One Minute Review of Garmin Forerunner 205 and 305

The Garmin Forerunner 205 and 305 are brand new as of Spring '06. Designed for running and multisport, these GPS speed and distance monitors feature a new format that wraps the GPS electronics and antenna around the wrist. It is still clunky but much more streamlined than the earlier Forerunner 301. It is not designed as a watch; it has a power switch, and you should have it on only during your workout.

As running SDMs go, it is really easy to use - just wait 20 seconds or so while it finds the satellites and off you go. When you are done, turn off the unit and the workout is saved and ready to download to the PC. It runs 10 hours on a charge, and can be charged via the USB cable. If you want complex workouts, use the menus to create an interval session or other advanced workout, although it does not remember your definitions and you'll be putting them in again next time.

At the computer, things happen pretty automatically and you get a graph of your workout, including speed, altitude, heart rate (305 only), and optionally cycling cadence ($60 accessory works with 305 only). Plus you can see your course, but if you want a map underlay you need to pay extra.

There are only two differences between the 205 (blue trim) and 305 (red trim). The 305 gives heart rate, and it supports the optional bike cadence sensor. Out of the box, the 305 defaults are set to show heart rate in an insanely tiny size, but you can learn how to customize the displays without reading the manual.

GPS on the wrist is really sexy, and Garmin has packed a lot of features in a small and light package. It all seems to work pretty trouble-free. The ability to see your route graphically after the fact is a main draw. Be aware that we also carry the Suunto X9i which is also a rechargeable wrist GPS. The X9i is much smaller, but the Forerunner feature set makes it more of an athlete's training tool where the X9i is better as an adventuring and navigating watch.