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Thursday, June 07, 2012

RunWithMe Running App Reviewed

Fancy an Apps that will track your run (pace and distance) against another person in real time? Say, if you are in Kuala Lumpur and a friend in Penang, you both would love to run together but the distance does not permit you to do so unless you are both meeting up face to face?

In come runWithMe from Kaiser & Kaiser. They introduced their new Sports app that allows two runners to run together, even if they are on different continents. Mutually agreeing on a start time and distance, each runner’s iPhone periodically announces aloud elapsed time, distance covered, and their running-mate’s relative position, ahead or behind. With live voice feedback in English, French, German, or Spanish, the app allows runners to pace each other, remotely, from any location on earth.

As the apps provides feedback for any practice, training or race done outdoors over a distance, it is equally effective for other outdoor sports such as canoeing, skiing, cycling, etc., runWithMe allows friends to workout together no matter where they are. Based on the built-in GPS of the iPhone, the app is easy to set up, and it requires no accounts, registration, or login. Athletes can listen to iPod music while running, and results can be easily uploaded to RunKeeper and Twitter.

I was given access to this apps for review with Jamie Pang and last Tuesday, we had the chance to try it out. Setting the run was not difficult as all it takes is either one party to set the run up (up to an hour before the run) and send the link to the other party to be activated.

Jamie sent me an sms informing me of the run. All i did was click on the link

The hardest part of the whole setup is to agree with the time to run/practice/train/race. Potentially, if two parties is on different time zone, it could pose an issue. But without looking too far of a time zone, this is how KL (or more specifically KLCC Park) versus Damansara Utama looked like.

And so, the run setup by Jamie was scheduled

I left office the moment i got the sms and it took me a painfully slow 30+minutes to reach home. As i had a running date with wifey as well, having another "virtual" partner running with us ain't too bad. It also provided an opportunity to test the apps out.

Hurry Hurry Get Home Soon!

Specifically, I would want to see how the apps will react and work under different condition and the accuracy of the pace and distance. Armed with my Garmin 910XT to compare, i found the pace to be pretty much the same (as the ability of any GPS enable device will differ based on the hardware and software). and pretty usable. I was told that Jamie started the run much earlier and when the run started, the apps started recording the details.

Blue GPS meaning good reception. The first three lines shows your progress. Last line is Jamie's distance from you.

Ideally, if two person were to run together, they will endeavour to run at the same pace. After all, that is what having a running partner for. So, the tracking on this device pretty much allows, or will tell how much you are ahead or behind your running partner.

Stupe trailing Jamie by 25m....

As reported by Jamie in his blog, he started the run ahead of me, so, naturally, i was trailing him. Knowing how strong Jamie is and how he was down/recovering from a bout of flu, i tried catching up with him. Jamie is a strong runner. He can have me for breakfast any day with or without warm up.

Opps...leading further despite me running faster!

The apps, allow you to play MUSIC very much like the iPod function and you can choose what songs you want to include into your running/training. Pretty nifty in a simple apps package. Gives you only what you need, not more than that. I found out later than Jamie stopped his run after 2km and i continued my run with wifey. That has allowed me to catch up and overtook him.

Catching up with Grand Master

I then received a SMS from Jamie informing me that he has ended his exercise but i allowed the apps to continue to run to see if it still works if the other party stopped or ended his exercise. Apparently, it keeps recording and feeding back to the other party. I ended the run at KM3 and there is an option to "Post Result".

Clicking on the "Post Result" button brings me to the Twitter window where i can upload and boast/cry about the run result. :) Perfect way to talk $hit with your fellow runner.

Thank goodness Grand Master had flu! Else, I will be 760m behind!

The twitter intergration works great and (i had to borrow the screen capture from Jamie below) it will broadcast the results all your followers in Twitter to see.

Taken from Jamie's Blog on runWithMe app Review

The apps will have a voice over (male or female, you choose) and will provide voice feedback on all the stats shown in the apps. The apps send small packet of information via the mobile network and provide the updates. Do not get alarmed if you see screen like the one below.

Small data only. Insignificant if you have data plan

The default speech synthesis is using an online service. However, there is an alternative voice of lower quality that can be run without Internet connection. You can disable (the Internet voice synthesis) by clicking on Settings-->Voice Feedback and switch the last option to OFF. That way, you possibly will save on some data being transmitted. Bear in mind, however, is that the "syncing" between the two parties still requires data, albeit in a smaller packet.

