Satellite GPS ~ Garmin EDGE

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Garmin has designed, in parallel development, the bikers version of the Forerunner known as Edge 205 and 305 group. now the #1 personal navigation device seller in the US, announced two new devices in its Onto Fitness series for cyclists. The Garmin Edge 705 (left) and Edge 605 (right) both feature a 2.2" color screen and offer turn-by-turn directions. The usual add-ons include detailed street maps and topography of the region. Both devices can display climb/descent, altitude, speed, distance and time. With the recent Garmin ANT+Sport technology incorporated into the Edge navigation devices, they can seamlessly interface with other fitness devices such as a heart rate monitor or even other Edge units. This lets cyclists share courses, workout data and saved rides. The Edge 705 improves upon the 605 by incorporating a barometric altimeter to accurately record altitude data, letting cyclists match their altitude profile with their speed/heart rate for a etter post-ride analysis. It also features a heart rate monitor that uses new wireless technology to eliminate cross talk and interference and delivers real-time heart rate data onto the user's device. By pairing your Garmin Edge 605 or 705 with Garmin Connect, an online training site, you can network with other cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, log their workouts and share yours. The Edge 605 carries a price tag of US $399.99 while the Edge 705 starts from US $499.99. Add on a heart rate monitor and speed/cadence sensor to bring it to US $549.99. Throw in an ANT+Sport bundle for $649.99. Everything will be available in December 2007

Four models of the Edge exist: 205, 305, 605, and latest 705. They are designed primarily for bicyclists (see also Garmin Forerunner series designed for joggers). The 201 and 301 models include a docking station and software for uploading run track points to a personal computer, where a user can view a map of their run, see their progression over the course of the run in pace and altitude, and even apply the map of their run over a satellite image of the area where they ran.

In 2006 Garmin introduced updated versions 205 and 305, which are smaller and which use a much more sensitive GPS receiver chip, SiRFstar III. In late 2007 the Forerunner 50 was introduced. This watch uses a footpod instead of GPS for sensing movement. It can also be bought with a heart rate monitor. One unique feature is that it used a wireless USB connector to upload run details.

How do Forerunner models differ? Within the product line, Forerunner 101 and 201 are the most similar models. They have the same built-in functionality, but the addition of PC connectivity makes 201 a much more interesting and useful tool. Also 101 gps does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. 301 includes a heart rate monitor and has a few more features than the 101 / 201 models. Forerunner 205 and 305 are smaller than earlier versions.

Garmin Forerunner Wrist GPS Receivers

Edge 205

An incredible value: 22 MB of available memory, USB port and MapSend compatibility for topo or street navigation. Large backlit display and customizable navigation screens show your GPS information the way you want it. Easy-to-use keypad and joystick. More about edge 205 ...

Edge 305

Advanced features at an incredible value. Barometric pressure altimeter and thermometer offer reliable elevation and an advance on changing weather. Electronic compass shows your direction, even when standing still. Save track logs and more. More about edge 305 ...

Edge 605

Garmin - Forerunner 205 satellite running GPS unit - With the Garmin Forerunner 205, form meets function with a sleek and stylish personal trainer. The GPS tool even works on tree-covered trails and near tall buildings. It continuously monitors your speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter, more effectively. More about edge 605 ...

Edge 705

Garmin - forerunner 305 satellite running GPS unit - is a major achievement from a design and technology perspective. This isn't just marketing-speak; the Forerunner 305 is the most accurate, most reliable wrist-mounted performance and GPS tracking tool we've ever tested. Yes, it's that good. While no device this compact can do everything (yet), the 305 pushes the boundaries of what is possible from something strapped around your wrist. More about edge 705 ...

Garmin Handheld GPS Receivers

The forerunner 300 adds a trio of advanced tools to the built-in nationwide background map for easier navigation: a barometer, an altimeter and an electronic compass, which eliminates the need to be in motion to get a direction to a destination. Like the forerunner 200, the forerunner 300 contains a background map with roads, parks, waterways, airports and more, plus three navigation screens and the ability to save five track-log files with up to 2000 points each.

The forerunner 400 features an internal 8 MB base map of North American roads, parks and waterways and will calculate area. Plus the memory can be expanded using SD cards for maps or for track log files. There are four navigation screens to use and a lithium-ion rechargeable battery.

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How does Forerunner compare to other devices that measure pace or distance? Forerunner uses signals from GPS satellites to monitor your position and calculate pace and distance. From a technical standpoint, there are a few other types of devices that are commonly used by runners and bicyclists. For Running A simple pedometer uses a spring-loaded weight inside a small device worn on your belt to detect the shaking motion of your body as you take a step. They're inexpensive but less accurate than other types of devices. Their features tend to be very basic. "Foot pod" systems use an accelerometer inside a module that's attached to your shoe to detect and measure the motion of your foot.

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