Garmin Forerunner 301 GPS Watch
MSRP: 324.98

Personal GPS with Heart Rate Monitor

Features:

• Continuously monitors heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned.
• Easy to use, 2 piece system
• Heart rate monitor helps you train in your target zone to optimize performance.
• Included Training Center software lets you create, analyze and store workout data on PC.
• Use for multiple sports — one button push changes your heart rate profile from running to biking or another sport.
• Weight: 2.75 oz.
• Display:1.44” x 0.92” (W x H); 100 x 64 pixels on FSTN display with LCD backlighting.
• Physical size: 3.3” x 1.7” x 0.7” (W x H x D).
• Battery Life: Up to 14 hours (typical use); rechargeable lithium ion.
• Waterproof: IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 mins.)
• 5000 lap memory (up to 2 years worth of lap data) organized into days or weeks.
• Heart rate, pace, time distance, interval workout & advanced custom workout alerts.
• Mark specific locations, and then look-up and navigate to these points using an electronic map.
• USB interface allows for fast data transfer to the computer.

The Forerunner 301 helps take workouts to the next level. A 2-piece system consisting of the wristwatch unit and a digital heart rate transmitter that you wear around your chest, it offers all the GPS features found in the Garmin Forerunner 201, plus the added capability of a continuous heart rate monitor. Heart rate monitor watch lets you Know your heart rate while exercising lets you measure your exercise intensity and performance, giving you a more powerful training tool. The digital heart rate transmitter is coded so that there is no interference from other heart rate monitor users nearby. For those who don’t want to fuss with charts, there’s an AutoLearn feature that allows the unit to learn your maximum heart rate and set zones accordingly. With up to 14 hours of battery life, the 301’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery is designed for extended use. The USB connection offers fast and reliable data transmission to any USB-equipped PC. And because analyzing workout data is an important tool in reaching fitness goals, the Forerunner 301 comes with Garmin Training Center software, which allows you to download workout data to your PC for detailed analysis. Like the Forerunner 201, the 301 also doubles as a basic navigator. Rugged and waterproof, the unit has a 1-year warranty.

Timex Data Recorder 54101 for Timex Body Link
MSRP: $75

The ultimate training log for all athletes, the Timex Data Recorder collects precise information from your Digital Heart Rate Sensor, Speed + Distance Sensor, or both simultaneously. Through the simple USB connection, data can be downloaded to your PC, and used with Timex Trainer software to chart your progress, achieve your goals, and maximize your workouts. The Timex Trainer software and a USB cable are included. The software automatically uploads and logs workout data, generates graphs and calculates summaries. It’s easy to use with web-based coaching. The Timex Data Recroder requires PC, available USB port, Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, or XP operating system

Timex Corporation (www.timex.com), headquartered in Middlebury, Ct, is the largest selling watch brand in America. Known for its innovations, Timex was one of the first companies to make timepieces that brought inexpensive, dependable wristwatches to the general public.

Timex T5E671 Body Link System
MSRP: $300

GPS with Navman II Sensor + Digital Heart Rate Monitor

Features:

• 3 line display allows you to view heart rate, speed functions and distance, simultaneously.
• 100-hour chronograph with lap/split, either in large digits
• 100-lap memory with recall of Bodylink System data
• Alerts for targeted heart rate zone, pace, speed and distance 100-hour, 3-mode countdown timer
• 5 alarms settable for daily, weekday, weekend, or weekly with 5-minute backup
• INDIGLO night-light display
• NIGHT-MODE  feature
• 2 year battery life
• Watch is water resistant to 50 meters

The Timex T5E671 System (with the Ironman Performance Monitor) is an excellent investment in training equipment. The system is compatible with the Timex Data Recorder (see below) so you can store information for post workout/event analysis and review. The Timex T5E671 lets you track speed and distance over several days and train to target heart rate. Ideal for interval training, it makes runs much more efficient and helps you work toward distance and speed goals more effectively. The system includes Timex Trainer Software, which enables you to maintain a comprehensive training log and prepare customized graphs of collected performance related data. The software also enables you to share exercise information with coaching resources like Trainingbible.com and Active.com, so you can access personal and online coaching resources. The Timex T5E671 System features a 3-line display that lets you view heart rate, speed, and distance simultaneously. Additional features include a100-hour chronograph with lab/splits, 100 lap memory with recall, alerts for targeted heart rate zone, pace, speed and distance, 100- hour, 3-mode countdown timer, 5 alarms, 99 percent accuracy of GPS, long battery life, and user replaceable batteries. You may, however, experience some minor spottiness with reception depending on location. The Timex T5E671 System weighs only 1.7 ounces.

