Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

From Garmin's web site:

Forerunner 101:

• Measures speed, distance, pace and calories burned; no PC interface
• Size: 3.3"W x 1.7"H x .9"D
• Weight: 2.6 ounces (74 g) with batteries
• Batteries: 2 AAAs; 15 hours

http://www.garmin.com/products/forerunner101/spec.html

Also the megaGPS web site you link states:
"Please note: The
difference between the Forerunner 201 and the Forerunner 101 is the
Forerunner 101 does not have PC interface capabilities, runs on 2 AAA
batteries, and has larger unit dimensions."

This interests me that you have a cable and are able to use it with the
Forerunner 101. What kind of trackpoint storage does the 101 have? Does
it have to use a cradle like the 201?

My experience (and that of lots of other users) has been that the 201 does not have the same satellite reception as the 301. This is just user-reported, however. The 305 and 205, of course, have different chips, so are much better than either. And none of the Forerunner units are WAAS-enabled.

The 301 is no longer $300 for the unit. After the new 305 units came out the 301 dropped in price.

I really like the integrated heart rate for later data analysis and the computer track log. I used to keep track of my training on an Excel spreadsheet and if I forgot to update that, I just lost some data. Now the unit keeps track of all that for me and I just have to do the reports and look at the trends.

April
Nashville, TN
http://www.tracetribute.com
http://endurancerider.blogspot.com

On 12/10/06, Jim Holland <lanconn@xxxxxxx> wrote:

Hmmm….that's not true….the Forerunner 101 has exactly the same PC interface as the 201.  In fact, uses the same cable. (I own a 101)     http://shop.garmin.com/accessory.jsp?sku=010%2D10484%2D00

The ONLY difference in the specs between the two units is that the 101 uses AA cells and the 201 has a rechargeable battery.  I prefer the 101 AA battery unit.  I use rechargeable NICAD batteries.  It is a whole lot easier to carry spare charged AA batteries (smaller) than a charger and I don't have worry about my battery dying out there in the woods with no way to charge it.

The reception, unless someone can show me something that states otherwise, is the same on all the units.  They all track the same number of birds (12) and all three are WAIS enabled. (And use the same patch antenna)

According to the specs online, the 301 is identical to the 201 (rechargeable battery) except for the monitoring stuff. There may be some minor things, (number of waypoints stored, etc.) but not enough for me to spend $300+.  (Unless you just want the heart monitor stuff) I have used both the 101 and 201, but not the 301.

Keep in mind that if you don't have a serial port on your computer (the newer ones don't) then you will have to buy a USB-to-Serial port converter cable  http://www.shoppingwarehouse.net/prod-59190.html?src=""

for any of these units. (Or a serial port card for your PC) National Geographic TOPO! State Series 4.0 supports the Forerunner units.  Earlier versions of TOPO! do not.

All that said, you can buy a Forerunner 101 for less than $100…..they are $87.00 here:

http://www.megagps.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2

You can buy one of these and a separate really nice horse heart monitor for a lot less than $300.  Personally, having two units is easier and provides more flexibility.