Garmin Forerunner 301 GPS Personal Training Device

My wife bought me the Garmin Forerunner 301 for Christmas. I had wanted only a heart rate monitor, but this GPS device was a pleasant surprise! It works wonderful. It is simple in design and in ease of use. It appears slightly bulky, but when I wore it on my run, it didn't bother me. In fact the large screen was easy to read. I mainly do 5K runs, so it's not like I'm wearing it for an extended period of time either. But all in all, for what I use it for, it exceeds my expectations!

I used to use a Timex GPS that had a separate watch, a GPS unit that strapped to my arm, a heart monitor strap, and a receiver to tie them together on my belt. The Garmin has just a watch and a heart monitor strap. It is much easier to use, and the software is fairly simple to figure out. It is not the prettiest thing, but it beats having 4 thing attached when I run!!

When i first started running i had a horrible time pacing myself and would burn out way to easily. After purchasing this device i saw i was able to keep a more solid pace on my runs and withing 1 month of using it i saw my 1.5mile run time go from 13mins to about 11mins. This is a must have for any kind of runner due to its versatility.

I was really excited to get this product as I was hoping to train for a triathlon and was pumped that it included a bike setting. I had a forerunner 201 before which I loved. However, I really dislike this model and I felt I needed to warn anyone looking to buy this model. The satellite is CRAP. I can run the same route 4 different times and get 4 different distances. The satellite goes out - it doesn't matter if I am in the city, on a trail, or just main roads in the suburbs. I have found when I have run races and brought my garmin the mileage is WAY OFF - I'm talking 3.7 according to Garmin for a 5.1. Understandably it has a lot of great features, but not worth the price if it can't do the simple things it advertises. Buyer beware!

This is a great product in just about every regard. I use it for biking and when I'm on the road I absolutely love it. I then come home and upload my ride into Sports Tracks and it's great.

But... when you first start out (or after a long break), it will take anywhere from 5 to 15 (yes, 15!) minutes to sync with the satellites. This unfortunately makes the 301 frustrating and often useless.

When I'm riding to work I don't want to wait for this stupid thing to sync. When I'm on a long weekend ride my buddies don't want to sit around waiting either. This just makes the thing useless. I am now shopping for another GPS system that doesn't have this problem.

I have had one of these since February having previously used the Oregon Scientific Heart Rate Logger with Download (until it fell in the kitchen garbage disposal).

The question I could not answer easily when searching was: does this work in the Gym, the answer is: Yes (and no) - there is a setting which switches off the GPS and just records your heart rate, and it works well if your working reasonably hard (elliptical, treadmill etc), although for light workouts (me on my Wii) the heart rate monitor struggles at best.

I have used it whilst Skiing (theres a nice website that uploads your garmin data and even tells you which runs you were on etc), and airsofting.

GPS performance works well except in wooded areas, although useful for navigating the woods, if you need accurate recorded data it will let you down, also as all GPS devices if your out running and you make an accute turn (e.g. 180 degrees) the recorded distance will fall off (the unit records points approximately 4-6 seconds apart. Taking wide loops alleviates this issue though.

Battery life does how it says 14 hours on a full charge is no problem, however after I have downloaded into my laptop, I have picked up the unit for the next run and found the battery dead, so now once I disconnect from the PC I cycle the power to make sure it is switched off.

The Garmin proprietary software works well, seamlessly syncs and displays lots of useful data. Online motionbased software (provides huge amounts of data on your runs, walks etc) works well and with the downloadable Garmin Connect software pulls data off the device as easy as the software on your machine. As I have said before with skiing there are other more specialised websites that either use .GPX tracks or use the Garmin Connect software to easily upload your data.

Any waypoint editors, etc which work with the other Garmin walking/exercise units will read and write data to this device with few issues if any.

Summary:

This is the lowest priced forerunner with a heart rate monitor.

If you dont have a big budget and want a GPS recorder/heart rate monitor get this one.
If you can afford more get the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor, apparently this has a better GPS receiver.

This unit has provided me with loads of motivation to get my backside off the couch and get out there and run/walk.

I have been using this on an inside track as a timer and heart rate monitor. It works great for that. Being able to download the results to a computer for analysis is great. It makes it easy to provide the data to your doctor or anyone else. Today I used the 301 outside and found that the GPS didn't work as well as my Nokia phone (running Sportstracker). So I give this a 4 of 5.

Its a mount, it mounts the forerunner 201 to your handle bar.. Its all good.