Garmin Forerunner 201 GPS Watch
MSRP: $170

Wrist-mounted Personal Training Device

Features

• GPS sensor provides precise latitude, longitude, and altitude data for exact location information.
• Mark specific locations, and then look-up and navigate to these points using an electronic map.
• Retrace your steps to a starting point or reverse your normal route for routine variation.
• Amount of calories burned can be tracked and calculated over the course of a workout.
• Lap history—such as lap time, lap distance, and average pace—can be stored for up to two years.
• Performance data can be automatically archived and calculated to provide an accurate record.
• Automated stopwatch provides auto-lap and auto-pause features.
• Lap timer indicates when a certain speed is reached or when you’ve fallen below a pre-set level.
• Pace whistle sounds alert when you begin traveling slower or faster than your desired pace.
• Distance whistle sounds when you reach a specified duration or distance in your workout.
• Download free Garmin software to transfer data from your Forerunner 201 to your PC for storage and analysis.
  

The Forerunner 201 is an all-in-one wrist-mounted personal training device that uses GPS satellites to calculate speed, distance and pace, as well as to help navigate to up to 100 stored locations. It combines powerful performance-tracking features with a GPS receiver, offering runners and hikers a way to track exercise regimens and goals. The Forerunner 201 integrates the GPS receiver into a single body. It feels somewhat bulky on your wrist, both in weight and size, but it weighs less than 3 ounces. Slim on overall GPS features, it has all the features of the Forerunner 101 as well as a rechargeable battery and PC connectivity. The large display–with equally large, easy-to-read characters–helps you avoid having to squint at the readout. Just a quick glance at your numbers and you’ll maintain your training concentration. The six rubber buttons on the front of the chassis are easy to access. The lithium rechargeable battery provides 13 hours of operation, and requires only two hours of recharging to be fully operational.

Garmin® (www.garmin.com) is a leader in Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and an innovator in consumer electronics. It serves both the aviation and consumer markets. Currently, 3 GPS watches are available, all targeted at walkers and runners.

Garmin Forerunner 101 GPS Watch
MSRP: $114.27

Wrist-mounted Personal Training Device

Features

• GPS sensor provides precise latitude, longitude, and altitude data for exact location information.
• Mark specific locations, and then look-up and navigate to these points using an electronic map.
• Retrace your steps to a starting point or reverse your normal route for routine variation.
• Amount of calories burned can be tracked and calculated over the course of a workout.
• Automatically records up to 5000 laps by day or week; stores approximately two years of data
• Performance data can be automatically archived and calculated to provide an accurate record.
• Automated stopwatch provides AutoLap™ and AutoPause™ features.
• Lap timer indicates when a certain speed is reached or when you’ve fallen below a pre-set level.
• Pace whistle sounds alert when you begin traveling slower or faster than your desired pace.
• Distance whistle sounds when you reach a specified duration or distance in your workout.

The most cost-effective GPS watch in the Garmin line, the Forerunner 101 offers athletes an easy-to-read display and integrated GPS sensor that provides precise speed, distance, and pace data–all in one compact unit that straps to a wrist. It’s a lightweight, accurate training assistant with performance tracking, auto-lap, and auto-pause. A high quality device, it features precise altitude, latitude, and longitude data. The Virtual Partner feature allows you to set your training goal by configuring the Virtual Partner’s pace and workout distance. You’ll get a graphic perspective of your performance by viewing your pace in relation to your Virtual Partner’s pace. Lap history–such as lap time, lap distance, and average pace–can be stored for 5000 laps. Performance data can be automatically archived and calculated to provide an accurate record. Mark specific locations and then look-up and navigate to these points using an electronic map. Accessories include a bike mount bracket that straps to the handlebars of your bike, motorcycle, or whatever you’re traveling with for easy viewing.

