Garmin presents two compact devices

Garmin presents the Foretrex 301 and 401 models, two wrist-worn GPS devices. The two lightweight and compact newcomers offer the most important features of full-fledged GPS devices: highly sensitive receiver, various position information, compass function, route recording. They are the smallest devices on the market that enable navigation.

The Foretrex 401 also has a barometric altimeter, an electronic compass and can even receive wireless data from Garmin sensors for heart rate and cadence. This makes the two new Foretrex models ideal for all outdoor enthusiasts and hikers who like to have their hands free, only need simple navigation and don't want unnecessary ballast.

There's no question that the larger handheld GPS devices have a large market. However, there are also users for whom a large display is less important than the ability to look at their GPS quickly - and without having to reach into their jacket pocket. Garmin is launching the Foretrex 301 and 401 models for this target group.

In contrast to GPS heart rate monitors, which enable comprehensive recording of heart rate and distance data, the new wrist computers are also suitable for active navigation. This includes a track and route display, a dual, user-defined position display (e.g. longitude and latitude plus Gauss-Krüger grid/German Grid or UTM coordinates) and a direction display in the form of a compass rose. The display of tour data and the recording of waypoints, routes etc. are also a matter of course with these two devices. This data can be conveniently read out at home via a USB port and displayed and evaluated on the PC.

Gamrin has equipped the Foretrex 401 with even more features: a barometric altimeter and an electronic compass. It is therefore also suitable for use in the mountains or on challenging treks. It also features ANT+ technology for wireless data transmission. The Foretrex 401 can also display information from a Garmin heart rate or cadence sensor.

Both devices are waterproof to IPX7 standard and comfortable to wear with a comfortable Velcro strap. The battery life of the Foretrex 401 is approx. 17 hours and of the Foretrex 301 even up to 18 hours.

Both models are available from specialist retailers and cost CHF 329.- and CHF 399.-

More facts

Easy-to-read LCD display

Weight: 86 grams including 2 AAA batteries (no rechargeable version)

Device dimensions 7.5 x 4.3 x 2.3 cm

Waterproof according to IPX 7

Stores 500 waypoints, 20 routes and 10 tracks with 10,000 points each

HotFixTM for fast and consistent satellite reception

WAAS and Egnos-capable

Sunrise, hunting and fishing information

Highly sensitive receiver

Battery life: 17 (Foretrex 401) or 18 hours (Foretrex 301)

USB port for PC connection

Foretrex 401 additionally: Wireless data transfer from device to device and reception of sensors for heart rate and cadence data, barometric altimeter and electronic compass