I really enjoy the product i bought but....when i recieved it in the mail it did not have the outlet power adapters or oweners manuel. also i am in the military so this works great for me and running but on the GPS Side it gives one option for grids not a military option for grids which dont help me. but over all a good product thanks.

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT GPS SYSTEM. MY WIFE USES THIS TO RUN AND I USE IT TO BIKE. GREAT FEATURES.

I was skeptical at first about purchasing one of these GPS Heart Rate Monitors, but recently I ran across it on here and it was a great price, so why not. I used it the first night I got it. I was amazed at its accuracy and ability to find a signal so quick. I say that cuz I had borrowed a friends in the past, and I literally had to stand outside for 15 minutes just to get a signal. Now that I had a signal, it was time for a run. The device tracks very well. I was able to monitor my heart and my pace continually through my run. Once finished, I came home, installed the software, and hooked it up to my computer, and downloaded my run. I thought it was very accurate and showed exactly how my run was. It showed where I had peaked, where I was slowing down, every turn, and my heartrate throughout the run. It is a very nice software interface as well. One that was easily customizable to look at and graph what I wanted to see. I must say, for someone that was skeptical in the beginning, I think this was a great purchase. It does everything it is supposed to and makes tracking your run simple. I would recommend it to anyone that likes to run. The only downside I can see to the whole thing is that it would be a little nicer if the wrist piece were a little smaller, but it doesnt get in the way.

First, I didn't know which product to get.
I searched online and found this unit among all others.
I order this unit over the newer Forerunner 305 model because I sorta liked the old design better than the newer watch-like design.
Before ordering this product, I read a few negative reviews concerning location acquisition time and heart rate monitoring function.
However, as far as I can tell, it's a great product that exceeds your expectations.
It acquires the satellite signal pretty responsively, and measures the distance pretty accurately when comparing the data to information from the Google map.
I tested the heart rate monitoring function comparing it with my Omron blood pressure monitor, and the results were the same from both devices.
It does what it was designed to do with pretty good accuracy.
I recommend it to anyone who does not know which GPS unit or heart rate monitoring unit to get.
I'm very happy with this product, and running became more fun than ever.

Features aside, when all is said and done the performance of the GPS makes or breaks this device. This GPS works poorly. Mine is slow to acquire the satellites and loses them easily, resulting in inaccurate measurements. After a run this morning, my 301 indicated 8.5 miles while a friend's 305 showed 9.37. One might expect the GPS to drop out under a tree canopy (and this one certainly does) but it also drops out on city sidewalks and even in the shadow of a gymnasium alongside a high school running track.

I wish I had not bought the Forerunner 301.

The Forerunner 301 is a nice GPS unit for the price. It's fairly simple to use, but has a variety of functions for geeks who like to play with such toys.

A few issues that I have had with this unit though is the heart-rate monitor is a bit finicky and depending on where you are the GPS signal isn't the best, but these problems rarely occur. Overall a great buy!

I've only had it for a bit over a month, but it's been great so far! I love the results it gives me (Avg. HR, HR over time, Pace, etc); it's just what I wanted. The GPS map on the computer can be a little off (it can show your path as being in a river if you're close to one), but it records the actual path well, with respect to turns, etc. I have seen that some people have troubles getting the HR monitor to work (no HR shows up). This has happened to me twice, but by wetting the contacts on the inside of the chest strap and/or readjusting my strap (placing it lower or higher), I got the HR to show up again.

Thank you for alowing me to share my joy with this unit. I love the garmin 301 forerunner wrist GPS. It has alot of features and not difficult to program. I choose this unit for the window size so I can see the information quickly. I use garmin forerunner 301 for a multiple of functions. First, I utilize the miles per hour to increase my speed in walking and running. It has a virtual runner in the window which will pass you up if you are not maintaining your speed. I also used the unit while I trail ride on my horse in the deep woods. It not only allows me to mark a spot, after riding some 15 miles, I then can re locate my original mark spot and it will direct me to the exact location. In addition it has a bread crumb picture that you can also follow. I had return from a ride just as it got dark and I used both functions to find my way in the dark and in the woods. Plus you always have the compass of north, south east and west. I love it and I use it a few times a day. It is true that the heart rate sometimes does not pick up. Just make sure the placement is correct and good contact. If you are active, you will love this. thank you.

