Garmins

[lilouisianagal]

Now that I've figured out what the heck a Garmin is, I want more info! What kind do you have? Where did you get it? How much was it? What does yours do that you like (special features)? Any other tips?

 

[wtpclc]

I think most of us have 201s, as we got them last year ad 205s/305s are new. 301 has a heart rate monitor. Chimera can fill you in more on that.

201 has rechargable batteries, but I do not believe 101 does. I really like my 201.

 

[solotraveler]

I have a 201 as well. Absolutely invaluable to me as a training tool.

I looked up the info on the 205 and while it has some nice features on it, I just can't see spending the money to upgrade right now.

If you are in the market, 201s can sometimes be found at a real discount, I am sure even more so now that the 205s are out.

 

[lilouisianagal]

Where did you get yours? What does the 201 have that the 101 doesnt that you use?

 

[xterratri]

I have a 201 but want a new 305. I like the idea of a better antenna, the new screen design, etc. Although I will admit the 201 is very user friendly in on screen menus. I use most of the different training functions and switch it back and forth between biking and running and can't tell you the last time I looked at the manual(or for that matter, where the manual even is.) The 201 has an internal rechargeable battery and some additional capabilities such as being downloadable to a computer if you don't own a Mac OS system. However, Garmin has a note on their website that they will be releasing Mac support sometime this Spring. I've used it in: ME, NY, TX, and FL with no problems travelling between states.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I absolutely love my 201. Rechargable battery was the reason for my choice. I got mine at sporting goods store, but they are also available online I believe. The newer model is as has been described. For my use, I am happy with the 201 and it does all I need to measure my time/pace/total time/total miles...

I imagine if the 205 were available, I probably would have saved for that. However, I do not feel the need to upgrade, just the want.

 

[gradtchr]

I have a 201 and got it for Christmas. I don't know which website DH got it from, maybe Amazon??

I really want a 305 but haven't convinced myself it's a need.

 

[lilouisianagal]

Here are the key differences that I'm seeing:
101 to 201: charger instead of batteries (I can definitely justify upgrading solely on that), whistle to warn you when you are over or under pace, mapping of elevation (I live in Louisiana...there aint much elevation 'round here), autolap and autopause (whatever that is...), extra software.
201 to 301: monitors your heart rate, autoscroll (huh?), pc connection and website support, more precise GPS (how much of a difference does this make?)
301 to 205/305: it looks prettier, has 3 screens, and costs a bundle more (yeah thats all I got from the website).

So I'm thinking the 205 sounds about right. I like the plug it in capability so that I dont have to worry about batteries. I can't say I really care about my heart rate and I dont think I will use the website support all that much.

Does the tracking/gps improve drastically with each upgrade? What difficulties have yall had with the lower grades? Other than looking pretty (and being able to have 3 screens) what is better about the 205/305s?