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| GARMIN 010-00375-00 Forerunner 301 GPS Receiver Personal Training Device | 
 enlarge | Brand: Garmin
Category: CE
List Price: $227.97
Buy New: $137.25
You Save: $90.72 (40%)
New (80) Used (2) Refurbished (3)
Avg. Customer Rating:  204 reviews
Sales Rank: 1255
Media: Electronics
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: Yes
Native Resolution: 100x64
Display Size: 2
Includes MP3 Player: 0
Size: Garmin Part #010-00375-00
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2
Dimensions (in): 3 x 9 x 6
Array:
Legal Disclaimer: Warranty does not cover misuse of product.
MPN: 010-00375-00
Model: 010-00375-00
UPC: 753759047290
EAN: 0753759047290
ASIN: B00077U4RU
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 Excellent, excellent, excellent (but don't get it in salt water) August 18, 2005
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
The Garmin Forerunner 301 has an easy to read, intuitive interface, loads of features and a very accurate HRM. I did days of research before purchasing this item: look no further. I dunked it in a little ocean water the other day by accident - don't do that. I won't hesitate to get a second one.
Awesome trainer August 18, 2005
2 out of 10 found this review helpful
Have not had a chance to use the software yet, but the unit its self give you alot of information after compleating your workout.. more than satisfided
The best GPS watch out there August 12, 2005
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
Using the Forerunner 301 for about a month straight now, I am completely happy with the purchase. It's given me very accurate data on nearly every training run (with the exception of one), and the Training Center software is quite adequate for analyzing my data.
It loses a star because of its bulk, but I get around that problem by not wearing it on my wrist. Garmin cleverly includes an extension strap that allows you to strap it around your upper arm instead of your wrist, not unlike an MP3 player strap.
I have gotten great signals from the GPS device every time I've used it, running in low or high altitude, and in 3 different states. The map function is great for doing training runs in unfamiliar surroundings. It leaves a trail behind you that amounts to "digital bread crumbs." If you get lost, simply turn your map on and follow your path to get back. (It works. It tried it on a 7 miler while I was on a trip this summer.) Plus, the heart rate monitor has worked flawlessly as well...once I actually read the directions on how to use it properly. There are also plenty of things this little device can do that I haven't even learned yet.
If you're after the "whole package" of GPS accuracy and ease of use all in one package (as opposed to wearing a bulky GPS device on your belt), this is the only way to go.
 Do not buy this product if you need a heart rate monitor August 9, 2005
10 out of 11 found this review helpful
On paper this looked like the perfect product for me and during the first two weeks it worked as advertised. However, after about 8 runs I started having problems with the Heart Rate Monitor (HRM). The problem being that the heart rate did not register on the watch. Occasionally I would receive a signal but it would be completely wrong (e.g. a reading of 190 bpm during a warmup - my max is 185).
I have scoured the various newsgroups on Yahoo and Motionbased.com and this seems to be a very common problem with the product (please check this for yourself by doing a search on "HRM" on either newsgroup). I've been training with Heart rate monitors since Polars were about the size of the Forerunner 301, so I don't think it is due to lack of knowledge on how to use HRMs. I've also tried the various "fixes" posted on the groups and in the manual. In fact, for the past couple of days, I've been brushing the electrodes on the receiver with my toothbrush every time I brush my teeth...
As far as the GPS, I can not complain. It is a nice to run all my regular runs and find out what the actual distance is and what my actual pace is. A lot of my runs are on wooded trails and on these I often loose the GPS signal, but I knew that this would happen beforehand and can't complain about this. It works great for me when I run in the open. I also love being able to download my workouts to my PC.
In summary, this would be a great product if they could only get the HRM problem fixed.
Best in class. Worth every penny. Ignore the skeptics. August 5, 2005
24 out of 28 found this review helpful
I have owned and/or used nearly every pedometer, HRM and speed monitor made, including those by Suunto, Polar, Fitsense, Sports Instruments, Reebok, Timex, Nike and others. I have spent thousands over the years. Hear me when I tell you that the Garmin Forerunner 301 bests ALL of them by a longshot! It is one of the cheapest, yet most reliable devices I have owned. It is well designed, scientifically sound, easy to use and more accurate than all the others combined.
I bought the Garmin Forerunner 301 shortly after smashing (yes, literally) my Fitsense FS1 into pieces at the local track. I finally had enough of the problems and unreliability. Most of all, I was SICK of having my sports instrument, the very thing that is supposed to motivate me, get in the way of training. The others are no better and some are much worse.
Here is what I want to share with you about the Forerunner 301:
Having had a Garmin GPS12 for 5 years now, I can see that Garmin has used every ounce of experience from their GPS products on this very fine product. The software for the unit is well written and convenient to use though some who are technically challenged may find it tedious. I personally like the software and find that the unit consistently does exactly what I want it to do.
The large rectangular screen is very easy to read and is highly configurable. That means you can display all the information you want on a single page. Virtually every parameter of the device can be customized or adjusted to your preference. I love that the backlight illuminates automatically when I reach transitions in my workouts- no more fumbling with buttons just to see what is happening! The green backlight is easy on the eyes as well.
Battery life is stellar! And, as if a computer controlled Lithium Ion battery isn't great enough, the geniuses at Garmin let us charge the unit from an AC adapter (included) or the USB cable (included). That means you can charge from ANY COMPUTER WITH A USB PORT. There is no need to drag another adapter along with your laptop- just plug the 301 in and you are charging. Plus, a full charge lasts me at least 8 hours. And, it charges quickly (1 hour).
I really do not see what the fuss is about the heart rate monitor. Although it does seem to be sensitive to EMI/RFI (interference) from various sources, including my computer CRT, I have had no trouble whatsoever when I am running. I suspect that some users are not using the strap properly. I keep the unit clean, install fresh batteries regularly, wet the electrodes thoroughly and fit the unit snugly in the center of my chest just above my sternum. I have yet to experience a single problem. I do recall suspecting a malfunction with the HRM when I first tried the 301, but it was my own fault. There are a lot of numbers that can appear on the display and I was misreading the values. My 301 is set to display how many BPM or %Max I am away from my next goal, so instead of seeing a 141bpm, I see 13bpm and an arrow indicating if I am beneath or above the target. I was confused by this functionality until I read the manual and got acquainted with the unit.
If you are experiencing something more than what can be corrected with reading the instructions, knowing how to use the features and proper use of the chest strap then just send it in for warranty repair `cause something is wrong. Not to worry, there is a full one year warranty on it also!
The GPS portion of the device is solid as a rock. Yes, GPS signals come from satellites and require that much of the sky be visible in order to work, but temporary interruptions don't mean squat. If there is a period in your activity where the GPS signal is weak or absent, the software in the device simply compensates for it by measuring between the last known points. If you are running through tunnels, deep urban streets or coal mines then expect a problem, but otherwise, the thing does its job as well or better than anything else I have used.
The PC software installed and worked without any problems. My data transferred seamlessly and I was able to view graphs and manipulate data without any difficulties whatsoever. It is true that the graphics on the software aren't going to compete with a video game, but who cares? I want reliable data, flawless operation and speedy transfers, not fluffy graphics.
Serious athletes should consider the Garmin Forerunner 301. It is easily the best solution that there is! Good luck and enjoy your fitness!
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