Garmin ForeRunner 201

2004-06-08 1 min read Gadgets marco

I just ordered a ForeRunner unit to replace my Polar HRM. It is supposed to arrive tomorrow, and I am all excited. I always thought that GPS is the way to go for cycling, because it doesn’t require modifications to the bike, is more precise, and it gives you a better indication of location.

For a while I was toying with the idea of using my Zaurus SL-5500 as a bike computer. I have a GPS receiver, and it would have been great to write the software that goes with it. It would indeed have been quite easy to do, since the connectivity with the GPS unit is a problem already solved and there is no problem with decyphering the output.

Some time later is was clear that the battery life of the Zaurus is just not good enough for the application. I get maybe a continuous five hours from the Zaurus on a good day, and I tend to spend more than that time when I am on my bike.

Now I will have to find a way to integrate the new data with my training software. That shouldn’t be much of a problem. Additionally, it would be great if I could generate real maps given satellite pictures!