Review: Garmin Forerunner 405 GPS – Take it for a Run

Overview:
Gadgets don’t always have to be about sitting at home making the world come to you, they can also help get you out of your seat and do something active. The latest Garmin Forerunner 405 GPS, takes gadgetry out of the home and even out of the gym, to propel you into the wide open spaces of the great outdoors. But just how exactly does a GPS device on your wrist do this? Let’s find out.

Review:
The Garmin Forerunner series has been a very popular gadget with athletes in the past. The combined heart rate monitor with GPS capabilities provides ample statistical information for you to accurately monitor and manage your training. Even if you’re not a regular face in the London Marathon, this device is great for anyone who wants to lose weight, or maintain a healthier lifestyle as it provides the challenge for you to do better each week and constantly improve your stats.

There are two elements involved with using the Forerunner effectively; a heart rate monitor strap to wear around your chest, and a GPS receiver set in the wrist watch which collects data which can then easily be transferred to your PC for you to analyse.

There is a straightforward initial setup of the Forerunner 405. Simply charge the watch, then follow the on-screen instructions to configure the watch to your personal settings and to pair it with the heart rate monitor. You can further set up the wireless USB ANT receiver on your PC so that all of your data can be wirelessly be transferred to your PC. There is no software provided with the Forerunner 405, meaning you have to log on to the Garmin website for the Garmin ANT Agent software. You can then choose to collate your data online through Garmin Connect.

This is a great idea as when you’ve finished your workout, all you need to do is simply bring the Forerunner 405 to within nine feet of your computer, and it will automatically transfer all of your workout data to your PC as well as upload it to Garmin Connect. You can then take a shower and have a bite to eat before you decide to log on to see an analysis and archive of your runs. Say good bye to the days of scribbling down your time on a sweaty bit of paper when you walk through the door.

Aesthetically, the Garmin Forerunner 405 GPS is in a different league compared to all previous versions, as this is the first model that won’t make you look like you’re carrying a small fridge on your arm. It actually looks like a watch which, unlike the previous 305 model, doesn’t make it look out of place on your wrist. Design-wise, so far so good. But what is it like actually wearing it?

Well comfort-wise, it’s not too bad, except that you are stuck with having the face of the Forerunner directly on the back of your arm with no room for movement. If you wanted to angle the Forerunner on the side of your wrist so that you could see it easier, the moulded shape of the wrist band means that, well, you can’t really.

What is really innovative and exciting about the Forerunner 405 is the very cool touch bezel control system, which you use to operate it. This did take a bit of getting used to, but once I likened it to an iPod touch-wheel in my mind, I was soon on top of all of the functions. The bezel has four areas which you simply need to touch and hold to access the option. The areas include time/date, training, menu and GPS. To scroll through menus you simply trace your finger around the bezel, and to select an option just give it a tap. If you’ve gotten so involved with beating your previous calorie-burn and it has suddenly become dark without you realising it, you can activate a light to keep an eye on your stats by pressing two fingers on the bezel.

Not everything is touch-controlled however, as there are two hard buttons on the side of the Forerunner: start/stop and lap/reset. After trying out this gadget, it did make sense for these two buttons to be easily accessible when you’re on the go as you have easy control over timing your lap without losing seconds fiddling around with different menus.

With regards to the GPS function, it did take awhile to set itself up, especially if you’re like me and want to get out the door and get into the run as soon as possible. I found that I was quite a few minutes into my jog before it found my position. An obvious way to get around this problem is to strap yourself up and go out side for a warm-up walk, or do some stretches outside while the system sorts itself out. I was in a heavily populated area full of tall buildings as well which really didn’t help. Once it found the GPS signal however, it performed well and did stay locked on for the remainder of my run.

This is a great exercise tool which athletes and the health-conscious alike will love. Whenever you hit the “runner’s wall” and find it hard to push on, this gadget provides the encouragement you need to make sure you keep attaining your highest standard. That sentence may look like it was written by a gym teacher, but it’s that what the power of beating your own stats does to you!

The Gaj-It Verdict:
Design: 8/10
Usability: 8/10
Features: 9/10
Value: 8/10

We Say:
The Garmin Forerunner 405 is a big step up from the previous model, both in terms of style and usability. The very cool bezel control makes it stand out from similar products on the market, but the device still retains its simplicity of use.