garmin forerunner 201

I have the 201. Haven't used any other kind, so I can't compare it to anything. I wanted something that kept track of my pace and the distance covered. This does that. I wasn't looking for anything fancy. Had mine for over a year and am satisfied.

And 80 bucks is a good deal.

go with the 205...runs off of more satellites and doesnt lose signal. good stuff

How accurate are these? What are the units like? I think you had to tie something on your shoe but I'm a bit out of touch with technology these days...

They're pretty accurate, I'd say within 5%. If anything, they tend to slightly underestimate your runs, especially if you have a weak GPS signal, or are running a lot of curves and hills. But it's never off by much. You don't have to wear anthing on your shoe. It's just like a watch, but a big watch. Units can be metric (m and km) or English (ft and miles). Great for knowing time, distance, and pace of runs, but also does a lot more crap that I never use. The elevation profiles are very nice. They rock big time. Get the 201.

want to buy wrote:

is this a good gps? I see it available for $80.

I've never used one before but have been interested if I could find the right one for me for the rigth price.

Also the map program on the internet/usatf isn't really for me as I make random loops every run.

I would suggest going with the more expensive (and newer/smaller) 205.

You might also want to go to the GarminF group at

(search GarminF). Lots of good feedback there.

I have a 201. It is okay, but I think the 205 is better.

Also, go to

and download Sport Tracks. Better than the software that comes with the Garmin.