Latest Reviews
 |  | | Posted: 15/10/07 | | 'PERSONAL TRAINER ON YOUR WRIST' | | Strengths:
Has all of the functions that you will ever need, easy to use, a quality product and now affordable | | Weaknesses:
You may need to download latest firmware to avoid USB issues | | Overall:
Prior to owning a forerunner I was never really convinced that I was getting the most out of my training efforts. Did I fall short of distance on one or two of those intervals? Did I keep to my target pace on the tempo runs? What happened when it all went to pot when I got lost on a new route? A friend told me I needed a Garmin and although initially put-off by the £200 RRP, I was eventually tempted to buy at a more reasonable £155 (just do a Google search). All excited I couldn't wait to try the device so as soon as it was delivered, I loaded the software to my PC, quickly entered a training routine and off I went. One-hour later, dock the device in it's cradle and hey presto a full analysis (route, distance, elevation, speed/pace, heart rate, training zones ....). Very impressive. After a bit of simple tweeking of my User Profile, I have found the speed-up/slow-down prompts really useful, as-is the ability to set the displays to show exactly the information I like to see while out on a run.
I did feel a bit of a numpty when I thought that the battery supplied with the heart-rate-monitor was duff, only to find that the signal doesn't get picked-up unless you are actually wearing it (doh!). You may read reviews that warn of the device not properly communicsating with your PC due to a USB issue. This happened to me after a week or so, but was cured by downloading and installing the latest versions of the Training Centre Software and USB drivers from Garmin's web-site. This cured the problem (but I am also now careful not to un-dock the devise without first turning off the PC as there is still a lack of USB eject protocol). That aside, ownership has been trouble free. I have tried the Motion-Based web-site but find that the free service provides little over the standard Garmin Training Centre software. Entering workouts is easy, but it would be useful to have more 'garmin enabled' training plans downloadable. Currently this is only available for Marathon distance - so come-on Runners World - why not develop SmartCoach to be Garmin Ready? I can honestly say that the device has transformed the way that I train. It has taken the guess-work out of guaging speed, distance and effort. If you are not convinced, find someway of borrowing a device and you soon will be. DC |
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| | | | Performance | | 100% | | Ease of use | | 100% | | Value | | 100% |
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