Garmin Forerunner
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 Garmin Forerunner 205 being worn |
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| Manufacturer | Garmin |
|---|---|
| Display | Digital |
| Introduced | 2003 |
The Garmin Forerunner series is a selection of sport watches produced by Garmin. Most models use the Global Positioning System (GPS), and are targeted at road runners and triathletes. Forerunner series watches are designed to accurately measure distance, speed, heart rate (optional), time, altitude, and pace, all of which can be important to athletes in training.
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[edit] Models
The Forerunner series consists of the 101, 201, 301, 205, 305, 50, 405, 60, 405CX, 310XT, 110, 210, 410, 610 and 910XT (listed in chronological order by release date). All models except the 101 include a way to upload training data to a personal computer and training software.[1]
Garmin registered the name "Forerunner" with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in August 2001 but released the first watches — the 101, 201, and 301 — in 2003.[2]
In 2006, the improved 205 and 305 appeared. These models are smaller than the first generation and feature a more sensitive SiRFstarIII GPS receiver chip.
In late 2007, the Forerunner 50 was introduced. As opposed to GPS, this model paired with a foot pod to measure displacement. The Forerunner 50 also came packaged with a USB stick that allowed training data to be transferred wirelessly to one's pc.[3] This feature has since become a staple of Garmin's more full-featured sport watches.
The Forerunner 405 was introduced in 2008 and is significantly smaller than its predecessors, only slightly outsizing a typical wristwatch. The 405 also featured improved satellite discovery and connection.
In 2009, Garmin produced three new models: the Forerunner 60 (an evolution of the Forerunner 50), the Forerunner 405CX (405 chassis), and the Forerunner 310XT (an evolution of the 305 chassis).[4] New features included additional battery life and vibration alerts on the 310XT and advanced calorie consumption modeling on all watches.
In 2010, the Forerunner 110, 210 and 410 were introduced. The releases included the addition of a touch-sensitive bezel on the 410, presumably, although heavily debated, allowing for easier scrolling and selection of functions. It was touted as providing "unmatched reliability in sweaty, rainy conditions."[5]
The Forerunner 610 was released in the spring of 2011. It features a touch sensitive screen as well as vibration alerts.[6]
The latest addition to the series is the 910XT, which is a development of the 310XT. This version is supposed to be released in Q4 of 2011, but the November date has slipped. New features are the inclusion of the SiRFStar iv chipset, a barometric altimeter, and improved swimming metrics using gyroscopes in the watch.
[edit] GPS functionality
The Forerunner can be used to record historical data by completing a work out and then uploading the data to a computer to create a log of previous exercise activities for analysis.
Additionally, the Forerunner can be used to navigate during a workout. Users can "mark" their current location and then edit this entry's name and coordinates, which enables navigation to those new coordinates. The watch uses the hh.mm.mmmm (hours, minutes, and minute decimals) coordinate format. The 310XT can display additional formats; it also has a screen to display current coordinates in real-time.
[edit] Computer interface
The user can download a previously-traveled course/route to the Forerunner using Garmin's Communicator software, and then follow this course/route to "race" against this historical course/route using the ANT+ technology. Until recently this download was possible via the tethered USB connection on the older 205 & 305 models. However, the current version of the software has eliminated this option, requiring the user to acquire a newer model with wireless connection in order to use this feature.
The user can also make a new course/route (using internet-based services such as www.gpsies.com), which can be downloaded to the watch and then followed. This is a convenient way to go on a cross-country bike ride while navigating with the Forerunner. Note: navigating with a course is better than navigating with a route, because a Garmin course can store more points than a Garmin route.
Additionally, a user can create downloadable points of interest (POIs) by creating a custom map with Google Maps. POIs can be transferred to the 205 or 305 but not to the 405 or 310XT.
[edit] Models
| Model | Release date | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Forerunner 101 | March 2, 2003[7] |  |
| Forerunner 201 | August 14, 2003[8] |  |
| Forerunner 301 | January 5, 2005[9] | |
| Forerunner 205 | January 3, 2006[10] |  |
| Forerunner 305 | January 3, 2006[10] |  |
| Forerunner 50 | August 8, 2007[11] | |
| Forerunner 405 | January 3, 2008[12] |  |
| Forerunner 60 | January 30, 2009[13] | |
| Forerunner 405CX | April 2, 2009[14] | |
| Forerunner 310XT | April 2, 2009[15] |  |
| Forerunner 110 | March 29, 2010[16] | |
| Forerunner 210 | October 4, 2010[17] | |
| Forerunner 410 | October 4, 2010[17] | |
| Forerunner 610 | April 12 2011[18] | |
| Forerunner 910XT | Q1 2012 |
[edit] References
- ^ http://reviews.cnet.com/gps/garmin-forerunner-201/1805-3490_7-30558125.html
- ^ http://tdr.uspto.gov/jsp/DocumentViewPage.jsp?76301854/ORC20041103191750/Registration%20Certificate/1/26-Oct-2004/sn/false#p=1
- ^ http://www.gpsreview.net/garmin-forerunner-50/
- ^ http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_0526_garmin_fr60
- ^ http://www.triathlonbusiness.com/2010/industry-news/garmin-adds-to-410-and-210-to-forerunner-family/
- ^ Garmin Forerunner 610
- ^ [1]
- ^ [2]
- ^ [3]
- ^ a b [4]
- ^ [5]
- ^ [6]
- ^ [7]
- ^ [8]
- ^ Garmin® Gives Fitness a Facelift with Forerunner® 310XT, the Waterproof Multi-Sport Watch with Longer Battery Life
- ^ [9]
- ^ a b [10]
- ^ [11]
