OK, but I anticipate it wearing out. A minor problem
-The wrist strap is a joke. Its too small to fit on an adult males wrist and the extension sizes it for king kong. My solution was to replace it with a 20mm sport watch wrist band for 3.98 at Wal-Mart and now it is perfect
-The bike mount they sell for it is questionable. I havent had a problem with it, but the way it holds the 301 in the mount, with 4 very tiny plastic tabs looks weak. Ill probably build my own mount based on theirs.
All in all - this is a training aid everyone who exercises outdoors will find value in.
Suggestions for improvement: Another model for cycling that includes wireless cadence and a power meter. Yes that will pump the price up - but it beats having an SRM, 301 and/or cateye computer on the 4 bikes I use this on.
 On: 2005-05-25
I have owned my forerunner 301 about 3 months. Im satisfied with the GPS functions, which are easy to use and gives fairly consistent results. It does not have enough memory to download maps, so the map screen is a waste. The USB dust cover is poorly designed; I keep mine on with a piece of tape! My biggest gripe is with the heartrate functions. The extra money spent for heartrate monitoring is a waste. Mine hasnt worked from the beginning. I end up wearing the Forerunner on one wrist for distance data, and my Polar 601 for accurate, reliable heartrate data on the other wrist. (Yes, my wife laughs at the "Techno-Geek"!) Also, the Forerunner software is poor. Unlike the Polar program, it cannot be edited, printed, or organized into a useful training diary. Bottom line: look for something cheaper in a GPS unit and review the Polar watches for a heartrate monitor.
 On: 2005-04-23
Great product design, capability, and quality.
Has all the usefull data readily at hand with easily readable displays. Customizable parameters and displays make this unit a great value for the money. Also looked at Timex watches and this one really offered a great deal more without spending double the money for a Suunto.
 On: 2005-04-12
This is a great device for monitoring / managing exercise where time, distance and cardio are important. Running and biking modes are included as well as a third mode that you can define. Easy to set up monitoring unit with excellent instruction manual. Wrist unit can be charged from included USB cable or the dedicated charger, also included. I havent progressed to the point of using Training Assistant, but looks like good functionality as well.
The unit recognizes heart monitor immediately, but seems to take several minutes to pick up all necessary GPS signals. I have used in hills of South Carolina, Phoeniz valley in Arizona and North Louisiana with the same delay in picking up adequate GPS information. So you may want to tie your shoes or stretch well before planning to start exercising.
Biggest disappointment is Garmins refusal (to-date) to support Mac. Apparently even their USB protocols are so "special" that Virtual PC is of no help. Based on the Apple Support Discussion Boards this is a well documented issue, so Mac users be aware that for now downloading your data for analysis is not supported.
Those of you still on the "Dark Side" shouldnt have any problems, from Garmin. At least nothing compared to what you are already used to putting up with everyday.
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