An opportunity to continue to develop my running potential.

This purchase was the direct result of watching the London Olympic Games. I was listening to the marathon commentary by Rob de Castella and he mentioned virtual partner functions on GPS watches. I have been running for over 35 years and this was something which I had not considered.
Firstly, I did some internet research, looking at reviews and, of course, price. Most of these watches were out of my price range. I read one review that suggested trying to buy a recently superseded model. That was the case with the Garmin 405.
The next step was to check out EBay. I found a number of people had become disillusioned with their watches and so I was able to pick up an almost new watch at a fantastic price.
So what next? Once I received the watch, I had to learn how it works. The best way to do this was to use the many videos on the Garmin website. I still have lots to learn, but I can always go back and watch these videos if I get stuck.
The features are amazing. I have used about 50% of the available settings and menus. I am really impressed with the potential, as I train hard in a variety of ways and this watch copes with all my demands. The Virtual Partner is a stand out feature of the watch, but I am equally impressed with the ability to upload my runs to my own section of the Garmin website, so I can review and identify any areas for improvement. This applies especially to races and fun runs. Even being able to review your training runs on a map of your favourite courses is wonderful.
Although this watch was purchased from the U.S. I have been able to easily change settings, time zones and courses to suit Australia. The future is open to so many possibilities.

I am pleased. The watch helps me track progress, challenges me to be consi

I read a lot of negative and positive reviews regarding this product. My experience has been very good. I rate this 5 stars in order to praise the product and blunt the unfair criticism I have read.

First, I got an exceptional deal on ebay and did business with great ebayers. That helps a lot.

The critics that I think have been unfair cite ease of use and perspiration as reasons why one should not purchase this product.

Ease of use.

It is not the most intuitive tool I have used, but one adapts quickly to the functionality. I think the bezel design is a great interface and allows one to access the myriad of features available on the watch.

Perspiration

Critics cite that when ones fingers are wet with perspiration or if it is raining one can not access the features of the watch. I am confused by that criticism. I have not found this to be a problem primarily because I do not try to access the watches many features while running. Why would one? I have set up my watch to display 7 points of data during a run. I lock the bezel and go out. The watch scrolls through the data on 4 screens at intervals that I determine. I find no reason to access watch features while on a run since I have set the watch to give me all the data I am interested in through the scrolling feature.

Data points

There are probably too many, but to,each there own and this watch can be set up,to display up tom10 data points during a work out. One can choose from over 30 data points which are more than enough to satisfy a variety of runner interests.

Garmin Connect

Great interface and great website. If I could figure out how to import all the runs I have on mapmyrun.com I would use this site more frequently. So, I continue to use mapmyrun to keep,all my data in one,place. This watch will allow one to import ones running data into mapmyrun run.

Satellite

Hardly any problems. However, like any other GPS device I have used I have had trouble getting a lock on satellites once in a blue moon.

Overall

I am pleased. The watch helps me track progress, challenges me to be consistent if not a better runner.

This is a good, solid GPS watch that does everything it represents to do.

I absolutely love this GPS watch! I have had no problems with it. It finds the satellites relatively quickly and records everything I need to know whether running or biking. It has synced up to my computer every time with no problems and lets me see exactly where I need to make my improvements. I was worried about the touch bezel being a problem since I have had trouble with response using the touch screen on other products such as my Ipod, but it is actually really sensitive to the touch. In fact, I had to adjust the sensitivity down a bit as I kept accidentally bumping it during my run. Definitely take the time to read the directions first on this watch so you will be able to utilize all the features available, as there are a lot! I have been using the watch for a little over a month now and have learned enough about the basic features to move on to start using the virtual partner next. This watch does what I wanted it to do - it makes me look forward to running. =)

A must for training

The perfect training watch for people who train constantly and want to organise and improve their performance. This up to date last generation GPS training watch was a long time wanted accessory that i've finally got. Don't hesitate runners and bikers. It's 100% worth the money you will spend!!!

Great Product, interactive design, wish it was more durable.

Great Product, very fragile, I am in the Marine Corps and I train not only in running shoes, but in pools, and in wood land terrain. We do a lot of down and dirty training. The watch got several nicks on it from just a week of use that I had to take it off when I train for combat fitness. But for interval training, and distance running as well as sprints, its very effective, one of the great features is the Virtual Partner, pushes those who have to much pride to simply give in to a tiny virtual person. Just not going to happen. Overall great product for what its meant to do, wish it was a bit more durable.