Discussion: Garmin 205 for $99 on amazon

with free shipping, that's quite a bit cheaper than I have ever seen it before. this seems to be for today only.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CSQJ8C?ie=UTF...

The 205 is just like the popular 305 except it doesn't work with accessories like the heart rate monitor strap, footpod, etc., even if you buy them separately. but if you only care about GPS, it's good.

Thanks! Very timely info for me!

Does it come with the charger or is that a separate purchase? HOw does it connect to the PC?

Yes, it comes with a little cradle, a USB cable, a wall charger, some software, the manual -- basically everything you need. The charging is done through the USB connection, so you can charge it with a computer, the included wall adapter (which just has a USB port on it), or a third-party USB car charger.

Is $144 a good price for the 305 as well? Is it popular and good?

yes, but an even better deal is

http://www.drugstore.com/qxp177227/garmin/forerunn...

if it's your first order with them you can 20% off and free shipping for a total of $128 which is a gonga deal!

I had to laugh at their suggested retail price of $535.70! I never saw it for that much even when it was new. :-D

I think the 305 is still the best deal if you want a heart rate monitor, and those prices are good.

Here's my response to someone who asked for input a few months ago, when the 205 was not much cheaper than the 305:
I have personally logged sessions with the FR60(no GPS), FR201, FR305, FR405, and FR310xt. The inexpensive 305 is a good option and by far the most popular in use on Attackpoint. Depending on your use case, the 305's wired USB download method can be easier than the newer ANT Garmins (405/310/110) since the watch doesn't have to be paired to a single PC. The 205(no HRM) and 305 are the only models with a 1-second recording interval option. The smaller 405/405cx are also popular, it is probably not necessary to spend extra for the CX. The new 310xt has some nice features but is currently expensive and the firmware is not as stable as the older models; there are still some bugs.

From the too-much-info and vote-with-your-feet departments, the relative popularity of Garmins here on Attackpoint (by uploads this month) is:

305 - 51%
405 - 22%
405CX - 9%
310XT - 8%
205 - 7%
(plus a few others)

I assume the 205s etc are on special b/c of the new models being introduced by garmin. in case you havent noticed they have recently released (start of this month) a 410 and a 210 and there was a 110 already this year. The 410 looks pretty similar to 405. Seems like some internal improvements but functionality looks pretty similar. The 210 interests me as its promoted as a press the start button and go version GPS watch. Certainly looks like would suit me best when looking at it on the web.

For those of you who love the 1-second sample rate, stock up on the 205/305. It appears that the 110/210/310/410 are all using only "smart" sampling.

It appears that amazon.com won't ship to Canada ... but drugstore.com will.

....while drugstore.com doesn't even acknowledge that Australia (or our currency) exists. :)

..but does recognise New Zealand

Yes Brian, it's a shame that Amazon.co will not ship to addresses in Canada - only Amazon.ca will. But then they never have the same deals :-(

Having missed the deal on the 205, I'm now thinking Walmart's price of $130 for the 305 is looking good, especially as we are heading cross boarder this week. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?dest=999...

The 205 is back down to $99.99 on Amazon.com.

And finally on Amazon.ca (Canadian version) the 305 is at $129. The 205 is at $109.

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000CSWCQA/ref=pd_...

Nice. The 305 is now down to $129.99 on Amazon.com also.

I was so excited about finding the 205 for $88, on-line at Walmart, that I bought it.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Garmin-Forerunner-205-GP... Too bad I didn't check in here first. The $109 price above, at Amazon.ca probably would have worked out cheaper by the time I drive to the States to pick mine up.. (they don't ship to Canada but a great deal for the US folks). I guess I'll call it a holiday.

amazon is matching the walmart price: $88. BTW, the item is warehoused in Kentucky and with standard shipping, it takes about 2-3 days to reach most destinations east of the mississippi