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Binatone F350
by inkjet
I was first introduced into the world of satellite navigation when I needed to go somewhere I didn't know for work. A friend lent me their Garmin Sat Nav. I was amazed how easy it was to use and how it could tell me where to go!
I thought, I'd quite like my own sat nav, but realistically couldn't justify the expense. I had ... a look around, but the cheapest was a Binatone at about £50 which still was too expensive.
A few months passed and I saw the Binatone F350 appear on Amazon and Ebay at only about £25, and it included UK and Ireland maps so I thought I'd get it.
First thing to shock me when I opened the box was how small and light it was, but I suppose as it only has a 3.5" screen I should have expected that. Also in the box was the holder, power cable and usb lead.
It was easy to set up and is simple to operate. The screen although small is very clear and particluarly in 3D mode (2D is also an option) very easy to follow and recognise the road layout.
I've tried it out on a number of journeys that I know and it has always come up with a sensible route. As well as being able to glance at the screen to see where you are to go there is also turn by turn voice guidance. The sound is clear enough, but could perhaps be a touch louder. What I do miss compared to the Garmin is that it doesn't attempt to pronounce the street names which could be quite entertaining, but not worth spending the extra money on unless you are using it a lot.
The battery life is stated to be around 2 hours, but I haven't tested this as I have always plugged it into the 12v socket when I've used it.
To summarise it is a basic sat nav system at a very low price which is well worth the money for occasional use and it certainly meets my needs. If however you are going to using a sat nav extensively for work or something like that then it may be worth investing in a more expensive system with all the extra features.
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Garmin Forerunner 305
by 12jane
*Garmin 305*
While most people would ask for a party, lots of alcohol or a fancy car for their 18th birthday, I asked for money to buy myself a Garmin Forerunner 305 Wrist-Worn GPS Personal Training Device with Heart Rate Monitor.
I had read about these wonderful gadgets on a running forum, and as a keen runner and ... cyclist, with a love for numbers, I wanted one. The Garmin Forerunner 305 is one in a range of gadgets for athletes, which help you record every step you run/cycle/walk.
This is an amazing gadget, that is worn on the wrist like a watch, and although it does tell the time, it also tells me much more interesting data. The data is achieved by using GPS Satellite signals, to plot where you are and your speed etc. All sorts of information can be recorded, such as distance, speed, lap rate, number of calories burnt, maximum pace etc.
It is also possible to run a track one day, and on another occasion, set the watch to race yourself, so using your exact movements on a previous day, as a virtual training partner. It is a great feeling to beat yourself, and see how your fitness is improving! You can also do things like set it you return home (just in case you were to get lost!), and it will direct you all the way. The voice is not as annoying as in a car sat-nav though!
It is powered by a lithium ion battery, which is recharged by placing the watch onto the docking station and plugging into a USB port or into the main electricity. The screen does look big, but it is just the right size for me to be able to see everything. There are training plans online which can be downloaded onto the forerunner 305, or you can make your own and set it to beep every minute for example, or every mile.
The weight of the item is 77g, which is not too much to have on your wrist, and after wearing it a couple of times, I didn't even feel it. The heart rate monitor is a band that is easily clasped around my chest, and it transmits data to the watch to show my heart rate. This is great for people who like to exercise to a certain heart rate, as well as to monitor your heart rate throughout the session.
Garmin Training Centre is a programme which is included on the accompanying CD, and after plugging the forerunner and docking station into the USB port of my computer, I very quickly get all the recorded information onto the screen, where I get several graphs, showing everything from my heart rate, speed, max./min. pace etc. and the map of where I went.
Appart from the included heart rate monitor, several other items can be purchased to use with the forerunner 305, including a bike mount (to attach it to your handlebars should you not wish to have it on your wrist) and a cadence monitor (to accurately measure how many times your legs go around in a minute, and so how hard you are cycling).
The Garmin Forerunner 305 is currently available from amazon.co.uk marketplace for £119.99.
I have now had my watch for 2 years, and use it regularly, both in the UK and abroad and have never had any problems. It picks up signal quickly, the battery lasts ages, and I love looking at all the figures and the graphs I get when I get home. I never run or cycle without it, and it is also great when Im out on a leisurely walk as well. It also has settings for skiing although I have never used them.
