Garmin or Smartphone? - Gear

Hallam Blue

11/01/2012 at 09:51

I've been tracking my runs with Runkeeper on my Android phone, and have been really happy with it, though I recognise there could be improvements. However, I have found a what appears to be a good deal on a Garmin Forerunner 110 (£75) and I am wondering if it is time to swtich. As I see it the pros and cons of the two are as follows:

Runkeeper / Smartphone: Pros

- I already own it, so no extra cost

- I like the social networking aspects

- I can also use it to listen to music while I run, so I may end up running with it, even if I bought the Garmin

Cons

- Seems to be a little slow at connecting to GPS satellite

- Can be a bit flaky at times

Garmin: Pros

- (well these are perceptions) people appear to love them

Cons

- not a phone or a music player, both of which can be useful

Thoughts, people? It is my birthday in a couple of weeks, so I could justify the expenditure!

Cara RJ

11/01/2012 at 10:17

Does the Garmin do other things though, like monitor heart rate?

I've been using Map my run on the iPhone but have just ordered a Garmin. Looking forward to trying it out; I thought it may be more comfortable to wear something on the wrist.

fat buddha

11/01/2012 at 10:45

you'll get more accurate info with a Garmin as they are designed to work with GPS satellites so they coordinate with them more frequently. the GPS on a smartphone is a compromise as the unit has so many other functions to perform and if it was to check into GPS signals more frequently, the battery life would tail off even more dramatically than it does now.

I use a Garmin for running, an iPhone for doing iPhone things when not running

Hallam Blue

11/01/2012 at 11:17

There is an optional HRM for about £45 and I presume I don't need to buy this at the time of initial purchase.

FerrousFerret

11/01/2012 at 11:26

The Garmin is also designed to be waterproof (well, to a degree) and doesn't need wrapping in a plastic bag if it looks like it might rain.

beachball

11/01/2012 at 19:11

My wife bought me the FR110 for Xmas and I love it.

I was using Endomondo via my blackberry and the only slight negative with this Garmin is having to upload the data via a weird four pronged clip rather than wirelessly.

That said, it is a very slight negative really. For £75 I think it's well worth it.

I will be looking to get the HR monitor at a later date also.

YoungPup

11/01/2012 at 19:57

Hhhmmmm- sorry to be blunt, but this is a bit like trying to decide whether to use the right tool for a particular job, or deciding to use a tool not really meant for what you're doing, but somehow bodging / adapting it to make do.....

I've used my iPhone with Map My Run when I had to do a run without my Garmin, and it's better than nothing, but IMHO it's nowhere near as good as a purpose built GPS watch.

So - buy a Garmin, enjoy!

Andy_H

11/01/2012 at 20:07

I have also switched from using Runkeeper on the iphone to a Garmin watch and much prefer it. I think Runkeeper supports the importation of Garmin data (automatically in some cases in others you can export from Garmin Connect) so if you can still have your runs recorded within Runkeeper if thats a major issue for you.

beachball

11/01/2012 at 20:28

Yes that's a valid point Andy_H.

I have my data saved in Garmin Connect and also in Endomondo so there was no loss of data and you still get the social networking side as well.

colilamp

12/01/2012 at 07:28

I switched from a garmin to runkeeper. I had 3 garmins 305 and two 210 . the 210 started getting condensation inside and broke. I wanted to get a 610 for christmas but the reviews from other users was not exactly inspiring me with confidence. also it was a lot of money. I am now waiting for the dongle and hrm for runkeeper to see how that works. The good thing with runkeeper it automatically loads info, can listen to music, and gives regular updates on distance covered, and speed.The garmin 210 didnt have a pause function which i found very frustrating.

I purchase a £3 water proof cover for my iphone. Which still allows access to all function, carried in a tune belt with a pair of bluetooth headphones and I well set up for my runs1

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