If you are interested with this Apps, you will need:

An iPhone 3G/3GS/4/4S, iPad (1,2,3) Wi-Fi + 3G with iOS 4.1 and above (Apps tested on iPhone4 on 5.1.1)
A data plan but according to the developer, the data consumption is minimal.
A running partner, obviously. Preferably within the same time zone or not too far off (like within 2 or 3 hours time differences), as this will allow almost similar running time without having one running in the middle of the night, while the other in the afternoon.

Pros:

No registration needed, no emails, user name needed. You can even name your friend something else...
Simplistic GUI. No drama. Click and Go.
You now can race against a friend virtually - in real time.
Simple to set up, just one page and you are done.
Allows you to select songs from within a play list rather than take the entire play list.

Cons:

Does not allow "appointment" to be set beyond ONE HOUR waiting period. I.e. the run you set up has to be started within an hour. Apparently, this was designed in such ways to ensure that the latest run will always be at the top.
The apps does not allow you to set, for example, a 5km run or a 10km run. Good example is during the testing, Jamie stopped at Km2, I went ahead for 3km. If a common distance could be set, runners will be more committed to the distance.
The integration is only to RunKeeper and Twitter. Something to DailyMile or to Facebook would be good.

The app is available at the iTunes Store for USD0.99. However, an SMS from Jamie confirms that the Apps is FREE for now. We Malaysians LOVE free stuff. Go download it here

Disclaimer: The app developer, Kaiser & Kaiser, provided Jamie with 2 courtesy codes to test drive the app. Jamie's review could be found here and here

Timex Global Trainer GPS Firmware Update

My last entry on this has me complaining about how slow the signal acquires or lock onto the GPS for the Timex watch. A colleague having the same watch with the updated (as of April 2012 Firmware 3.14) firmware complained about the watch unable to lock onto satellite during his Haadyai Marathon. He lost 21km of information due to this and only did a GPS reset at Km21 of the race.

The "now obsolete" Firmware 2.94 that came with the watch (stock)

So when i posted the entry (it was scheduled actually), a kind person actually alerted me that a new firmware was uploaded to the Timex Training Peak website for a new firmware as of May 30,2012. That was like 4 days ago while this entry was written on June 4, 2012.

Firmware update from TimexIronman at Training Peaks

GPS signal is important aspect of the GPS enable watch - else, what is the point of having a GPS watch, isn't it? Most are bulky, like you can see from the 910XT and the Timex Global Trainer (TGT) size and it is not really a fun thing to lug around something that ain't gonna help you acquire and record useful data beyond your elapsed time. In fact, knowing this very well (signal aquisition), the choice was obviously Garmin (as they make GPS) and Timex was because they are super affordable if you buy them out of Malaysia and Singapore.

Firmware 3.14 as of April 2012. Promised better signal acquisition, but not really.

Before you attempt to upgrade the firmware, make sure you have the latest Device Agent software installed. The current version is 3.0.76 (as of May 30, 2012) and can be downloaded here. After installing the latest Device Agent, proceed to download the newest firmware for the TGT, here.

Latest DeviceAgent software

Now, assuming you are like me with some setup data in the TGT already and re-flashing the TGT will mean you lose all information previously stored, like your configuration for weight, sex, age etc etc. SO, it is important to backup or export these settings before you re-flash the TGT with a new firmware. Full instruction to do that can be available here. Essentially, what you need to do is to link the watch with the PC via the USB/charging cable, set the mode to PC Sync, Go to Settings, then Configure, look for GPS and EXPORT. Save the file in a location easy to locate (default is to your Document->TrainingPeaks) and save the file. Then proceed to upgrade the firmware following the instruction on the screen which will ask you to go to mode configure, then GPS, then Version, then press Start/Split until it prompts you to Update Firmware Yes/No?. Done correctly, you will be rewarded with the updated firmware.

New Firmware as of May30, 2012. Ver 3.19

How important is this firmware? Very. If you own a TGT, i suggest you upgrade/update it with this version. It took less than 40seconds to lock onto the satellites from Cold-Start (after resetting from firmware upgrading/updating). The video below proved it.

