Which New Garmin GPS is Right for You?

Features	Forerunner 110	Forerunner 210	Forerunner 310XT	Forerunner 410
Versions	Watch - $200 +HRM - $250	with HRM - $300 +Foot Pod - $350	Watch - $350 +HRM - $400	Watch - $325 +HRM - $375
Controls	Buttons	Buttons	Buttons	Touch Bezel
Display Size	1.0 inch diameter 52 x 30 pixels	1.0 inch diameter 52 x 30 pixels	1.3 x 0.8 inches 160 x 100 pixels	1.06 inch diameter 124 x 95 pixels
Customizable Screens	No	No	4 screens	3 screens
Battery Life	8 hours GPS 3 weeks as watch	8 hours GPS 3 weeks as watch	20 hours GPS	8 hours GPS 2 weeks as watch
Pace	Lap Average only	Current, Average or Lap Average	Current, Average and Lap Average	Current, Average and Lap Average
Auto Lap	X	X	X	X
Interval Training		X	X	X
Advanced Workouts			X	X
Auto Pause			X	X
Virtual Partner			X	X
Courses			X	X
Triathlete Features			X
Vibration Alert			X
Data Transfer	USB cable	USB cable	Wireless Autosync	Wireless Autosync
Foot Pod		Some Versions	$69.99	$69.99
Bike Sensor			$60.00	$60.00

All four models use the latest GPS chipset (SiRFstarIV) and updated software with features (trademarked "HotFix") to more quickly acquire satellite and improve performance on wooded trails under dense trees and in the downtown canyons of large cities.  I reported on the "10 Series" performance improvements in May.  All four are compatible with Garmin Training Center and Garmin Connect so you can upload your runs.  All but the 310XT can be used as a regular sports watch.  Looking deeper into the feature sets, here are my recommendations:

•·     Forerunner 110 - all you need is the basic features so you can accurately record information about your runs (how far, how fast and where you went).  You might add the Heart Rate Monitor for a measure of how hard you ran.

•·     Forerunner 210 - you regularly include speed work in your training routine and need the Interval Training features.  You might add the Foot Pod if you regularly run where GPS won't work, e.g., on an indoor track or treadmill.

•·     Forerunner 310XT - you want to download (to the watch) advanced workouts you've created on your PC and/or you are a multi-sport athlete (run, bike and swim) and/or you are an ultrarunner who needs the 20 hour battery life for your big race and/or you want the best and can afford it.

•·     Forerunner 410 - you want most of the features of the 310XT in a form you can wear as a regular sports watch.  You won't be using the watch for swims or events longer than 8 hours.  Note:  the 410's touch bezel controls may tricky to use with mittens in winter and sweaty fingers in summer.

•·    Forerunner 305 - while not listed in the table above, this older model has most of the features of the 310XT at a much lower price point (less than $130 including heart rate monitor on Amazon).  It does not have the latest chip set but, if your runs are in exposed areas where the watch always has a clear view of the sky, the performance differences are very small.  Trail runners will be happier having the new chipset in any of the "10 Series" devices.