Garmin Forerunner 201 Wrist-Mounted GPS Fitness Computer

However, after I learned how to reset the Forerunner (thanks to Darren Wall's review) I was able to quickly get up and running.

The GPS, Virtual Partner, and automatic logging of my runs will ensure this thing will be on my wrist for every run.

I run hills, and the Forerunner monitors elevation and grade. Distance is extremely accurate.

I'm a little disappointed that Garmin pushed the release date back for the logbook software (now Feb. 2004)

Overall: Excellent!


Excellent Product   January 2, 2004
 31 out of 31 found this review helpful

The Forerunner does exactly what it says it will do and more. Setup is easy, use is intuitive and results are very accurate. I've used it on a total of 5 runs since receiving it for Christmas and have yet to experience a signal loss. During the last week my runs have been from between 1 and 1.5 hours in length and went through suburban neighborhoods, a built-up university campus and a downtown urban area with "canyons" sided by 4 and 5 story buildings. I also went through both open flat and hilly areas. Again, not once did I lose the signal. Now I'm back home (900 miles from where I spent Christmas) and the Forerunner is still delivering. According to the owner's manual I was supposed to have set the unit outside for 15-30 minutes so it could re-initialize, but in reality it only took about 40 seconds to set up. I have experience very good accuracy as well. Here at home I have a "loop" that I run around my neighborhood. In the car it measures just under 3.4 miles. With the Forerunner my first loop measured 3.33 miles and the second loop measured 3.34 miles. That's as accurate as I'll ever need.
The Forerunner's features are exceptional. The three things I like the most are;
- The freedom to just run wherever I want without feeling like I have to stick to a specific route in order to get a specific distance in.
- The Virtual Partner: I run fairly quickly (7.5 - 8.0 min p/mile) and I haven't found a lot of folks who like to run that pace. As such I don't usually get "pushed" to keep a specific pace. Now my virtual partner does that for me.
- "Live" Pacing: This is a great feature for training for long-distance runs and marathons. I can now see and adjust my pace without having to do "advanced algebra" in my head after a specific distance on a specific course. I can do the first half of a run at one pace and the second half at another pace. I've noticed an immediate increase in my distance by being able to strictly control my pacing in real time.
Battery life has been impressive as well. The 2 set-ups, all five runs and a bunch of playing with the features have all been done on one charge that took only three hours - and there's still 4 hours of charge left.
All in all you can't go wrong with this product. I very highly recommend it.


Great little device - no problems   January 2, 2004
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I have had my Forerunner 201 for a few weeks and am very impressed. The features are perfect for anyone who monitors his/her running activity. I live in Santa Cruz, CA and the GPS reception has been very good outside. Trail and canyon running in heavy trees has not caused any problems. Inside, plan on losing the GPS signal.

The device is great for monitoring hill running, distance, pace, and your running history. The screen is large and easy to read, though an angled viewing angle would have been nice since you have to cross your body to read while running. Overall, I would highly recommend the device.


No Problems at All   December 30, 2003
 18 out of 19 found this review helpful

Not an easy little item to get your hands on, but I have one! So far it is wonderful. More features than I realized, I still have to decide which data I want on my custom screen. The virtual partner is very nice. Lets you know at a glance how you're running compared to your target pace.

I have had no problems getting or keeping aGPS signal. I understand some have. I suggest using the reset feature to get the unit on the right track. I run in a residential area with heavy tree cover, narrow streets and homes right near the sidewalk. My typical routes vary from quite open to fairly obscured, and I have never lost the signal.

Distance accuracy has been outstanding, less than 1% off on known routes. Since every other bit of data (pace, speed, calories, etc.) is a function of distance, this is vital.

The unit itself would be better turned on the wristband so the screen would be easily viewable without bringing my arm square across my body. But it is smaller and ligher than I expected. I really don't notice it at all.

All in all, its more than I hoped and well worth the very fair price. I'm sure there will be a better one in a year or two and I'll get that when it comes around. But, for now, this is fantastic. You just have to be patient and lucky enough to find one!


GPS is weak   December 29, 2003
 8 out of 13 found this review helpful

I was so excited to get this as a gift and it has many wonderful features however I was really disappointed in the main aspect - the GPS tracking. I live in Andover MA and have used the Garmin Forerunner twice each time the GPS signal failed several times on my runs and I was running on the streets not on trails on beautiful sunny days. Also (as mentioned in another review) the pace doesn't seem accurate and it more of an average versus current. If I have trouble getting a signal now in the dead of winter with no leaves who knows what will happen in the Spring.