Garmin Forerunner 205 and Forerunner 305, a new look for outdoor fitness
Garmin, today introduced the Forerunner 205 and Forerunner 305, the next generation of Garmin’s popular GPS-enabled fitness product line. The sleek and stylish Forerunner 205 and Forerunner 305 provide outdoor enthusiasts with real-time information that is designed to help them reach their personal fitness goals. The Forerunner was announced at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) where it was an honoree at the 2006 Innovation Design and Engineering Awards in the personal electronics category.
“The new Forerunners are ideal for any outdoor activity – from a leisurely stroll to a competitive marathon,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. “No matter what your activity or fitness level, the Forerunner gives users immediate feedback on the information they’re most interested in such as calories burned, distance traveled, pace, or heart rate. The Forerunner also has navigation features so you can always make it back to your starting point.”
The compact, lightweight and waterproof Forerunner 205 and 305 have a completely new design that “wraps” the GPS antenna around part of the wrist so that the GPS receiver has a better view of the sky while training. In addition, a new high sensitivity GPS receiver provides for faster acquisition times and improves tracking in challenging conditions such as heavy foliage or “urban canyons” created by city skyscrapers.
The versatile Forerunner 205 and 305 let users customize the display, as well as segment their data for their specific activity. The AutoLapTM feature automatically records lap data at a specified time, distance, or position. AutoPauseTM will pause the lap timer when the user drops below the limits of their configured pace. Individuals who prefer to exercise with a workout partner will appreciate the Virtual PartnerTM, which allows the user to keep pace with a digital person that performs at a programmed pace, duration or distance. The MultiSportTM feature allows users to transition seamlessly from one sport to the next without having to reset the unit.
The Forerunner 205 and 305 also integrate a new course feature that allows users to recall a course based upon previously recorded activities, or they may download and share courses with other users through MotionBased.com. Athletes may use this feature to match or exceed previously established times for the course, or race a Virtual Partner that varies its speed while climbing hills and navigating turns.
The Forerunner 305 also comes equipped with a heart rate monitor that delivers real-time heart rate data exclusively to the user’s device. This data is stored for post-workout analysis in chart, table, and map views. The Forerunner 305 uses a softer, more comfortable heart rate monitor strap than previous Forerunner. The new heart rate monitor is also compatible with the Edge 305.
Garmin’s Training CenterTM is included with the Forerunner 205 and 305 and helps individuals tailor their workouts to meet specific goals and objectives. Users may create their own workouts or use workout templates that can be downloaded into the unit for any level of personal training. It also offers interactive analysis tools that let the user chart their performance overlaid on a map. Speed, heart rate (305 only), cadence, elevation, and pace may be graphed all at once or individually.
Data acquired on the Forerunner may also be analyzed with MotionBased.com, a ground-breaking web-based application that translates GPS and heart rate data into performance analysis, online mapping, and route sharing. MotionBased™ displays the information acquired on the Forerunner through charts, illustrations, reports and maps. Interactive media controls of the Map Player enable location-based analysis, while integration with Google Maps and Google Earth empower users with dynamic street maps, aerial images, and 3-D mapping technology. In addition, MotionBased’s TrailNetwork offers over 165,000 courses from around the world that users may choose from and download onto the Forerunner to enrich their workout routines with new routes and virtual racing. MotionBased offers a free and subscription based service.
Endurance athletes may use the Forerunner with TrainingPeaks.com, an easy-to-use web based training system designed to help athletes train for any event.
Other specifications of the Forerunner 205 and 305:
- GPS: High sensitivity SiRFstarIIITM architecture
- Weight: 77 grams (2.72oz)
- Display (WxH): 1.3” x 0.8” (33mm x 20.3mm)
- Physical size (WxHxD): 2.1” x 0.7” x 2.7” (53.3mm x 17.8mm x 68.6mm)
- Lap memory: 1,000 laps
- Battery: Rechargeable internal lithium ion
- Battery Life: 10 hours (typical use)
- Water resistance: IEC 60529 IPX7 (submersible to one meter for up to 30 minutes)
Specifications of the Forerunner heart rate monitor:
- Physical size (WxHxD): 13.7” x 1.4” x 0.5” (348mm x 35.6mm x 12.7mm)
- Transmission range: approximately 3m (9.8ft)
- Battery: 3 years (1 hour per day) / CR2032 (3 volts)
- Weight: 21g (.74oz)
The Forerunner 205 is expected to be available in February and has an estimated retail price of $249. It includes a USB PC interface cable, AC charger, docking station, Training Center CD, owner’s manual and quick-reference guide.
The Forerunner 305 is expected to be available in February and has an estimated retail price of $349. It includes a heart rate monitor, USB PC interface cable, AC charger, docking station, Training Center CD, owner’s manual and quick-reference guide.
[Source: garmin.com]
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