I bought this watch about 2 years ago to keep track of my runs, and it works super good. I have ran with it all over the US: Northern and Southern Utah, Florida, Massachusetts, Colorado, and California, and have never had a problem with getting reception. It doesn't really work that well indoors, but you can still track your splits. There are a bunch of functions for speed, distance, elevation, and route finding. The only big difference between this model and the 305 is the heart rate monitor and $100. This is the only GPS I've used, but I have no desire to shop around.

I wanted to get more serious about my running so I bought this thing. I've now logged nearly 700 miles this year and I'm training for the Tokyo marathon. No more planning is required. I just strap this thing and take off. If I want to run 10 miles today, I just run out until this thing tells me I've run 5 miles and then I turn around. I plug it into my laptop and upload the data to the internet where it displays my run on Google Map and even tells me the temperature and wind speed/direction while I was running! I take the distance/time data and load it up to my running database where it displays my run stats on my blogsite. Me and a few friends located around the globe keep an eye on each other's blogs as a friendly competition. For outdoor activities, I still grab my old trusty Magellan Sportrak since I can change batteries on it in the field. But, the device I use day in and day out for my running is this. It has never failed me and has helped me take my running to another level.

A hiker can live without a GPS by using a compass and map. A runner can live
without a GPS watch by using a digital watch and a known course. That being
said, the Forerunner 205 provides insane amounts of data, which can take a person's training to a new level.

I have yet to scratch the surface of this unit's functionality. To date I've mainly used it for distance, pace and time for running and biking and even just with those functions the 205 is worth the price (though I did grab it on sale!) Simply being able to have an accurate real-time pace is a powerful tool in running/biking. No more waiting for mile markers on a course to find out if you've blown your pace! The 205 made it possible for me to run the Twin Cities Marathon as I was able to set my own paces and not have to hang with a set pace group. There are alternative electronic devices, but their edge in lower cost is trumped by calculating distance by footfall, something which can constantly change--and if they're linked to an Ipod, good luck using that in an official race!

The 205 does have navagation as well, but this would really only help with Point A to Point B or Trackback, we're not talking maps here. Also while larger than your average watch, it would only become ungainly if you are are super petite, and even then it won't be a burden. Besides you don't buy something like this for fashion. The 305 includes a heart rate monitor, but I've never been into that form of training, so 205 worked perfectly for me.

Long story short, if you've got the scratch and are looking to invest in something that will transform your training regime hesitate no longer!