0ur opinion:

:
Garmin lnternational is pleased to announce the Forerunner 405 GPS-enabled sport watch. During a run, this slim, sleek watch accurately tracks distance, pace, calories, and displays it all on the easy-to-read screen. Tap or slide a finger around the innovative touch bezel to change information without fumbling for a button. The optional foot pod can also be used to gather speed and distance information indoors. ANT+Sport wireless technology automatically transfers workout data to and from your computer when your device is within range. No cables, no hookups, the data's just there. Users can upload data to Garmin Connect, a web-based application that lets them analyze, share and store workouts. Zone training, heart rate zone training, supports 5 heart rate zones Compatible with GSC 10 speed/cadence bike sensor - monitor pedaling cadence and wheel speed Compatible with foot pod - measures speed and distance and runners cadence when indoors Watch features - time of day (12/24h), dual time zone, (day/date), daily alarm Training and motivational features - Virtual Partner, courses, workouts, goals GPS features - mark waypoints, back to start, save location ANT+Sport wireless technology lets you automatically transfer information back and forth between the watch and the PC Unit-to-unit - transfer workouts and locations to other Forerunner 405's Dimensions - 45.75mm x 70.5mm x 16.4mm Weight - 2.11 ounces (60 grams)

-- January 10, 2008:
With the Forerunner 405, Garmin has finally put the power of GPS location-based date into a sleek sport watch that can be worn all day. Runners no longer have to choose between function and fashion. Garmin's ANT + Sport wireless platform that wirelessly sends your data to your computer and a touch bezel that lets you change screens with a simple tap (no more fumbling for buttons) run make this not just a leap forward in GPS-enabled fitness devices, but in training devices period. Forerunner 405 comes in two color options — black or green.






The Power 0f Location-Based Data
Anyone who has used Garmin's Forerunner 205 or 305 already understands the power that attaching location data to traditional measurements like distance, speed, time, calories burned, and heart rate can provide. Knowing exactly where you worked hardest, ran fastest (or most slowly), and lets you tailor your workouts to improve for specific distances, conditions, and types of terrain. lt gives a complete picture of how you interact with every portion of your run.

Forerunner 405 comes in two color options — black or green

Train with a virtual partner

Watch Results
Loaded with serious training features, Forerunner 405 continuously monitors your time, distance, pace, calories and heart rate (when paired with heart rate monitor). Each run is stored in memory so you can review and analyze the data to see how you've improved.



The high-sensitivity GPS receiver sustains satellite reception, whether you’re tackling a trail or jogging through the urban canyons of skyscrapers. The Forerunner 405 is water-resistant (lPX7) and can be used outdoors or indoors (with an optional foot pod), making it the ultimate year-round, all-weather training tool.



Forerunner 405 is available with or without a heart rate monitor (see the versions tab) to help you make the most out of your training. Versions with a digital heart rate monitor continuously track heart beats per minute. Train in a certain heart rate zone to improve your fitness level or compare your pace and heart rate to past performance on the same run.



The revolutionary patent-pending touch bezel on the face of the watch makes navigating the options easier than ever. Simply by tapping, holding or running a finger along the bezel, runners can begin a new workout, access their training history or challenge a Virtual Partner. The Forerunner 405 makes training with a Virtual Partner easy and efficient. Runners can adjust the Virtual Partner’s pace without stopping in the middle of a workout, and the Virtual Partner is always on and ready for a challenge.



Run, Sync, Store and Share
0ne of Garmin's most ambitious decisions has been to approach fitness devices as a total platform with their 'ANT + Sport' connectivity system. All of Garmin's new fitness devices, including the Forerunner 405, Edge 605 and 705 bike computers, and Forerunner 50 heart rate monitor watches, will interface wirelessly with any devices that are compatible wiht the 'ANT + Sport' protocol, including devices from other manufacturers.



0nce you’ve logged the miles, the ANT+Sport wireless technology automatically transfers data to your computer when the Forerunner is in range. No cables, no hookups. The data’s just there, ready for you to analyze, categorize and share through Garmin's online community, Garmin Connect or optional Garmin Training Center software. You can wirelessly send workouts from your computer to Forerunner, too.



Share Wirelessly
With Forerunner 405 you can share your locations, advanced workouts and courses wirelessly with other Forerunner 405 users. Now you can send your favorite workout to your buddy to try, or compete against a friend's recorded course. Sharing data is easy. Just select 'transfer' to send your information to nearby units.



Cross-Train
Take your training inside with the versatile Forerunner 405. Pair it with an optional foot pod to track your speed, distance and running cadence indoors when a GPS signal is unavailable. This new design clips onto your laces for easy removal and automatically turns on when you start moving. You can also add a speed/cadence bike sensor to track the speed and distance of your cycling workouts.