Not satisfied, i later upgraded my TGT at home (night), ran it on the 3.19 COLD under the moonlight, it took about 2minutes to lock on (oh no!), but after the cold start, the Hot Fix was almost immediate. Will continue to monitor and feedback from time to time.

So, if you are in the market for a GPS enable watch, the Timex GPS at this moment, does look like a good contender based on pricing (if bought outside of Malaysia and Singapore). The pricing in eBay is simply irresistible - it is the risk in posting that you have to keep your fingers (and toes) crossed.

A Gruesome Find In Bukit Kiara

I brought about 10 people into the trail last Saturday, mostly first timer in Kiara wondering what was the hype about my previous entry here. It was a good 7.3km run going into Overtime, Magic Carpet, part of 2K, Twin Peak, Dirty Deeds, Lookout Point and back via reverse Lungbuster/Coronary.
Along the way, I found an envelope with documents inside, which perhaps, was meant/left behind for someone like me to find/collect. I took it, put into my Nathan hydration pack and never bothered about it until i reached home...

I don't usually pick up anything...but i felt this was left there...for me.

My jaw fell when i saw what was inside. It was a letter from FoBK or Friends of Bukit Kiara to the Jabatan Lanskap Negara that reports to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government ! The content of the letter was heartbreaking to say the least. It listed down all the things that has been happening to Kiara as I am writing and you reading this. Many joggers or recreational walkers only walked on the paved part of the Hill otherwise known as Bukit Kiara. They, however, do not have a single clue of what is happening, or going to happen to Kiara. Suffice to say, the power-to-be has felt the heat of the "movement" to save Bukit Kiara and has even got the paper to say this.

Oh really?

More "recreation friendly"? How is Kiara, in it's existing state, not friendly? Fencing to keep the people safe? From what? Tigers? Barricaded entrance at five locations? Most only know of ONE entrance. Now, they claimed that the Government knows of NGOs and People Movement trying to preserves the hill, so they took steps to "Gazette the hills". Really?
~~Here is the letter from FoBK~~. Noting what has been done and damaged for the past few months.

The letter seems to be missing one more page with sign off - but this is the best i could do since this document was left there for me to take. Let me point out a few items in the letter.
1. Roads - There is a big mismatch between what JLN has and what Trail Association of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (TRAKS) understood from a meeting on May 8, 2012. There is already 21km worth of road (wow! Enough to do a Half Marathon in Kiara!!!) and three more are being planned that will clear the whole route between the cross junction and the peak of Twin Peak (2km worth of trails). Is JLN planning to build a DISNEYLAND?

Can you imagine this SINGLETRACK becoming a paved road large enough for a car to even make a 3-point turn? This is how the top of Twin Peak looked like on May 2, 2012. How long will this last?

2. Trails - The past two decades has seen the members of TRAKS volunteers crafted and maintained the tracks based on IMBA International Standards to build Sustainable Trails - two decades (20 years for some of you numerically challenged) of work even when the word GREEN and SUSTAINABLE was not used together in one phrase. There are currently 37km worth of trails in Bukit Kiara making it known internationally! I know of some tourist that come here, specifically asking the mountain bikers and hikers "Where is Bukit Kiara?"!!!

The Modified Magic Carpet, or what is left of it. Clearing is being done everyday. This place used to be dense.

3. Car Park - a proposed 200 car park lot is being planned right beside Bangunan Sit Hasmah at the bottom of Kiara Hill. Look, Malaysians WILL drive all the way UP to the entrance (about 150m away) so that they do not need to WALK so far to exercise. So, building a 200 car park lots 150m away, will not help. It just give an excuse to cut and clear the existing Office Trail and Overtime Trail. In fact, there is a park connector trail, 100m that link both Bukit Kiara and the Taman Tasik Lembah Kiara! I for one, try to park as far as possible so i could clock mileage - after all, i am there to exercise!

Destruction such as these made water ponding and erosion happens. Then, all these desiltation will happen, washing down soil onto the bottom of the hill, and whatever paved road they want to build here, will be swept away. SUSTAINABLE Tracks? Hardly! Photo take May 2, 2012.

Same spot - Feb 2012.

