UPDATE: Read my Garmin Forerunner 310XT review and my Garmin Forerunner 405CX review
Garmin has announced two new GPS fitness watches, the Forerunner 310XT and Forerunner 405CX.
Garmin Forerunner 310XT
The 310XT (pictured above at right) is a waterproof, multi-sport unit, featuring 20 hours of battery life. Waterproof to a depth of 50 meters, the 310XT is clearly aimed at multi-sport athletes. It can categorize the various activities in a workout and log transition time between them. The 310XT uses both audible signals and/or vibration alerts, so you won’t miss your milestones.
It will be sold on its own or with a new waterproof, soft-strap heart rate monitor, which is expected to be available this summer. While it won’t transmit heart-rate data underwater, the strap can be worn under a wetsuit to shave down transition time. The suggested retail price is $349.99.
Garmin Forerunner 405CX
The 405CX, pictured above at left, brings increased accuracy in heart rate-based calorie computation. Using algorithms developed by exercise scientists and world-class athletes, the Forerunner 405CX monitors the micro changes in a user’s heart rate and uses that detailed information to better calculate the number of calories burned during aerobic activity. The 405CX comes with two additional form-fitting bands to accommodate large or small wrists. The suggested retail price is $369.99.
ANT+ wireless technology
Both units use ANT+ technology to automatically send workout data to a user’s PC or Mac wirelessly.
EDIT: The 310XT and 405CX are both expected to be available in the second quarter of this year.
There is no word yet on availability or price, though I will update this post should that info or product links become available later today.
About Rich Owings
I love the speed of Garmin refreshing its product in just within a year, unlike Suunto GPS watches. I am frustrated with the current features in Suunto X10 GPS Watch, they are always the same. Can Suunto please open up and start listening to the public and build a feature-packed adventure watch for the world now? The people wants a normal-sized watch with new and improved features, which are as follows:
1. Wireless pc-watch/ watch-watch connectivity/ANT(like garmin Forerunner 405)
2. Weather station(missing humidity hygrometer)
3. Walkie talkie(eg. WRL-00560 module or VHF module, extensible antenna/antenna around the strap)
4. Solar
5. UV sensor(measure UV index, appears in numerous watches now)
7. Thermometer(facing outward, does not interfere with the wearer’s body temperature)
8. Touch bezel(like Garmin Forerunner 405, to omit spaces for buttons/no bulkiness)
9. Simple LED Torch(very useful during camp)
10. High frequency mosquito repeller(to target tropical adventurer)
12. Laser ignition system(e.g.15mW laser, to start fire autonomously)
13. Thick Sapphire glass with rubber damper side(rubber to absorb shock)
14. Titanium casing, nylon strap(durable)
15. UV germicidal LED(Cure water for drinking)
16. Vibration alert/ alarm(silent operation, e.g. hunting, fishing)
17. Flash memory
18. Voice recording for fast book-logging(useful when resting after hike, especially when bringing paper is inconvenient and you are tired)
19. Simple voice operation for fast menu-switching(e.g. “up”, “down”, “enter”, “back”)
I hope everyone loves these and vote for me => better watch.
I think you left a few things out! 😉