The thread about running with a Smartphone prompted me to start this thread. I currently run with my phone, but don't want to. I started carrying my phone a few months ago to try out some GPS features; I like them and am looking to get a watch instead of carrying a phone around.
What am I looking for:
- Something that (accurately) tells me the time and distance run along with real-time pace
- Ability to upload this data and a map to an online site like Strava
- Ability to set interval workouts based on distance, so that it's easy for me to do a workout when I'm not near a track or a route where I know the distances
- A watch that can actually serve as an everyday watch and doesn't look ridiculous. This would ideally be not so large (hey, I'm a runner and have smallish wrists) and something non-descript enough to wear to work.
- I haven't used a heart rate monitor in the past and don't really intend to use one.
So far, I'm considering
- Garmin FR220 - For some reason I don't really want to like Garmin, but this has the features I'm looking for and
- Suunto Ambit 2S - Looks nice, maybe a little big, and cool ability to customize programming via free online app community
- Timex Run Trainer 2.0 - I've used a plain old Timex for years and it's served me well. If they can make the GPS work well, why not try it.
What do you use? What have your experiences been? Anything you wish you would have known or considered before buying?