4. Destruction of existing trails - most trails in Bukit Kiara has already been destroyed. The map below, which was the original Masterplan, shows just how much damages has been done. The PINK highlighted trails has already been destroyed by bulldozers. Next will be the Orange highlighted trails, which is the existing park connector, lungbuster aka coronary bypass trail, Rock Garden, Carnival, Flintstones, Pure Quill, Downhill will be destroyed in the name of a "new jogging track (premix). Like seriously?? We trail lovers run trails because it is NOT premix. If we want premix, we run on the road. Not in the jungle. The Orange highlight with GREEN lines is the existing Twin Peak trails, that will lead to Kampung Trail (which already has been destroyed, on the Mont Kiara side). What is disturbing is that they will build a ROUNDABOUT at the top of Kiara or Pt. 264(meters above sea level). Premix all the way! Have the planner even take a walk up Twin Peak to appreciate the beauty? I guess not as they are more comfy in their air conditioned office than in nature!

So you see, what you read in the paper is not what it always seems. On one hand, those that are not updated with the happening will think "OK, so the fight to save Kiara is successful". Truth is, it only has just begun. By the way, there is also a "plan to build a OLD Golfer's Clubhouse at Overtime, amongst the 200 car park lots. Go Figure.

Evidence of burnt/poison trees at Lookout Point. JLN claimed to plant 14,000 trees, why destroy existing Flora? WHY?

Please share this far and wide. Do not let them hoodwink you thinking everything is ok! You WILL lose Kiara is you let your guard down. Developers around Bukit Kiara already demarcating the lands to build Bungalow and Super-Bungalows costing millions of Ringgit. Soon there will be nothing left, but a paved road that these authority will tell you "It is a park, go use it".

Imagine premix road up Twin Peak!!! This is a double trail that are very much loved by Mountain Bikers, Hikers, Hashers and Trailrunners! Why need to create a premix road wide enough for car? Is this "clear" enough?

Click on the bottom comment column with Twitter, Facebook, Google+ to share this in your social media network. Raise the awareness of what is happening. Do not let Kiara become the next Gasing or Melawati!
Save Kiara before it is too late!

Update : due to the sensitivities of the few things i posted up and to respect the wish for some to remain anonymous, i have removed some items in this posting.

Timex GPS Global Trainer Signal Review

If you have been following the blog, you will know that i did a short review on the Timex Global Trainer (TGT) concentrating on the basic feature and how one could (almost) immediately update and use the TGT and maximises the unit. Much like what i did for the Garmin 910XT GPS signal, this entry serve to provide a visual clue on the SiRFIII chip on the TGT. Read about some jargon and how the well the Garmin 910XT locks to the satellites here. Be reminded that it takes only about 1minute max for the 910XT to lock on from COLD start.

It takes a good 2 minutes for the TGT to lock on. The differences in time is obvious when compared (or spoilt) by the Garmin 910XT. That is still understandable due to the SiRFIII chip that is in TGT compared to the SiRFIV in 910XT.
If you did watch the video above until it ends, you will noticed i went "blank" for a while when the time did not co-relate with what was expected. I soon found out that the watch has no auto-update on the time zone and that needs to be done manually. I actually mentioned this in the review of TGT yesterday. Anyhow, it is easy to do once you figured out the problem. Yeap, it is user problem.

With that done. The next thing is to check how fast the TGT will find the signal HOT-start. I did a run on the day i received the TGT and i had to stand almost 2minutes, maybe more for the satellite to lock on. With the Garmin 910XT, it was minimal lag on the signal locking. However, once i got it going, the TGT tells enough data to keep me distracted from the chore of running. :) Data transfer via the USB cable and linking it to the TrainingPeaks.com website was simple, though unlike GarminConnect, you have to "upload" the file that has been sync-ed with your PC.

Too cluttered!

Once the workout has been uploaded (manually), you can then see the data and start tracking your workout proper.

Hmm...

So, there you have it. With two different GPS watches compared that functions as a multisport watch with mapping and data capabilities, you will now have more information to make your next (informed) purchases. I own both the watches and both will be used interchangeably for me to better understand how both will work and their other "hidden" functions. So, stay tune to this blog for further update.

Update June 4, 2012 : I was told there is new firmware update (May 30 : Timex Global Trainer
Firmware vF-XGH-2B-1205211.GHX). So i am downloading it NOW to try it. Device Agent need to be upgraded as well. Thanks Anon.

