Question re: Garmin Forerunner 410

Hi, can anyone please confirm that the Garmin Forerunner 410 GPS Sportswatch with Heart Rate Monitor, as advertised on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Forerunner-Sportswatch-Heart-Monitor/dp/B0046BTK14/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1363072732&sr=1-4, has the Heart Rate Monitor component contained within it, i.e., it does not have a separate belt that you have to put around your chest, as the HRM is all contained inside the actual watch.

Many thanks John

the pictures show a separate chest belt.

Not sure how it would pick up your heart rate otherwise? 

Ok thanks. I'm actually looking for a monitor that has everything contained within the watch, I've been told they exist.

Rgds, John

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beurer-PM18-Heart-Rate-Monitor/dp/B006H4FM6A

not a sports watch as well but you could wear it on the other wrist!

Have a look at the following selection on the heart rate monitor web site (very good site for HR monitor info)

http://www.bhipltd.co.uk/heartratemonitor/strapless-heart-rate-monitors-1

DCrainmaker (aka the Garmin guru) also revieed a MIO strapless model

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/02/monitor-bluetooth-smartant.html

Any reason for avoiding the HR strap - whilst I'm not the greatest fan of them, I normally forget I'm wearing it after a few mins?

Not bad for £130

I don't think the MIO Alpha is available in the UK yet.

The other strapless monitors usually require you to touch the screen with your fingertip for a couple of seconds. They don't show your heart rate for the rest of the time. No use when cycling and a bit awkward when running. You won't get any of these with GPS as they are usually watches under £30.

You can buy the Forerunner without a chest strap, but thats only for people who already have one, won't operate otherwise. Quite often when you see one cheap this is the reason why.