Garmin Forerunner 205

Pros: Auto lap at distance or time intervals; customizable screens

Cons: Takes too long to find satellites; Horrible reliabilty -- 2 broke within 75 days

Summary: The Forerunner 205 is a great concept, but I seems more like a prototype than a released product.

The functionality is very good - tracking courses, distance, pace, time, speed, laps... about 20 parameters logged. Its got multiple training and history modes. The distance, time and auto lap functions were most useful. Screens are customizable.

It takes minutes to locate satellites. I realized that the sync time was shorter if I took the watch off and left it still on the ground outside while I stretched.

However I rate the unit so poorly because of reliability. My first unit died after about 2 weeks of use -- hissed then went dead. I got a replacement that lasted about 45 days, then the battery stopped working. The device says its charged, but goes blank as soon as I disconnect the charger.

Overall, this is a great concept, but it doesn't seem like the product is ready for prime time. I'm returning it and waiting for the next generation.