Garmin Forerunner 305

	Garmin Forerunner 305 Wrist-Worn GPS Personal Training Device with Heart Rate Monitor   List Price: £199.98 Sale Price£289.95

If you're serious about exercise or sports performance, then you will know that the more data you have, the easier it is to isolate those problem areas. The Garmin Forerunner 305 gives you that data. Incorporating a wireless heart-rate monitor and a gps tracker you can get accurate and reliable information on your workout or performance.

Compared to it's predecessor, the Forerunner 301, the design has been completely overhauled. It's still bulky but it's definitely more stylish and comfortable to wear. The case is curved allowing it to sit easily on the wrist and at the same time giving the GPS antenna the perfect position to get and keep a signal. The screen has been enhanced to a higher resolution, making it clearer and easier to read than before.

Despite the array of built-in functions the 305 is controlled with just a few buttons on the side and top. On the right is the menu selector and on the left is the backlight/power and mode buttons. The top simply has the buttons that you need to access quickly: lap and start/stop.

After your workout, you need to get the data into your computer. The Garmin Forerunner 305 is supplied with a 'cradle' that attaches to the bottom of the unit. Once attached, you can use a USB cable to connect it to your computer and also charge the built-in lithium-ion battery.

Through the USB cable you can upload all of the stored data into Garmin's Training Centre software. For this you will need to use Microsoft Windows as the software isn't compatible with Mac or Linux.

With the Training Centre software you can analyse the data and pinpoint problem areas: for instance, does your heart-rate spike after a certain distance? Data in hand, you will know what areas you need to work on further and also see the improvement over time.

And for the first time you can add information to the unit. You can design a course or route that you want to take and then once you're outside the Forerunner 305 will guide you along the route, telling you when you need to change direction and the workout you should be doing.

To top it all, you can share all this information via the Internet. Compare results and courses with other Garmin Forerunner users throughout the World.

Summary: Although the Garmin Forerunner 305 is big and bulky, you soon get used to the feel of it sitting on your wrist. The data becomes addictive as you constantly strive to improve your results and share them with friends. A must buy for anyone serious about improving their workouts and performance.