I got a 301 when they first came out. I've used it for hiking, running and bicycling. Most of the time it works great. The heart rate monitor works for me only if the chest strap is really tight. And you must keep checking it every day. It loosens up constantly. It must be slightly uncomfortable to reduce the erratic readings. The pace read out is no good, so I just ignore it. I get better GPS results when I wear the 301 on top of my hat. Then I cannot see the pace number. I just set the unit to beep every mile and look at my stop watch. That's good enough for me. I live in the south SF Bay area and the only place I've been where trees are a problem is Uvas County Park. There are steep canyons there too. I've had great success transferring data to my computer. Nearly everybody says the Garmin Training Center software is unsatisfactory. Well, it's not great, but it works. I started running in 1969 and if I thought then I would have the function this unit provides in the future, my friends would have thought I was crazy. Of course, back then I had no such ridiculous thoughts...

I was looking for a bike monitor that could analyze my speed and distance. Went for a lookout of Polar products but they where just too expensive.

Found this alternative with gps tracking that not only gives you speed, distance but also elevation and hear rate monitoring.

When I took up running this was it, it has presets for both sports, counts your calories burned based on your age, height and weight profile nd gives you detalied info when you plug it on your PC.

ADVICE: If you use a Mac try using TrailRunner, it's a free app thet integrates with Google maps to give you a detail on your routes and keeps a log of your workouts.

Information very clearly displayed. Is super easy to use and is almost intuitively like a black berry. I use to run with a Polar and was never happy until I got this Garmin.

After reading the various reviews online, I bought the 301 and I absolutely love it!! It took only a few minutes to acquire a signal. I turned it on when I started my warm-up and it was ready before I was done. It was extremely accurate and measured my heart rate well. The online software was easy to install and use (though it installed more easily on my XP than on my Vista). The product does everything I hoped it would.

Prior to purchasing, I considered the newer 305. Even though the 305 has the ability to more readily read a weak signal and looks a little cooler, it also has a shorter charge life and costs twice as much. So I opted for the 301 and have no regrets.

I had trouble charging the unit from the start with the AC adapter. I got it to charge twice through the computer. Now it won't charge at all. The two times I did get to use it were very cool. It showed pace and mileage and when downloaded to the computer showed the route I ran. But I cannot get the unit to turn on or charge again. I'm very disappointed.

I absolutely love this product! I am not a runner, but do at times run. The only flaw with this product I have noticed is that when I run, the heart monitor does not read accurately. I believe it is from the movement of running (and/or jumping). It works perfectly when I am walking/biking/rowing, etc. (activities that do not have jumping involved). The one thing I learned when trying to obtain a GPS signal is to keep it in one spot without moving it until it receives a signal. I have had it a couple of months now and just love it. I find the software program very useful as well. I love the fact it shows distance, calories burned, heart rate, pace, speed, elevation, etc. It is an excellent guide to helping me with reaching my goals...whether it be my target zone or pace. It is unbelievable to me that people complain and expect to get a GPS signal inside! Unless one has satellites in a building, the Garmin won't pick up a signal. Trees at times can also get in the way. Again, common sense. If the satellite signal can't reach the Garmin, how can it work properly. When that happens, I have noticed that the Garmin will slow my pace down because it's trying to catch up with the signal then as soon as I hit a clearing...boom. It's catches up with itself. That may bother some, but not me. It doesn't happen often. I make sure to take a pretty clear route. Don't expect it to work well in a forest with a ton of trees. All in all, it's a great product. I've told all my friends about it. I don't ever want to be without it.

Great product. Only wish that they had a more detailed local map. Otherwise, great features and great training tool for running marathons.Garmin Forerunner 301 Wrist-Mounted GPS Fitness Computer with Heart Rate Monitor

Nice little gizmo for training purposes. Little big and clunky for the wrist. Will not work until satellites are collected, so turn on early if you are trying to record exact distances and time. Lots of features, don't use all of them yet, still learning, but would be very handy for serious training. Battery holds well and nice recharge system. Downloadable to see routes and sessions- very impressive and able to see progress. Good value for the money.

