Forerunner 405 With USB ANT by Garmin

I was originally hesitant to purchase the Garmin Forerunner 405 because of several negative reviews related to the bezel, GPS accuracy and sync issues with a Mac. In the end, my Timex was just not cutting it and I needed an upgrade. After 50 miles, I can say the Forerunner 405 just keeps getting better.

My goals: I'm not a running junkie, but it is my primary method of exercising. I've run 1 marathon and want to run several more in the near future, but I'd like to do much better in my overall times. My specific goal for training is all about improving my average pace over longer distances (I would like to consistently run future marathons under 4 hrs).

My needs: Accurate tracking for distance, total time, current pace, average pace.

My wants: GPS functionality for improved accuracy, logging of actual run, ability to upload data for review and a visual display on the watch that allowed me to track multiple metrics at the same time (time / pace / distance etc).

My concerns: Almost every negative review (1 or 2 star) highlights 3 basic issues:
1) Problems with the bezel
2) Accuracy of GPS
3) Computer Sync (PC or Mac)

Let me address my personal experiences with the above:

1) Bezel: The most common complaint that I noted was people having issues with the bezel during a run. Specifically after they began to perspire, the user was unable to manipulate the bezel. Has this ever happened to me - absolutely - so why is it not an issue... I don't run naked. I simply wipe my finger off on my shirt or shorts and voila, it works! In addition, I don't play with my watch much during my run - I have the training screen set up with 3 panels - current pace in the large panel and distance and time in the 2 smaller panels and that's enough for me. I will occasionally tap the bezel to view my current heart rate, or view the virtual partner, but for the most part, I don't see the need to play with the functions.

2) Accuracy of GPS: I've run under long bridges in Austin, TX, under thick tree canopies in the Florida, and in deep gorges in Colorado Mountains - based on my previous mapping and running with other people with GPS devices, my Garmin has very little variance from what I know to be the correct distance. In addition, I have run on my treadmill at home using the Garmin Foot pod and the treadmill distance and Garmin distance is virtually identical. I have NEVER had a personal experience where the distance was noticeably off.

3) Computer Sync: I have both a Mac and PC at home - the Garmin ANT Agent (sync software) is loaded on both. I have not experienced significant issues syncing to my Mac, but I have experienced annoying things where I am unable to upload a run TO my watch from the Mac. Overall - it's very simple... it works better with a PC - no doubt. It DOES work with a Mac and people that say otherwise should consider the possibility of user error.

The Garmin is not perfect - I am have experienced issues with having a low battery before a run, but now I know to charge my watch frequently (every 3 days) to prevent issues. It recently took several minutes to locate the satellites in clear weather, but that has not been a common occurrence - now I turn my GPS on as I'm getting ready and it will usually pick up satellites before I walk out the door.

The Garmin Connect site is great ([...]) - I upload my runs, review my metrics and monitor my progress. I also look for new runs in familiar locations or locate popular running trials when I'm on the road. You can even upload a course someone else has run to your watch and use the navigation to keep you on the trail.

This watch has helped me significantly increase my pace, track my progress and frankly - I like using it so much, I run more just so I can log another activity. I suspect that people that have serious issues with their Forerunner 405's may have some issues with user error.

Update: after two months of using the 405, I have some additional observations. Based on my experiences, I would lower the star rating to 3 stars. The decrease in rating is due to incredibly poor software and support from Garmin. The hardware is still extremely impressive, despite the software failings.

Software and Support:

The Garmin Connect (which allows you to track your training progress) is nothing more than a beta with limited functionality and slow response times. Moreover, it is still very buggy. The software which automatically uploads the computer data to Garmin Connect just suddenly stopped working a month ago.

Hold times to get in touch with Garmin telephone support is 45 minutes. Email support is terrible - it has taken a full MONTH to have two email exchanges with support. All this and the problem has not been fixed.

Moreover, the software is poorly designed. You have to constantly monitor Garmin's website for software updates (there is no "Check for Update" feature). If a problem occurs in the software, there are no features to aid in resolving the problem.

Hardware:

First impressions: the form factor is nice, but you need to be aware that the watch is somewhat "thick". If you are wearing a button down shirt, the 405 will not fit comfortably under a sleeve cuff. However, looking at it from above, it looks like a normal watch. Wearing it while running will probably not draw a second look from other runners. This is also a downside since you want people to notice your shiny new 405.

