I decided then but for the 310XT and am very pleased with him. Here I want to mention in particular, * why * I chose this model. For this purpose, a brief comparison with the other devices:
The Forerunner 410 has basically the same features as the 310XT, but is mostly not about buttons, but by finger gestures to operate (via a "touch bezel"). Due to the small display can show only three data fields at the same time (and not four as the 310XT).
The Forerunner 210 is operated via buttons and displays during exercise also three data fields, however, are not they (unlike the other aforementioned devices) configurable. The instructions I understand the following: The top and bottom are fixed total distance and speed (optionally the instantaneous or average) appears, and the middle line is only switched between total time and heart rate. Lap times are displayed only immediately after you press the lap button. So you can for example do not let time and heart rate displayed simultaneously, and the current lap time can be (as well as the number of laps) did not retrieve. As the 310XT has the 210 an interval training function, but beyond that additional functions (eg navigation) he has not.
For me as a Linux user of 210 could have a decisive advantage: It presents itself (as well as the equipped with even less features Forerunner 110) the PC as a USB mass storage device; so it should be possible to obtain data files from your device to the PC without special drivers (and hence Linux). However, I have not found a report from the finding that it would have actually tried someone already under Linux.
Both small models (410 and 210) are not waterproof and have a rather weak battery. This ranges according to the manufacturer for maximum 8 hours GPS operation - compared with 20 hours for the 310XT. And precisely, the battery life is that but then left me no other choice than the 310XT. Of the functions would have probably passed the 210 (though the lack of indication of the current lap time would constitute a nuisance). But a manufacturer's specification of 8 hours of battery life (which, in practice, then maybe 5 HOURS A) is just too short, because I run frequently about 5 hours, and I want such a run anyway can record via GPS completely.
I would now like to mention by way of example some functions where my positive or negative noticed:
*) Thanks to the four freely configurable display pages (with optional one to four fields), anyone can compile those data fields that they want to see during training - and with one touch (or time-controlled) switch between them. So there is no compromise ;-)
*) The interval training mode like it very much. So you can even in the dark and without stretch marks distance and time-based intervals run (eg 15 x 400 meters with 2 minutes rest), without the need to this look at the clock - because the start and end of each interval are signaled acoustically - even with an approximately five-second "warning". A special page, which always includes the time and distance to the start of the next interval section and the number of sections already run appears on the display. Since a firmware update (April 2011) it is no longer "trapped" on this display page, but can also be in the interval training mode the normal (self-defined) display pages to retrieve.
*) The "Auto Lap" allows the automatic take intermediate times - either all x meters (x can be freely set), or to any defined passing places. These are all those places where you hit during the current training once before the start and / or the lap button; additionally can be before training further places explicitly set.
*) Nice are also the navigation functions: One can, if one has lost, it sent back to start again just along the covered distance. In addition, you can save locations and display to one of these places during training the direction (straight line). The direction is displayed in both cases over a stylized compass, next to the still distance to be covered and the expected remaining time is displayed.
*) Finding the satellite will take with my device, even with a clear view of the sky about 1-3 minutes, and up to this point, the device also knows not the current date and time (it contains in contrast to the other above-mentioned models no real time clock, which continues in the off state). If you press before finding the satellite on the Start button, and therefore the training begins, the resulting file is not uploadable training on Garmin Connect as Garmin Connect does not come with the then stored starting date (April 1, 2007) deal. Other programs (eg sport tracks) get away with it but manage very well; In addition, you can also edit "defective" training files manually so that she swallows Garmin Connect (for example by correcting the stored starting date). Update: The date and time problem was apparently due to an error of my device, see the bottom.
*) If the electrodes of the heart rate belt does not have to start training moist enough, much too high pulse values are measured (above 200). Training files with such a high pulse values are not uploadable to Garmin Connect (and would have to, if you want to take advantage of this service, are first corrected manually).
*) Since the last firmware update (September 2011), the automatic transfer to Garmin Connect finally works reliably.
*) Measured by GPS altitude values fluctuate greatly even on flat roads. This often leads to astronomical values for the total increase in a training session. This also also retrievable instantaneous value of the slope (in%) is fairly useless. Also, the subsequent application of the altitude correction offered to Garmin Connect brings no particular improvement. Whether it can better the plugin available for SportTracks, I have not yet tested.
On the whole, I'm with the device in any case very satisfied. If new evidence, I will update this review.
Update November 2011: Less than a year after the purchase, the following error was: Longer workouts could no longer terminated correctly (and thus stored in the "History") are. Thus, no upload was longer possible on the PC. In addition, updating the firmware did not work (it was canceled forever after 10% to 50% of the transmission). Following a request in Garmin Support Forum (my guess the result of the presence of a defect confirmed), I sent the unit under warranty to Amazon. Although I explicitly asked for repair or replacement, rewarded me Amazon instead without comment the entire former purchase price back! There is high praise from me.
That reminds me the only candidate alternative, the Forerunner 910XT (with barometric altimeter and a lot of great swimming capabilities), is too expensive, I have once again worried a 310XT. And I found out right now that my old 310XT apparently already from the very beginning had a loss. Indeed, contrary to the old device date and time are now also in the off-state condition (the clock is thereby further).