Be Part of A Community
ln 2007, Garmin acquired Motion-based, the largest shared repository of customer-generated gps-based routes, courses and maps. This was a significant move for Garmin to support the gps user community and bring a wealth of route options to gps users. With a simple connection to your computer, you can join a worldwide network of cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts through Garmin Connect our new, one-stop site for data analysis an sharing.



You can also upload to optional Garmin Training Center software for further analysis. Garmin Training Center stores large quanities of workout and ride data. Some of the things you can do are

• Review your workout data, including pace/speed, distance, time, calories burned; and if available, heart rate, cadence and detailed elevation.
• View a detailed graph of your workout data, plotted over time or distance.
• View a map of your workout that shows the exact path you traveled.
• Categorize your workout history according to type of activity.
• Review previous workouts, which are saved by day and week.
• Create customized workouts with specific goals and rest intervals. Then send them to your fitness device.*
• Schedule workouts for a specific day with calendar.
• Get custom workout templates designed by the experts at TrainingPeaks.com

What's ln The Box
Forerunner 405, USB ANT stick, Heart Rate Monitor, AC adapter, Charging clip, 0wner's manual, Quick reference guide










Piece Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

---

We found more related products for you:
     click 4 more

We found more related products for you:

• Garmin 010-10998-00 Foot Pod
• GARMIN 010-10644-00 Speed/Cadence Sensor
• Runner's World Run Less, Run Faster: Become a Faster, Stronger Runner with the Revolutionary FIRST Training Program (Runners World)
• Garmin GPS Carrying Case, Black
• Garmin forerunner Bike Mount
• click 4 more

---

Buyer's feedback: - * I actually read the instructions... ...
When I was trying to decide between the 305 and the 405, I read every single review from a couple of different websites...it seemed that there was a lot of negative reviews on the 405, but also some hidden gems that make regular use of the watch a pleasure. I was shocked by how much Mac users seemed to hate the thing...since I own a Mac I knew I was going to have to work a bit harder to get the data to my Mac. For me, the deciding factor for the 405 ended up being the usability of the watch as an actual watch....it does look pretty sharp...and for $350 it better get more use than for an hour a day on a run...

Here is what I've seen with my own use over the last couple of weeks:
The set up on my Vista PC was actually pretty simple...I followed the directions to the letter and went to the[...] site which helped me get everything set up pretty quickly. There are some pretty good directions there...I can't see how anyone could screw this up honestly...but it seems that some folks have had trouble with it...I was able to update the firmware right then and that went well also (just be patient as it seems to update one firmware version at a time and not all at once)...

Once I got my PC all set up, I downloaded Trailrunner on my Mac...which supports the .tcx files of your runs that you can export out of the Garmin Training Center software (which really isn't good)...I don't know if there is a similar software package for the PC, but since I rarely use my PC, I really didn't take the time to look...

After I got done with some runs, I came home and was amazed at how easily the Ant+ stick picked up my watch...it even picked it up once when I left the watch downstairs...which I thought was pretty cool (but I haven't tried to see if I could do it again, I just bring my watch upstairs)...I would assume that if you have your watch in the same room as your computer it would pick it up pretty easily...

From this point I really wanted to get the data back on my Mac and into Trailrunner...and this seems to be the difficult part for most Mac users (the Garmin site says to get VMware and run it through that way-which is insane, but some might not have a PC box in their house like I do, so it would be the only way at this point)...What I end up doing is importing the data wirelessly, then pull it into Garmin Training Center...then export it as a .tcx file which I email to myself and pull up from my Mac...then save it to a folder and "open" into Trailrunner from there...sounds like a lot, but takes maybe 5 minutes at the most...and the newest version of Trailrunner is awesome...

I also have seen some reviews where the watch is not responsive to the bezel touching...what I ended up figuring out after watching the video on the Garmin site, is that when the watch is in powersave mode you actually have to wake it up before it will respond...which can be done by clicking either side button...then the bezel responds to touch etc...this is really a much cooler feature than you would think...it really helps avoid draining the battery during regular "watch" use...

As far as getting going on runs and using the HRM...it picks the HRM and Satellites up really quickly...which is surprising based on what I've seen in some reviews...it actually picked them up while I was in my house...and as of yet, I haven't had any trouble with using it on my runs...it shows my Heart Rate in huge numbers and the first screen shows pace/total time/total distance big enough that I can see it while on the move...I don't really need it to do much more than that as I am not what you would consider a fancy runner at this point with sprints or crazy heart rate work...I just have it auto-lap my time at a mile and call it good...

The GPS has been darn near 100% accurate so far (I live in Houston TX)...and everything that comes through on Trailrunner is also within 1%...

I took the advice of one of the reviewers and bought it from a running store in our area that is known for good customer service (Luke's Locker in Houston) and they have a 30 day no questions asked return policy that covered me in case anything crazy happened...I was nervous with all of the complaints about it not working when wet...but that hasn't happened to me yet (I even licked my fingers to see if anything strange would happen and nothing did)...