Features:

GPS: 12 Channels, Integrated Loop Antenna, Supports WGS84, UTM, 220 local map datums, and 10 national metric grids, 232 KB memory for 50 routes (max 50 waypoints per route, total 500 waypoints), and 25 tracks (8000 track points)

Barometer: Display range 300-1100 hPa / 8.90 - 32.40 inHg, temperature compensated

Altimeter: Display range -500 to 9000 m / -1500 to 29500 ft

Thermometer: Display range -20 deg C to +60 deg C / -5 deg F to +140 deg F
Compass: Tri-axial, tilt-compensated

The Suunto X9 is a cross-sport GPS wristop computer. It combines GPS functionality with an altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer. The watch is bigger than the average watch, but it’s packed with lots of great features. It was designed for hikers, mountaineers, trekkers, hunters, fishermen, and other outdoors-lovers. An outdoors man

can plan routes at home with a map, and save them to the watch. In the field, the watch can tell you which way to go, how fast you’re moving, how far you’ve traveled, how far you have to go, and when you will get there.

This watch was voted ‘Best Product of 2004′ by Fortune Magazine (issue 12/2004).

TIMEX 53501 Speed and Distance Ironman Triathlon Watch
MSRP: 200$

Features:

• Contemporary Ironman Triathlon styling
• GPS transceiver calculates speed and distance data and transmits to watch with synchronized Digital FM Signal for display
• GPS transceiver includes strap to wear unit on the upper arm and belt clip GPS system automatically synchronizes time of day with GMT ensuring accuracy
• 50 Lap memory recall
• Average speed or pace, maximum speed or best pace, and accumulated distance, continuous odometer, metric or English units

A durable workout companion, the Timex 53501 features the company’s contemporary Ironman Triathlon(R) styling. This GPS watch automatically synchronizes time of day with GMT, ensuring accuracy. The watch provides average speed or pace and maximum speed or best pace, and accumulated distance; continuous odometer; and metric or English units. Other features include a 50-lap memory recall, dual time zones, daily and weekend alarm, INDIGLO night-light, and night-mode. The GPS transceiver calculates speed and distance data and transmits the information to the watch with synchronized Digital FM Signal for display. Easy to program and use, the Timex 53501 includes a strap for the receiver unit (around the arm) and one for the watch. Slightly bulky and heavy, its GPS transceiver has a belt clip. The Timex 53502 comes in a black resin case with a gray ring. Its black resin strap has a stainless steel buckle. The Timex 53501 is water resistant to 50 meters

MSRP: 200$

Features:

• Contemporary Ironman Triathlon styling
• GPS transceiver calculates speed and distance data and transmits to watch with synchronized Digital FM Signal for display
• GPS transceiver includes strap to wear unit on the upper arm and belt clip GPS system automatically synchronizes time of day with GMT ensuring accuracy
• 50 Lap memory recall
• Average speed or pace, maximum speed or best pace, and accumulated distance, continuous odometer, metric or English units

A durable workout companion, the Timex 53501 features the company’s contemporary Ironman Triathlon(R) styling. This GPS watch automatically synchronizes time of day with GMT, ensuring accuracy. The watch provides average speed or pace and maximum speed or best pace, and accumulated distance; continuous odometer; and metric or English units. Other features include a 50-lap memory recall, dual time zones, daily and weekend alarm, INDIGLO night-light, and night-mode. The GPS transceiver calculates speed and distance data and transmits the information to the watch with synchronized Digital FM Signal for display. Easy to program and use, the Timex 53501 includes a strap for the receiver unit (around the arm) and one for the watch. Slightly bulky and heavy, its GPS transceiver has a belt clip. The Timex 53502 comes in a black resin case with a gray ring. Its black resin strap has a stainless steel buckle. The Timex 53501 is water resistant to 50 meters

Suunto G9 Golf Watch
MSRP: $769

Golf computer / GPS / Altimeter / Barometer / Compass / Watch

Features:
GPS: 12 Channels, Integrated Loop Antenna, GPS be turned on at any time to obtain precise positioning

Compass: Tilt compensated up to 30 degrees, Automatic magnetic variation adjustment / Works without GPS activated / Compass North/South visually represented / Actual direction and tracking displayed on screen at same time.