Timex GPS Global Trainer Review and Setup

Thanks to a friend whom his sister came back from US of A, an additional order of yet another GPS watch were made and delivered safely. As most of you would know, i have my Garmin Forerunner 910xt since earlier this month and have been very happy with it. With almost immediate or insignificant lag in signal sourcing, it will be interesting to see how another GPS watch that is being sold at almost 34% more expensive in Malaysia hold up to the price reputation. Malaysian always have the skewed perception that "if it is more expensive, it is better".

FYI, the Timex Ironman Global Trainer (hereof be known as just TGT) is being sold in Malaysia by Timex Malaysia for the Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of RM1999. You can get it off for RM1499 if you were lucky.

taken from Timex Malaysia Facebook Page Here

I could not find any price reference to the watch above as it seems that the Timex.com.my website is not loading/responding. Not too sure if they are still maintaining it. Anyhow, at RRP of RM1999, it is 34% more expensive than the Garmin 910XT (at RRP RM1490). Online retail price via eBay, similar to the one i bought (but did not reach me - i offered to refund the seller, but he do not want to take it) works out to be RM750maximum even with courier postage (with live tracking - best suggested method to get anything on eBay). So how much did this unit cost me? Because of the free shipment (hand delivered), it was less than RM1000. So, why is Timex Malaysia selling them at cutthroat pricing? Their after sales services is bad and expensive (many grouses, my own personal experiences included when i tried to change a strap on my Timex Ironman FLIX). So unless someone can tell me that they have consistent after sales services from Timex - things has not changed much.

Back to the TGT review. Again, i am not attempting to do a DC Rainmaker's review of the TGT that is not only comprehensive, but in-depth to the extend one might get lost in the review if one do not sieve the information shared. My point here is to provide an easy and direct approach so that many others that are like me, would appreciate the more basic setting up of the watch to gauge "if we really need this". As usual, unless noted, all items reviewed in this blog belongs to me and the free plug serves as an education for others not to repeat the same mistake (if the product is lemon) and to provide as frank of a discussion on the item. With that, the review starts here.

Unboxing

The TGT comes in a nicely packed box which looked as impressive as the Garmin 910XT. There is sufficient marketing materials on the box itself to let you know what the watch is for.

The Ironman logo adds on to the price as royalty payment to World Triathlon Corporation (WTC).

Removing the pack, the items were all stored in three layers of plastic holder which will reveal all the items below.

From top left (clockwise): Attachment for bike handlebar, the TGT, The USB/charging cable, The US pin charger attachment, the HRM with strap, the simple manual and the charger

Size Comparison to Garmin 910XT
One thing you will notice if you remove the TGT from the box is how HUGE the unit is. This is definitely a watch for the "exhibitionist" racer ;-) Suit my profiling.

With the screen sticker still on to provide a visual clue on how it looks

How does i stack up against the 910XT? Apparently, this TGT makes the 910XT looked "normal". Be reminded my wrist is pretty big and the TGT was worn higher up my arm - and it still look big.

Huge Mahder

Side view of the TGT and 910XT. Despite the QR Kit giving the 910XT extra height, they both looked about the same height

THe TGT got to be inching towards 20mm thickness as the 910XT with QR kit looked just slightly higher than the TGT from side profile.

Loading up the juices
For some of us that know about the shipping condition of the TGT, we would know that the watch comes with almost empty battery level. So, you can't take this out and use it immediately. You will need to charge it. The TGT comes with the USB charging cable which has four contacts (as opposed to two contacts on the 910XT) and a fool proof clip (with markers) that will securely clip the TGT for charging and data transfer.

The Red Dot should line with the other Red Dot, then you clip it whole thing on.

Visual of a correctly clipped USB cable and TGT.

Fully chaged in about 90minutes

Firmware Update. Important!

Now, while charging, there is an important step to perform, which is to update the TGT firmware. The new firmware will improve the signal searching and locking of the satellite better. The TGT was known to have issues with this. So, do yourself a favour by going to this website here (Training Peak.com) or just click here for the link to the software called Device Agent and also the latest firmware for the TGT here and follow the instruction here. Essentially, you will go from Firmware 2.94 to Firmware 3.14 if done correctly.

