I posted back in January that Garmin were releasing an updated Forerunner model for all us geeky runners. Well, six months later and the all new Forerunner 405 is now widely available. Today Runner’s World have just reviewed the 405 as a comparison to the bulkier 305, which is the model I currently own and use on an almost daily basis. It’s well worth a read if you’re interested.
The new release looks to be a winner for Garmin. The new design is sleek and looks more like a watch than any of the previous GPS monitors and is fitted with a different GPS chipset that apparently locks on to satellites much faster than we’re used to. Another nice feature is the ability to upload wirelessly to your computer utilizing a nifty USB device called an ANT stick.
I have to say the price is pretty good too. The Forerunner 405 complete with heart rate monitor is currently retailing on Amazon.com for $349.99 with the 405 without HRM feature weighing in at $299.99. (Prices correct on Amazon.com 6/17/08 and subject to change)
You can read the Runner’s World review here or visit Garmin.com for the official product description.
I won’t be upgrading any time soon. I’m more than happy with my 305 and have other priorities for my hard earned cash at the moment. To summarize, the 405 appears to be a great product but I can’t help wonder why more companies aren’t jumping on the fitness GPS bandwagon. Healthy competition would only be a good thing for the consumer, right?
I want but like you I’ll be sticking with my 305 for now.
Wise decision….for now!
once i get to where i can actually run, i will so want one of these. i’m a gadget/stats freak. unfortunately, i do not have that kind of money, and probably won’t until tax time next year 🙁
keep saving the pennies and you’ll soon have enough 🙂
Geez, I just bought the 305 last year, with my luck by the time I purchase this year’s model another super-duper GPS will come out the following month!!
I don’t see how the 405 is a great improvement over the 305. For most runners who would use this not as an actual watch but as a fitness equipment, there is no real improvement for using the 405 versus the 305. I don’t find the wireless transfer necessarily an improvement. I also don’t find the bezel thingie an improvement since the original controls worked just fine.
Now, if the 405 includes a newer GPS chip that is even more accurate etc. etc., then it might be worth the upgrade, but I have not yet found any review that says whether or not the 405 chipset is newer than 205/305 and if it is a better chipset.
That said, I’m actually going from a 205 to a 305. My first fitness gadget was a Polar heart-rate monitor. I kept track of my runs manually which was actually not very good for data analysis and quick lookup or records. Nevertheless, i used that method for 7 years. Then I bought a 205 which I liked a lot and it still works great but now I want a model that can also keep track of my workouts when I’m running on the treadmill (305 can be used w/ a foot pod) and secondarily to return to keeping track of my heart rate which I haven’t been for at least 5 years now.
Valid comments – thanks. I’m waiting until something happens to my 305 before I consider an upgrade. Like robison said, a new model could be released any time.
I’m surprised no other manufacturer has jumped on the GPS bandwagon…
Are you nuts?
You (Thibault) said: ‘I don’t see how the 405 is a great improvement over the 305. For most runners who would use this not as an actual watch but as a fitness equipment’.
I use the 305 which is fantastic but its such a pain having to carry it around and swap it with my normal watch everytime I want to run.
If the 405 is a watch size and watch looking GPS then it a winner.
Regards
Bruce