Altimeter: 1 m resolution / Measures altitude to help discover height differences between obstacles and other areas of the course / GPS altitude reference

The Suunto G9 is a big but stylish watch. Designed specifically for golfers, it features specific software for playing golf, allowing golfers to download course data to the watch. As the golfers play, the watch can tell them the distance to a pin, a sand trap, or a water hazard. The watch can also record the distance a golfer is hitting with each club. After a couple of rounds, the watch can recommend club selection. Golfers can even download and review their results on their home PC and upload information to SuuntoSports.com. A day of golf with the GPS on drains the battery, so golfers will have to recharge it before using the GPS again. A battery meter is included on the watch. Also, not many courses have been mapped for GPS usage, so plan on spending a day walking and programming a course.

Suunto (www.suunto.com) is a leading manufacturer of sports instruments for sailing, training, golf, skiing, hiking, and diving. Its watches are known for superior design and construction.

Suunto M9
MSRP: 769.99$

Sailing computer / GPS / Altimeter / Barometer / Compass / Watch

Features:

* Sailing: sailing mode offers speed, heading and bearing in a single display to keep anyone at sea informed on basic sailing data. An information display is provided to view more specific data for more thorough analysis of the current trip.
* Navigation: navigation mode guides the skipper to the correct direction with an informative guidance display. This mode also allows access to 50 routes that can contain up to 500 waypoints
* Race: race mode offers tactical information to assist a racing sailor in important starting routines and sailing tactics. The unit updates line bias at a touch of a button and helps approach the start line at the correct speed. It allows the skipper to make use of wind by displaying headers and lifts on each track.
* Sail Manager & SUUNTOSPORTS.COM: access to personal computer and internet allow thorough sailing analysis and access to electronic charts
* Time: time mode allows automatic time synchronisation with satellites each time the GPS is turned on.
* Atmosphere: graphical 6 hour barometer trend graph gives good overview of weather changes.
* Compass: 3D Compass gives correct reading even when the unit is tilted.

The M9 (Marine 9) is designed for sailors. A powerful, versatile racing instrument, it provides instant access to a host of sailing data. It allows racers to concentrate on the finish line and provides cruisers with instant, accurate information. The M9 calculates line bias and distance to the starting line, detects changes in wind direction, suggests appropriate courses, and provides layline information. It features the world’s smallest GPS chip, stores up to 500 waypoints, and weighs only 3 ounces. It downloads to a PC with the help of special software included in sale. Consumers need a 220-voltage adapter with an adapter for the plug to work with European outlets. However, the M9 can also be charged with a 9-volt battery.

Choosing the best GPS watch for you will be based on your particular situation, budget, and needs. Shopping for a GPS watch online is a great way to research and compare several types, models, and brands, and a good way to make sure you find the best watch for you. Below are key considerations:

• Activity

The activity you will be using the watch for is a key consideration in choosing the right timepiece. Most GPS watches are designed for specific activities with features appropriate to that activity. One GPS watch for runners offers features like heart rate monitoring, target speed and pace alarms, and target distance alerts. These features help runners monitor and improve performance.

• Price/Value

Price should be a consideration for any purchase you make, including GPS watches. All other things being equal, it usually makes sense to go with the GPS watch store that offers the lowest price. However, don’t make price your only criteria for choosing the best GPS watch for you. You want the best value for your money.

• GPS Transmitter

Where is the transmitter located? If it is located within the watch, the device might be heavier and bulkier than a normal watch. If the transmitter is separate from the watch, the watch could be appropriate for everyday use.

• Size

The size of the watch is also a consideration. GPS watches are usually a little larger than your average watch and have a larger viewing area to allow for better information relay and more access to the users interface. Also, keep in mind the wristband. Is it ergonomically designed.

• Shipping

If you’re buying the watch online, you will have to consider not just shipping cost, but shipping times. Sometimes the shipping cost can be offset to some degree because you usually don’t have to pay a sales tax for online purchases. Also, check for warranties of the web site AND of the GPS watch itself. Is there a guarantee on the delivery date/time, or a guarantee on the overall satisfaction of the site’s service? How is the unit serviced, both within and beyond the warranty period?

We hope you’ve found tips useful. We recognize that they are in no way exhaustive, and that there is much more to GPS watches than what is included here. We suggest that you use this information as a starting point in your search for the right GPS watch for you.