I actually own 4 Garmin 301's and have used this product since they came out about 3 years ago. Me and my wife are triathletes and we both have 1 mounted on our bike and we use the other for the run. Battery life is excellent at around 8-10 hours or so. Although the battery won't last long enough to get us through an Ironman race (which is why we each own 2) This unit is certainly one of my favorite pieces of technology I own and I use it nearly everyday. I also have a highend Polar (720i) and much prefer my Garmin over the Polar. Some reviewers state that the heartrate monitor portion of the device is not very good and reports erroneous heartrates. I know exactly what they are referring to but the fix is very simple. You have to wet the chest strap before you put it on. If you don't then, yes the HR monitor will occationally report incorrectly. Believe me I have put the these 301's through the ringer and they perform! I train for 8-10 months for a single race and would not show up on race day with equipment I didn't fully trust would get me to the finish line. Garmin support is outstanding as well. I had a 301 a few years back that started powering down all by itself for no reason. I called up Garmin and they swapped my old one out for a new one for free. One feature I really wish they would add though is the ability to add maps to the navigation screen. There's been more than a few times that I got lost out on a long ride and even though the 301 has a navigation screen it won't really help you navigate your way back home. It just leaves a bread crumb trail to retrace your path back home if you need to. Another really nice feature that this has is the ability to set the backlight to stay on permanently so when your running really early in the morning your not fumbling trying to find the light button. No other HR monitor that I know offers this feature. If I could give the Garmin 301 6 stars I would.

I bought this forerunner for my fiance for Christmas. He travels a great deal for his job and is a runner. He loves that he is able to track his route by distance and pace no matter where he is. If you want a reliable and accurate GPS for running you should definitely consider this model.

I own two of these and have used them for over two years constantly. I have a real love-hate relationship with the 301. I love it when it's working properly which is most of the time. But just when I least expect it, it goes haywire. It shows my heart rate jumping up to 200 beats a minute for a few seconds. That's just enough time to throw off any average heart rate calculation I was trying to save. And the Garmin Training Center software that comes with the unit has no editing capability so there is no way to go in and fix those spikes.


When working indoors at the gym,if I walk too close to the vending machines or the electrical service panel, the whole unit has a brain freeze and wipes out all the data for that particular session, even though the display fakes me out by continuing to act like it's working. But when I get home and plug it in to use the Training Center software, the display graph gives me a dead man's flat line all the way across. The whole point of wearing this thing is to record my heart rate and other data to use later for comparisons.

Also it is a common gripe among owners that the altitude recording function is consistently screwy. I can leave my house at one elevation, go for a long run, come home, and find that according to my Garmin 301 my house has either dropped 50 ft in altitude, or gained 50 or more ft. Also, I bought the Google Earth upgrade to overlay the Garmin GPS data on their maps and while it is fairly accurate, it sometimes wildly goes off course on the map even though I was going on a straight route.

But all these things aside, it's still useful to my daily and weekly training and I put up with the quirky things it does and just move on.

Tip: Sometimes the heart rate receiver in the unit will lose the signal from the chest strap for no apparent reason. You'll see the whole screen go blank or just freeze up. Be prepared. Be sure to read your manual in advance and know how to re-set the HR monitor to find your chest strap's signal. It can save you a lot of cussing when you get home and find you've lost all your HR data.

Last thing: Customer Service at Garmin. They ... uh, ... how can I put this delicately? They suck.

Should you upgrade to the 305? I hear the 305 has the same guts as the 301 with a few added bells and whistles and guess what? People are complaining about the same problems they are having with the 301s. So until Garmin decides to really change the guts and the software of their Forerunners, you might as well get the 301.

This unit seemed to work OK for 6 months, then became very unreliable.
When resetting the data the distance would inexplicably jump ahead, thus rendering all data inaccurate. Customer support was not helpful, so I would recommend trying another brand and model.

I bought this unit two or three years ago and until recently used it very little. I had to take a break from running for a while. In any case, I think the GPS is very good. I previously had a Timex GPS (with the separate unit on the upper arm). The Garmin is more compact, loses signal less frequently and acquires the signal quicker. I love the ability to program workouts. I also like Garmin's software that tracks workout and even maps the routes you've run.

However, the heart rate monitor is causing me no end of frustration. I have tried changing batteries, using different liquids on the elctrodes, repositioning the strap, etc... But, nothing makes for a consistent signal. This really adversely impacts my enjoyment of the unit. My bottom of line Polar heart monitor works much, much better in this respect.

Product works great!.
Pros;
Respectable GPS signal, easy interface, good interactive training programs,
motionbased website tracks your activity.

Cons:
Weak GPS signal in wooded areas, large bezel.

Makes running more enjoyable.
If your mission based and like to track your work. Get this!

The Garmin Forerunner 301 is a great product! I've used it about 1 dozen times since getting it as a Christmas present (picked it out myself!) It tracks speed, distance, heart rate, elevation, grade, time & maps your route out. It's fun to plug it into the laptop after a workout & see lap times, averages, elevation changes (up & down around 200 feet in Northwest Austin), fastest speed, etc. I hit 19.6 mph in a short sprint the other day! Not bad for a 41 y.o.