Setup - this took only a few minutes and was very easy. TThe 405 walks you through a brief tutorial. Overall, setup was very easy.

Navigation - this takes a few minutes to get the hang of. Once you have the buttons down, it is quite easy to navigate. The sensitivity of the touch bezel is adjustable for your taste. I've played with the 305 in the store and the 405 actually seems more intuitive to navigate.

Initial lock - finding the satellites takes a few minutes the first time. It will lock on much faster if you are not moving. Subsequent times to find the satellites was much quicker.

Use - After you have turned on the GPS and gotten a lock, all you need to do is press start to begin your workout. It was very easy to use. I basically forgot about it while I was running other than to check my pace every mile or so. Kept a lock the entire time (keep in mind this was in Chicago's Lincoln Park - roughly 2/3rds of the sky is clear (except for trees) so achieving constant lock-on should not be a problem for any GPS. I have not tested this downtown).

For those worried about water resistance, my first usage of my 405 was in the pouring rain. It didn't seem to notice (or care) about the rain. It can handle a good amount of water without issue.

Syncing - you need to download the software from Garmin (it's actually a web plug in). However, the manual was clearly rushed out the door. Not only does it contain typos (at one point it refers to the wrong step) but it is not clear from the manual that you need to download the USB drivers. DO NOT put the ANT USB key into the computer until you have downloaded the specific ANT drivers from Garmin (so you have to download two different pieces of software - the plugin and the USB driver). If you plug the ANT key into the computer w/o the Garmin USB driver, Windows will find what it thinks is the correct driver (which is the wrong driver). The syncing will not work if you do this. Just a heads up.

I wish I owned a 305 to compare it to. In the Garmin store, the 405 did not see that much smaller than the 305, although the 405 was clearly more elegant. Functionally, I hear that they are extremely similar. You just need to personally evaluate whether the 405 is really worth the increased cost over the 205/305. Personally, I plan on keeping the 405.

Battery Life - After playing with it for 30 minutes, taking it on an hour's run and syncing it with my computer, it only used 12% of the battery life.

I previously owned a Forerunner 201 and my husband runs with a 205. What I really like about the 405 is how quickly it finds the satellites and is ready for a run. I also haven't had any issues with reception, which I often had with my 201.

Unfortunately, that's about the only thing that's improved with the 405 in my eyes. Here are my main issues with it:

- There's no way to turn it off. Sure, it goes into a "power save" mode. In this mode, the battery lasts about a week. You're completely draining the battery every week when you could only be using the battery for an hour or so several times a week. Each time a rechargable battery is discharged and recharged, it uses up a cycle of the battery and there are only so many cycles a battery can go through. At this rate, the battery is going to get used up really quickly. This is poor design. (Or perhaps they're hoping to capitalize on the revenue from people having to replace their batteries more often...)

- If you have small wrists, the watchband is too large and can be uncomfortable. I preferred the velcro strap on the 201. The 205/305 models also have the option to purchase a more comfortable strap that fits small wrists better. I contacted Garmin and there is no such option for the 405.

- The touch bezel is overly sensitive. Yes, you can adjust the sensitivity, but then once you do, it's nearly impossible to use it while running because it's not sensitive enough. There's no happy medium. Sorry Garmin, but old-fashioned buttons work better for pushing during activity. I'm constantly accidently getting into "virtual partner" mode while I'm trying to push the lap button.

- The low battery indicator obscures the entire screen. I did an entire run the other day with text that said "LOW BATTERY" across the entire display. I knew the battery was low, but I wanted to see how my run was going anyway! I can't find any way to dismiss this warning. It also obscures all menus (when not in training mode). It's very annoying because the device has at least 30-40 minutes of charge left after this indicator appears, but it renders the unit nearly inoperable for it's last 30-40 minutes before the battery dies.

- The computer sync only works with PC. With Mac market share growing by leaps and bounds, it's very surprising when companies don't come out with simultaneous platform support. Shame on you, Garmin. The website does indicate that support is coming "Fall 2008." I guess we'll see. (EDIT: I've been informed that this model now syncs with Mac, which is great! I ended up returning this product so I cannot speak to how that works.)

I really wish I'd just stuck with my 201. I feel like this upgrade was a waste of money.