While Timex is playing catch-up, Garmin has already begun rolling out a new generation of gadgets for runners and cyclists.  At the heart of these devices is the next generation GPS chip from SiRF.  Based on the available information on the internet, the SiRFstarIV chip will enable smaller devices with lower power consumption.  The chip also includes features to more quickly acquire and sustain satellite reception.  Garmin’s trademark for this capability is “HotFix.”  HotFix should improve performance on wooded trails under dense trees and in the downtown canyons of large cities.

Forerunner 310XT.  Garmin introduced the 310XT about a year ago.  With enhanced waterproofing, up to 20 hours battery life and features supporting multiple modes (swim, bike, run), the device is specifically targeted at triathletes.  The suggested retail price for the 310XT is $349.99 without a heart rate monitor and $399.99 with a heart rate monitor.

Forerunner 110.  Garmin has just announced the 110 with a launch party at the Boston Marathon.   The 110 is targeted at the entry level market for GPS running watches.  The designers focused on delivering a sleek, intuitive and affordable solution for runners, joggers and walkers who simply want to know the most essential of real-time workout data: how far and how fast.

In addition to displaying time and distance, Forerunner 110 shows pace in one of two ways, averaged out either over the current lap/mile (if auto-lap is enabled) or over the duration of the run.  Runners wearing a Garmin heart rate monitor (included in some versions or available separately) can monitor how hard they’re working while they exercise as the Forerunner 110 displays current heart rate data and features heart rate-based calorie computation.

The 110 has a greatly simplified menu system, limited to basic functions of reviewing run data, changing the auto-lap feature, setting an alarm and editing the user profile.  Run data can be uploaded to the runner’s PC or Macintosh or to Garmin Connect (Garmin’s online training log at http://connect.garmin.com).

The battery life is rated at 8 hours for training mode and 3 weeks in power-saver mode, i.e., using the 110 as a regular watch.  Suggested retail is $200 for the model without a heart rate monitor and $250 for versions bundled with a heart rate monitor.

Forerunner 305 vs Forerunner 110.  The Forerunner 305 bundled with a heart rate monitor is currently available from major internet retailers for about $150, approximately $100 less than the suggested retail of a Forerunner 110 with a heart rate monitor.  For the $100 extra, you get:
1. A smaller and more attractive watch
2. Enhanced ease of use for basic functions but a very limited feature set
3. A promise of quicker satellite acquisition
4. A promise of enhanced accuracy under difficult conditions, e.g., in dense woods.

Note:  I would be more than happy to attempt to quantify the quicker satellite acquisition and enhanced accuracy if a reader would be willing to let me borrow a 310XT or 110 for a day.

Edge 500.   The Garmin Edge 500 was introduced in September 2009 for the cycling market.  The new SiRFstarIV chipset has enabled Garmin to deliver a system that is closer in size to cycling computers without GPS capabilities.  The Edge 500 measures speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent, and records this data for your review on the device or upload.  Accessories include a heart rate monitor and speed/cadence sensor.  Compatible power meters are also supported.  For more precise climb and descent data, the Edge 500 has a built-in barometric altimeter.  Battery life is up to 18 hours, enough for at least a double century ride.

Suggested retail is $349.99 with the cadence and heart rate accessories or $249.99 for the base unit.  This compares very favorably with the online price of $345 for the older generation Edge 305 with cadence and heart rate accessories.  For $5 more, one gets the newer technology in a smaller and more attractive package and only gives up a small number of infrequently used features (waypoints, routes, interval workouts, etc.).