So I just got a garmin forerunner 101 for christmas, but before I open the package I’m trying to figure out if I should upgrade…
Do all of you with GPS units really upload your data? I’m mainly interested in the pace/distance features more so than the route, so the 101 works, but it doesn’t have any PC interface capability. The only other difference I can see is that it takes AAA batteries rather than the rechargeables…
I’d love to hear opinions from anyone; I’m really itching to use this thing but want to make sure I’ve got the right one.
I didn’t think I’d use the upload feature, but it’s basically my training log, so I’ve found it invaluable. I’ve also heard (but don’t know for sure) that the 201 does a better job keeping track of satellite signals than the 101.
I also just had another thought-
I just bought a new odometer/speedometer for my bike, which I have yet to install. Could the gps take the place of that or should I stick something based on actual wheel revolutions? I have no idea how accurate this gps is.
FYI, the 101 uses disposable batteries and has no capability to download to a PC. The 201 uses rechargeable batteries and has download capability to a PC for storing route and “training” data and can also permit using additional Internet websites to analyze data or map routes or superimpose routes on aerial/satellite photos of earth. There are a multitude of providers of these services.
The Yahoo GarminF Group Forum is a good place to start looking.
From my experience with both units, I own a FR201 & FR301 but have a friend who has a FR101, I would feel seriously shortchanged if I had a FR101 instead. But that’s just me.
If your FR101 came from REI, it wouldn’t matter if you opened it or not. If you tried it out and it failed to meet your expectations or needs, you could return it for a full refund whether it was defective or not. You could turn around and purchase a FR201. If that unit also failed to meet your expectations or needs you could request a refund of that unit too. You would not be required to purchase something else of equal or greater value (due bill). Just put the cash in your pocket and walk out the door.
I have a 201 and never use the download function. I should try to find the disk just to check it out sometime. My use is pretty much to find distance on routes that I am unfamiliar with. I do not like it all that well for running as a pace function. I may look into one of the foot pod things.
Lately I have been using my 201 on my bike. It seems more accurate pacing than when I run. It is on my 'cross bike. Having no wires/magnets to get mucked up with snow/ice/salt/sand is pretty cool. I’ll keep it for this feature.
I’m interested to hear what others think on this topic.
Well, I’m about to get an RMA for my replacement 201. First one got moisture intrusion thanks to a lousy design which still isn’t fixed. Started as a small moisture bubble that grew into totally blanking the display. I got a free replacement and some 6 months later I get another moisture bubble and all the buttons don’t work. Looks like it’s time for another replacement. I like it when it works. It’s been accurate most of the time. I’ve run with it on 3 continents and have only had issues with tall buildings or dense trees. I never use the download feature (or almost never).
I have both. Wife uses the 101 for her marathon training. She could care less about uploading as she uses a journal for training entries.Wants to know time and distance only. It does seem to use a lot of batteries.
I use the 201 and upload feature as I log both run and bike. Especially useful for bricks and long bike rides. Also I am a dtaa junkie. Have Power Tap as well for the bike.
fal7
I’ve used the 201 for over a year now, best piece of training equipment you can buy. I don’t use the data upload feature, so it wouldn’t matter one way or the other.
The most important issue, in my opinion, is the battery. I can’t imagine the cost of cycling through batteries for that thing. I’d upgrade for that reason alone.
I use the 201 and it has become an essential training aid for running. But I just got a Polar S725X. I plan to use it primarily for cycling but will probably buy the foot pod and compare its performance to the Forerunner.
That all being said, Garmin is supposed to have a new product out soon, I think it is called the Forerunner 305. It has been the subject of much discussion here. If you are interested do search. It is smaller that the current Forerunner series, is supposed to have better satellite pick-up and also is a HRM.
Talked to Garmin people at Treasure Island Tri in San Francisco in early November. They told me about new, very nice “watchlike” device coming out in early 2006 with improve GPS chip. I have older Garmin 101 and person said wait for new 30x as it is really nice.
I’ve got (and love) the 201, and I do upload my workouts. That being said, however, there have been times when I’m on the road that I wish I could simply replace the battery (life on the 201 is ~14 hrs between charges) rather than being limited to how many runs I can track without needing to drag the charger along.