6/5 Dooyoo stars!!
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Garmin Forerunner 110
by mcfcdave12
Last year I decided that I needed to get fit. At the time my son was 6 months old and I realised that when the time came and he was older I just wouldn't be able to keep up with him in the state I was. My friend asked me to go running with him. I enjoyed it and decided I wanted something to track my runs. There are a few apps for phones ... that use GPS but I wanted something lightweight rather than carrying my phone around with me.
I did some searching online and found the Garmin Forerunner 110. It was on www.chainreactioncycles.com for £97.99, cheaper than anywhere else. Unfortunately it is now priced £125.99 on the same site so I got a good deal. After ordering my GPS enabled watch arrived in no time.
The watch I ordered is the unisex model. It is mainly black with a grey stripe around the face and down the straps. It comes with an AC wall charger that has a USB lead that can be disconnected and an instruction manual that is very easy to follow.
The first task is to charge the watch. The charger is like a crocodile clip with four prongs on one side. The prongs locate into four contacts on the watch itself. I let mine charge overnight to make sure it was fully charged but the manual doesn't actually set a time limit.
When you come to use the watch for the first time you have to configure it to your personal settings. You can configure your age, height (cm's) and weight (kg's). Pace or speed and if you want your run to be measured in KM or miles. I chose KM because I find it better psychologically.
Once configured you are ready to hit the road. The watch has four button. It has light. Which is very good. It glows blue and is very bright so you can see everything when it is dark. Secondly the page/menu button. When you press this button a message will show on screen saying locating satellites. It shows an empty bar that fills black as they are located. Sometimes this can take a while, especially if you are stood about waiting. It is best to keep moving around as that seems to make it locate quicker. Press this button a second time without it locating and you will be asked 'use indoors'. If you say yes it will operate as a stopwatch alone. Next buttons are self explanatory. Start/stop and lap/reset.
Whilst running the watch will locate you using GPS and track your run. It records the distance covered, time, average pace, elevation (hills) and calories burned. After your run you can upload the data onto Garmin connect, a website especially for recording your runs and looking at other peoples data from all around the world. This was the feature that drew me to the watch in the first place. Here is an example of one of my runs, I love how much detail it provides because it is excellent for recording your progress as a runner. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/27700​6798
Uploading the data is simple. Connect the charger to the watch and plug the USB into your computer. Although the watch charged fine, at first I had trouble getting my computer to locate the watch. The prongs wouldn't locate in the connections at first but after a few attempts you get the knack of it and it is straight forward.
Below is the specifications for the watch itself:
Physical & Performance:
* Unit dimensions, WxHxD: 1.8" x 2.7" x 0.6" (4.5 x 6.9 x 1.4 cm)
* Display size, WxH: 1.0" x 1.0" (2.5 x 2.5 cm) diameter
* Display resolution, WxH: 52 x 30 pixels
* Weight: 1.8 oz (52 g)
* Battery: rechargeable lithium-ion
* Battery life: 3 weeks in power save mode; 8 hours in training mode
* Water resistant: yes (IPX7)
* GPS-enabled: yes
* High-sensitivity receiver: yes
* RoHS version available: yes
I have been exteremely happy with the watch since I've had it and can honestly say it has been money well spent but will finish with one very slight problem I have found. If you are running in the rain the watch seems to get condensation inside the screen. Not a major problem for me because I live in sunny Manchester but if you are checking stats half way around a course you may have trouble seeing it. This problem does seem to stop however if you have a long sleeve top on and make sure your sleeve is pulled down over the watch.
I would definitely recommend this watch to anybody that wants to record their sessions. I find it accurate and reliable. You can also purchase a heart rate monitor to connect with the watch. I have bought one for around £30 that is basically a strap that fits around your rib cage just under your chest. I find it uncomfortable though so don't use it anymore. There was also a couple of occasions when it didn't register which I was disappointed with, although I will point out mine isn't the Garmin monitor you can purchase as a package with the watch.
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