Forerunner 405

Looks like a nice piece of kit.  At first I thought "what, no map" but then I tried to remember the last time I used the map on my 205 ... and I can't.

What's with the "Europe" and "Pacific" models though.  Are they style differences, or will they only work in those areas?  Or is it a marketing ploy to stop cheap imports?  I know Garmin bods watch these forums so an answer would be cool thanks.

What I want to know is;

Will it work with my current 305 heart rate monitor? And do I need to start a whole new running log, or will the existing 305 software still work so I can continue adding my mileage & notes.

Will it work with my current 305 heart rate monitor?

Yes it will 100%

I've just completed my first marathon and was going to treat myself to a toy as a present do you think the 405 would be the right choice as I currently just have an old stop watch but want to start improving and this looks like a good tool for the job and it looks nice!

Have managed to get hold of a 405 - it is smaller than my 205 (still sligthly bigger than a normal watch). I will write a review once I've had more time to play with it but here are more my first impressions:

1) Using the touch bezel, menu options and sending data wirelessly to PC takes a bit of getting use to.

2) Much quicker at locating GPS signal.

3) Garmin Connect is a much better option for looking at training data instead of Training Center software. Need to figure out how to use it with SportTracks s/w.

4) Display is smaller than the 205 and can only show up to 3 fields instead of 4 on the 205.

So far I'am quite pleased with it - definately found the 205 easier to use to start with though.

Will be interesting to hear what you think of this as I'm considering getting either this or the 305.

 What's the size of it like?

Can you only send data wirelessly to PC?  Not sure my PC is new enough for wireless.

Beanie 1 - I will take a photo of the watch later on my wrist so you can see for your self.

I believe it can only send data wirelessly - I have installed the ANT agent on both a windows XP and 2000 pc and it wrok fine. Slight pain of having to install the ANT agent and then authorise it on the Garmin Connect website if you want to download into Garmin Connect (caught me out). Also the Training Center if  will need to be upgraded if you're already using it.

Anybody buying a 405 and wants to sell on their 205? (or 305). Mail me - I know someone who may be interested.

Cheers

You can pick up cheap adaptors easily enough. It's what I did when I got my 405. I called them up about it and they didn't seem to know what I was on about so I did my own thing.

illegibly mine arrives tomorrow....! Has everyone who's got one already had the plug pin issue?

 Cheers, BFB

Mine has the 2 pin plug adaptor too - it is possible to use it in the UK 3 pin plugs you need to release the locking gate on the bottom two pins which you can do by inserting another 3 pin plog upside down into the plug and inserting the 2 pin adaptor at the same time. Probably won't win any safety awards for this!!

Or the other option is to remove the USB lead from the adaptor and use that.

What did Garmin say about supplying the 3 pin adatpors?

 Recovery runner

Sweatshop had the first delivery in the country I believe.

 Goldbeetle

You can lock the screen so you don't accidently change settings whilst running

I got mine today via Direct Web Retail, and it too came with the european plug... quick trip at lunchtime to Sainbury's for a 74p shaving adaptor, and it seems to have done the trick (it's on charge under my desk as we speak).  It's charged up fine and allowed me to have a play with it.  The bezel is very nifty.

 Can definitely recommend Direct Web Retail as well.  Ordered yesterday lunchtime, arrive this morning - free p&p using Parcelforce 24 hour service.  Also emailed them about the plug problem and they came back to me really quickly.