The product seemed to have everything you would need in a GPS. The only con is that the watch was somewhat larger than expected.

I thought for sure I could use this in many aspects of my life, fitness, hiking, and military ops but unfortunately, unlike the etrex, the coordinates are only in lat/long. I NEED MGRS. Maybe Garmin could update the software?

I have the Forerunner 305 and I love it. It monitors my heart rate, my pace, my route, my distance, elevation, and my lap and total time. When I download the information, I get a plot of up to 4 variables vs time or vs distance. The GPS location seems to be accurate to about 5-10 feet horixontally and 15-20 feet vertically. I am amazed. I run in Santa Fe, a high desert with no tall buildings. It took awhile to figure out all of the options and I still have not used them all. You can program 3 screens with 2-4 readouts on each. I display 4 values on each screen. One screen for instantaneous lap values of time, distance, pace and heart rate. One screen for last lap total time and distance and average values of pace and heart rate, and one screen for total workout values of the same parameters.

I love the Garmin! I had the 201, but lost it. I think the 301 is better than the latest Garmin models, even though it is bigger. It is very easy to read while running. The watch and the computer software are very user friendly.

I got very disappointed with my Garmin 301. Although all of the features described (gps, heart rate monitor, etc) are amazing, I found the product so fragile!

At the second time I was using my Garmin 301 (before that, I had used it only in the Buenos Aires marathon), its band just got broken!

I was warming up when I suddenly saw it on the street! I'm completely sure that I didn't get any shock on it. The pins that kept the band tight to my Garmin just got broken!

I couldn't believe. How is it possible, for a product designed for sports that involve **impact** to be so fragile?

I was running one of the most important Brazilian races (Volta da Pampulha, 18 KM), and it was very frustrating for me not having my Garmin working as expected!

I had to keep my Garmin into my short; for such reason, I was not able to monitor my running data so quick.

This problem seems to be easy to resolve; however, I don't feel comfortable about running with my Garmin anymore: I can just lose an expensive product due to its fragile watch band.

This watch is very easy to use and has all you need for the price. Don't know what more you could find in the $350 watches out there. The only thing that is a little hard to deal with at times is the satellite connection doesn't always work. Perhaps that has nothing to do with the watch, though, and with the satellite system. I bought this watch for my husband, and he uses it every morning while running. Very motivating!

I have had the Forerunner 301 for a week and I love it. The heart rate monitor and the GPS both work fine so far. This has helped jump start my workouts, I was in a bit of a couch potato rut. It's pretty cool to be able to run where you want and still know what the mileage is instead of having to run routes that you know the mileage. The Garmin software works fine but I wanted to see my routes on google earth. I have downloaded sporttracks freeware and exported my routes to google earth which is cool to look at. Connectivity to my vista home system was easy with the Garmin software and the freeware. It took me a while to figure out the basics but it is user friendly. I would like bigger letters on the display but at my age I'm starting to say that about everything. I look forward to using it for inline skating and biking. So far I've just done jogging with my dogs. Also the interval training feature is very powerful as it lets you run pretty accurate long sprint intervals without having to measure them ahead of time with a car or on a track.

The product worked very well for the most part. The features exceeded my expectations and should satisfy both beginner and serious athletes. My complaints are three, and they are ones I can live with. If you are running on a course that has many tight turns, the average speed calculation will get distorted on the turns because of the calculation intervals using the GPS are not quick enough. In other words, it is very accurate going straight or with gradual turns, but less so in tight places. The second issue is the monitor did not recognize the heart rate chest strap very quickly when you first strap it on. In most cases it took over 2 minutes to start after it put on correctly (we were careful to follow instructions). Lastly, it took about 2-3 minutes to initialize (find satellites) when it was first turned on. I have other Garmin boat and car units that initialize in less than 30 seconds. Aside from that, I loved it.

I really like my Garmin. It tracks miles well. You can see heart rate, distance, pace, and time all at once. There's even a virtual training partner, but I've never used it. The only problem is that they only last for about 2 years and then just quit. This is my third Garmin Forerunner. I suppose it's from being exposed to the elements and sweat almost every day.

Go with the newer Garmin 501. The 301 is too big for jogging. Also battery died in heart mointor two weeks after I got the watch.

