UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For more current recommendations, please refer to our GPS for runners post.

The Garmin Forerunner 101 GPS is Garmin’s entry level product in the Forerunner series. The primary features distinguishing it from the Forerunner 201 are that it runs on two AAA batteries and cannot be connected to a computer for data transfer. Meanwhile, the 301 adds a heart rate monitor and some advanced features.

A popular device, the Forerunner 101 got an average 4 out of 5 star rating from 32 reviewers at Amazon.

Here’s what other reviewers have to say about the Forerunner 101:

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UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For more current recommendations, please refer to our GPS for runners post.

Awhile back I reviewed the Forerunner 301. Today we’re going to look at its little brother, the Garmin Forerunner 201. Basically the same model, minus the heart rate monitor, this Forerunner shares most of  the advantages and disadvantages of the 301. At a mere 2.75 ounces, it is ideal for runners, hikers or cyclists looking for a lightweight device. If your primary interest is in training and tracking your athletic performance, the 201 is a good choice. If you plan to do some serious navigation, I’d recommend something with more features than the Forerunner series. Sure, they’ll navigate to a waypoint or along a route, and create a track as you go along, but just about any other GPS receiver will provide you more options in this regard.

It certainly is a popular receiver, if numbers are any guide. A whopping 211 reviewers at Amazon gave the Forerunner 201 an average 4 out of 5 stars.

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UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For more current recommendations, please refer to our GPS for runners post.

Hands on with the Garmin Forerunner 301

I had the opportunity to try out a Garmin Forerunner 301 recently when I used it to test out the online mapping software provided by Motionbased.com. The Forerunner is a very nice, lightweight (only 2.6 ounces!) GPS receiver that straps to your wrist. Ideal for runners, this flagship Forerunner model includes a heart rate monitor as well.

Now I go at outdoor activities fairly aggressively, but I consider myself an explorer, not an athelete in training. And while the Forerunner was a lot of fun, it is best suited for those wanting to track their heart rate and performance. It is not a great navigation device. Sure, it can point you in the direction of a waypoint, or navigate along a route, but most GPS receivers have much more flexibility when it comes to navigation. The 301 suffers from a limit of 100 waypoints, and you cannot upload tracks to it. But here’s an amazing statistic…the 301 is the top selling GPS on Amazon! I’m betting there are a lot of runners and lightweight backpackers who consider this the ideal receiver.

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