Auctiva Emporium: maineboater

I've purchased heart rate monitors, altimeters, and computer software as training aids in the past. Their quality was always subpar, and their utility was limited to a small set of variables. Inevitibly, I was still required to use a pen, paper and calculator to figure out much of the training info I needed. In addition, few of these gadgets were helpful in motivating me. I purchased the Forerunner 101 so that I could track my distance and my pace accurately while I ran. Because it is so incredibly accurate, I can run on any of the trails around my house and still know how far I've gone. The unit has been designed extremely well. The numbers YOU want to see are large. The readability of the LCD is excellent. The price makes the product a GREAT value for the money. The quality overall is outstanding. The unit itself is well designed--The Garmin design team needs to be congratulated. Yes, it's a bit heavy, but for the functions it performs, it's well worth it. The Virtual Partner is a waste of time for me. But when I run an official race, I'm sure I'll use it. Like many of the other reviewers, I wish the Forerunner 201 was equiped with AA batteries, as I simply don't trust ION batteries to hold out for much longer than 3 years. This is one of the best fitness products that you can buy!!