I really like the watch and would hope anyone considering it would really do their homework...I really like the watch and give it a huge thumbs up!

---

Buyer's feedback: - Expect to be let down...
I have used this watch since August and at first I was really impressed.

Pros:

1. Awesome website to track progress.
2. Very motivating to see how you improve performance over time.

Cons:

1. You will have problems connecting to the Garmin website about every 6th time.
2. The GPS will not work about every 10th time - for some reason it has problems connecting to the Satelite
3. The GPS will not always be accurate

It is a start, but I believe this is version 1.0 for this style and I would wait for the next verson.

---

Buyer's feedback: - * Excellent when it works - Frustrating when it doesn't ...
The touch sensitive bezel is the downfall of this watch.
it completely stops functioning when the slights bit damp/wet - like at the end of any workout. I've also had multiple experiences when not only the bezel is non-functional, but also the 2 buttons don't function when damp - which is surprising because these should be mechanical.
The Buttons are used among other things to stop/stop/lap and lock/unlock the bezel.
While running, the data is great HR monitor accurate and sensitive, pace and GPS functions just fine. The auto-lap feature is particularly useful. The configurable display fields are handy for different activities (I wore the watch on a bike trip and you can configure the display to show things like grade etc..). Multiple displays are handy , but you tend to configure one for each activity and leave it set to that display.
A Huge Huge downside is the lack of Mac compatibility. I purchased the watch in May, was told by the store that it was compatible. I found out later it wasn't and a Mac connectivity program was promised for November. The latest word is Jan 09 - it can't be that hard to do.
Battery life initially sucked - updated firmware have improved this - with the original firmware , I got 4 hours of GPS/HR function and then it died - in the middle of a Marathon.
knowing what I know now - I would not get this watch or recommend it - you don't want to worry about not being able to stop your watch or look at the results at the end of a workout.
The watch has also completely locked up on me - although now I know how to reset it - hold both buttons down for 6+ seconds and follow the instructions on the face.
for Mac users - until they come out with the Mac "ANT" software - you can't upload your data to your computer , or update the firmware , unless you borrow someone's PC or go to a Garmin store.

---

Buyer's feedback: - Forerunner 405
I would recommend buying the Garmin Forerunner 405 as long as you don't sweat when you run/bike/workout. However, if you are like me and sweat when you take part in these activities: DO NOT BUY THIS WATCH! Yeah, you'd think that Garmin would have tested their watch on actual runners, but apparently not. Once you start sweating the watch starts "freaking out." It beeps incessantly for no reason. You can no longer switch between the screens because it totally locks up. This is not an isolated incident either. I took my first Forerunner 405 back for the same reason and foolishly tried another one. Same result. Moreover, I'm not so sure it keeps very accurate distance. I've run on a number of marked trails and even tracks and the watch is always 5-10% off. At least the watch looks cool and works great when you are sitting on your couch. All in all I'm very disappointed in Garmin and wonder how they can look themselves in the mirror when they are charging $350 for a watch that doesn't work.

---

Buyer's feedback: - * One should not buy this watch ...
Unless willing to pay top $ for an unfinished product.

The list of issues I ran into:

1. The altitude and elevation gain/loss data is completely off. For example, once I ran an almost flat loop 7 times, yet the website shows that I have climbed 5,352 ft. during this run. That is impossible. Equally surprisingly, the elevation curve shows no pattern; I would have expected to see an elevation pattern repeating itself 7 times.

2. The Garmin Ant Agent application is in the habit of crashing on my computer from time to time. This uploads the data from the watch to the Connect website.

3. If the Garmin Ant Agent misses uploading one workout to the Connect site I can find no way to manually upload it from the watch. According to the documentation, one can force-upload all workouts, but I'm wondering if that will not overwrite the already uploaded ones.

4. The Pace and Lap Pace functions are so off that one must not rely on them. This means that you have no idea on how fast you're running.

5. One cannot press a key to manually record a lap (the Auto Lap/Lap Press Only function does not work).

6. The automatic lighting of the screen in response to key presses and alerts works only sporadically: it does not work for approximately one hour into the run. As I start my workouts before dusk, it means that I see no alerts while it is dark outside.

7. After I've upgraded the watch's software to version 2.3, I could no longer access the watch's second time zone: if I enable it from the settings, I stop seeing the first time zone.

8. The Connect website is amateurish and seems to be eternally "under construction". Is this mentioned anywhere in the marketing documentation?

9. If it rains, the bezel does not work: it does not take user input and flips screens randomly.

10. The support staff is totally unresponsive: I did fill out two complaints on the website and I have heard no response.

Please note that I did not use all the functions this watch offers, so chances are there are more bugs that I did not run into.