because I go 2-3x run per week and was preparing for a half-marathon a few months ago, I was looking for a running computer with GPS.
Before, I have always used a variety of websites where you could stake his running routes via Google Maps integration. But since I wanted more flexibility and do not ever wanted to stake out new run laps, so had the Forerunner ago.
Pricewise this is indeed already expensive as running accessories, but it was definitely worth it.
The battery lasts really long with me. I can so loose three weeks running without having to shop (an average of 45 minutes of running, 2-3x a week). The battery life you could probably still quite extend by not reducing the frequency of the GPS signal transmission (I set it on every second, you can but I think on every 10 seconds set).
Also, the pulser is good. But had never problems with that thing, the 15 parts ausm Aldi does not work otherwise.
The clock itself is very clear. The display is free arrangement possible about what you want to get everything displayed simultaneously. The lighting of the display is especially now in winter very helpful to check from time to time the pulse and Pace. About all the detailed features that provides the clock, I would not go into detail now. The you can read on the website of Garmin.
Of course, there are also a few weaknesses:
1. The built-in beeper for certain tones (such as exceeding a specific pulse rate) is simply too low. I really hear it not always. If you still listening to music while running, it can be totally forgotten. Here would be a built-in vibrating alarm sense (there are but I think now the successor device but simply is too expensive).
2. The GPS fix when switching on the clock takes Felt ages. Had made at the beginning of the fault, turn the clock only on site. Then you stand there first as its five minutes pointless rum until the clock has finally found enough satellites. It's really nerve-racking. As a solution, I am now switched on to put the clock already at home on the balcony table and to turn right before I loslaufe. If he has only once found satellites, then the signal is relatively stable (running in the stairwell and even 2km drive let the signal does not lose). So you can start right away when you arrive at the running track.
3. The supplied software is hard to do. The only for what they really needed, if you want to pre-program interval or complex things for the clock. One can then simply be sent by cable to the clock. At the clock itself, this is even feasible, but very fiddly and time-consuming. If you like more statistics and individualization comes barely past the software "SportTracks". The Forerunner is recognized by the software without any problems and can just as easily import his run data from the clock there. The latest version no longer seems well now to be free, but I use the older version 2.1 - for free!
Compared to other running watches the Forerunner offers simple still one of the best price / performance ratios.
Except for the low volume of the beeper can the two other conspicuous disadvantages relatively simple deal.
So I would recommend this unit only! Have fun while running, with the Forerunner makes it all more fun.