I have had the Forerunner 301 for about 1 month and I love it. The GPS is dead on accurate (give or take a few feet). The only downside is it takes about 1 minute to find the satellites if it is turned off for more than a couple of days. The built in heart rate monitor works flawlessly. I like the fact that you can customize the display screen and make whichever feature you wish larger or smaller. It gives me my distance and pace instantly. Before having the Garmin I used to log onto Googleearth and plot out my run on the map to find out the distance I ran and then went to a website where I have my training log and enter the information to figure out my pace. What a hassle! Now all the information is uploaded into my computer where I can see my progress including my BPM at different intervals of my run. I would definitely recommend this product. Why pay an extra $100 for the 305, when it is not really that much smaller.

That's saying a lot. My husband is very picky and not very geeky when it comes to technology. I got this for him after his heart attack. He needed to exercise, but had keep a handle on his heart rate, and track his progress toward his fitness goals. I bought it as an anniversary present. He would never have spent this much on himself. From day one, he has used it, and loves it. It took it a few days to figure out everything it would do. I helped him with the computer downloading/tracking part at first, but now he does it on his own. He doesn't go walking or biking without it. Good thing, because he found one of the hills he was climbing was pushing his heart rate too high based on his doctor's recommendation. He changed his route. He says it comfortable and seems to be accurate. We have also used the GPS part in the car. That works too and is fun.
He can track his progress and see his improvement which is a big boost for him, and me. I think it was a bargain compared to all it has done for us.

This GPS unit is absolutely awesome. There is not one thing about it that I wish worked differently or better.

After going through 2 or 3 different heart rate monitor watches, I found the Garmin Forerunner 301. I can honestly say that I have purchased my last heart rate monitor! The Garmin is everything I'm looking for, all in one!

The built in GPS syncs up with satellites to record where you run and how fast you are running. It has a customizable screen that lets you choose the placement of up to 3 real-time stats along with your heart rate. You can show your current workout time, pace and distance all on screen at the same time.

The screen size of the Forerunner 301 is nice and large. I actually prefer the 301 to some of the new models because of the larger screen making it easier to view while running. With the larger screen you are able to read your pace or distance at a quick glance without breaking stride.

After your run, simply plug in your Garmin to your computer through the USB port and import your training session to the training center software. In the training center you can view individual training sessions and see your distance, average speed, top speed, heart rate and a bunch of other stats. Plus, the GPS plots points on a map showing your route. You can drag a pointer along your route to check your stats for that specific area of your route as well.

If I had to find a fault with the Forerunner 301, I'd have to say that I would rather not have to wear the chest strap heart monitor. In a perfect world the unit would pick up the heart rate from the wrist band. But this is a small complaint in a sea of positives!

I purchased this to start to keep some stats on my running, biking, hiking, kayaking, and rollerblading. Yup. It works great in all of those activities.

IT IS NOT A GPS. If you're looking for a GPS unit for navigations this isn't it. But what this does do is keep all of your stats for your workout or trip.

But then again you're looking at the one with the Heart Rate Monitor so you're thinking workout I would expect.

I have been very happy with this product. The only problem is battery life. It lasts for several days so if you're not paying attention you can pick it up on the fourth or the fifth day and find you don't have enough juice for your run. SO remember to plug it in! I've had mine die twice in the middle of a workout.. Very disappointing to loose the stats for the day. BUT my own fault I hadn't plugged it in for days.

I also picked up the bike mount. Great for the bike, not so great for a baby running jogger.. but I just use the Velcro straps on the jogger.

Nothing wrong here, works great.
Easy to use, does everything I would want in a training HR monitor
Software is cool and helps track routines
Wish it had a Sirf III chipset because it takes forever to locate.
Looses signal easily in trees, nothing new with that though

The GPS part of the Forerunner is good, it keeps satellite contact all but in the thickest woods. I use on my bicycles, both road and mountain, mounted with the optional handlebar mounts.
The problem is that the heart rate monitor is just plain junk, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I started using contact gel - no difference. Garmin sent me a new chest transmitter, this worked for a couple months, now back to sometime works sometimes doesn't. Change batteries, still no difference. No I've been using Polar HR monitors since 1988 and never had a problem.
Don't waste money on the HR monitor style - they are junk

Love it! Love it! Love it! The setup is so simple a 1st grader could do it. Tracks distance, heart rate, speed..accurately. The alerts to tell you when you are going above or below your target pace are great. This gets used daily & so far the quality is shining thru. Have not yet dumped data to a PC... but that looks like it will be a cool feature to.

the feature set of the 301 is solid but the GPS doesn't work very. I bought the 305 afterwards and think it is much better. Spend a few more dollars and get the 305 instead.