If you are considering a GPS tracking watch it would be hard to overlook the Garmin Forerunner 205. It is a popular choice and represents a good value and is a solid all around performer.
Notable Features;
Unit Size (W x H x D) – 2.1 x 2.7 x .7 inches
Screen Size (W x H) – 1.3 x .8 inches
Weight – 2.7 oz.
Battery type – Rechargeable Lithium- Ion
Battery Life – approx. 10 hours
Water resistant – Yes (IPX7)
Heart rate monitor – No
Lap memory – Yes, 1000 laps
Waypoint memory – Yes, 100
Routes feature – Yes, 50 max
Warranty – One year
My experience with the Garmin 205 has been very good. To begin, the unit is quick to lock on to the satellites and begin tracking. If you turn it on and head outside for a run it should be up and running long before you finish your basic stretching. We have found that it will lock into enough satellites to function indoors if there are windows in close proximity. Outdoors the signal acquisition and ability to remain locked into a signal is very good. Accuracy was also very good; the unit can detect small movements of just a couple of feet. When the elapsed distance was checked against a known measured mile the accuracy was within about 15 feet, much better than most of us would ever need.
You might be inclined to compare the Garmin 201 with the 205 and that is where the 205 really shines. The 205 is a “watch”, the size is certainly larger than a typical digital watch but since it is not intended for every day use this is not an issue. The 201 by contrast, is more like wearing an iPod or pager. It is a rectangular shaped unit which is strapped to the arm with a Velcro strap. The 205 uses a wristband made of rubber so it will be easier to keep clean and will not absorb perspiration. The buttons are simple and intuitive, enough so, that most people will quickly become accustomed to using it.
Computer software is available for use in downloading your GPS data which allows complete review of your workout. You can display in chart format how fast you were going, position, elevation, etc. and it also can be displayed on a road map. The 205 itself doesn’t have a map feature like you would see with a GPS in a car. It does include a very basic map which is referred to as “Bread Crumb” mapping where it illustrates where you have been with a dotted line. This feature could be helpful to return to your starting position if used in an unfamiliar area.
Instant readings are a relative thing with any type of GPS unit. The slight lag in updating is well within a reasonable time period and never gave us any concern. If overhead trees, roofs, tall buildings etc, are too dense the signal can be affected or lost but we found the 205 to be quite good in operating in moderate tree cover. The 205 maintained signals at least as well as any other GPS unit we have used and if a the signal is lost it is reacquired quickly once clear of the obstacle.
Most people should be quite satisfied with this unit provided that a heart rate monitor is not desired. If the heart rate monitor is desired and we think it should be, for any serious training the Garmin forerunner 305 would be a better choice. Having said that, we have seen prices discounted well below $200 for the 205, making it a great option for a GPS tracking watch.
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