Ver 2.94 with file reference number

The process of re-flashing takes less than 2 minutes and unless you already own the TGT prior to this, there is absolutely no need to back up the setting (such as sex, age, height etc etc) as it is essentially a "clean install". If you are upgrading, there is adequate instructions and guideline for this upgrading in the Training Peaks website.

Firmware upgrading. You won't Swim, bike or run faster - in case you are wondering.

Once done, it will reset the watch by itself

And by going to Configure ->GPS->Version, you will be presented with the new firmware version if done successfully.

Rock and Rolling!

Setting Up TGT To Your Preferences
Assuming that you managed to do the above, the Device Agent has already been successfully installed in your PC (and you had it re-started). The Device Agent is your One-Stop centre for the TGT from now onwards. Opening an account with Training Peaks is free and it is similar with how Garmin Connect works. While Garmin Connect is fully web-based, Device Agent resides in your PC and will upload datas once you are ready. I am still on the learning curve with both Device Agent and also Training Peak's interface, and i foresee myself getting familiarized with it within the next one week and will be able to answer most of your queries, if any.

One of the magic of Device Agent - configuring all the watches nitty-gritty at one place. Each option shown on this screen is replication of what is in the TGT.

Now, the next exciting thing will be to switch the unit ON. It is the middle button on your left side. Again, foolproof unless you can't read. Upon switching it ON, the TGT will go into searching mode for GPS signal. If you are in a building, do not waste your time. You will NOT get a signal.

This interface only if you updated the firmware to 3.14, else, the older firmware shows nothing except blinking satellite icon on the bottom right.

Next, as we are in Malaysia and are used to the Metric system, we have to get this part correct or struggle with the Miles, Feet and Inch measurement (English). It is easy to do by just pressing the MODE button to locate CONFIGURE screen and then scroll down to UNIT and do the necessary.

Press ENTER (middle button on right side) or just wait for 2-seconds for it to go into the option page.

Repeat the same for WATCH INFO and set the timezone to Singapore (GMT+8.00) as the default unit comes with US Eastern time. This is to ensure the GPS to show the correct LOCAL time (the mistake i made - wait up for the GPS signal posting review soon).
From the CONFIGURE menu, you can also update your USER INFO which includes the vitals. Alternative to all these is actually to do it via the Device Agent as noted above.

What's Next

With every push of the MODE button, the watch menu will change or cycle through a few options. We have covered CONFIGURE option, the other more important one to get the TGT setup and ready for first usage is to go to the PERFORMANCE option. In this option, you will be able use it for either SWIM, BIKE or RUN as THREE INDIVIDUALLY RECORDED DATA.

Like seriously...

SWIM Screen showing TIME SPLIT ONLY. Highly customizable, see below

Now, let's take the RUN screen as the screen we want to see. Standard view is split to 4-window which will show the HR, Pace, Distance and Lap time.

Similar to Garmin 910XT

The same is seen on the BIKE screen where SPEED, CADENCE (using an ANT+ device), DISTANCE and HR can be viewed.

Nice.

A bit of further checking revealed that each of the screen is customizable - similar to Garmin 910XT. You can dictates to show between one and four split screen to monitor the vital data. For example shown here, the customization of the RUN data.

Can see One to Four split screen. If you need Five, get another TGT.

Extensive options for view change

If that is not enough, it allows two slots for customized view. You can also change both the name of the Custom 1 and 2.

Custom 1 to be...SUPERMAN WORKOUT?

The biggest differences to the 910XT is that the 910XT allows up to 4 screens with 4 split data views just for ONE SPORTS. The TGT allows only ONE SCREEN with 4 split datas - unless you convert the other two CUSTOM to your favorite view. To be frank, even with 4 data lines, there is already sufficient data to process. Perhaps the only reason for this is when you want to use the watch sans the HR monitor and you do not want to leave that view blank (0BPM).
As the TGT is an Ironman branded watch, expect the battery life (per charge on continuous usage) with GPS on and tracking of the sports to be ON to last at least 17hours (the Ironman qualifying time). Also, because it is a specific watch made for triathlon, you will get an option for MULTISPORT.

Now you feel like Superman

Just like the 910XT, it will track the Swim, Bike and Run portion as ONE continuous activity with option to track both T1 and T2 as well.
Moving On
I tried the TGT on one occasion after i got it and setting it up for wifey. This watch is meant for her and as a small motivation for our running-escapade together. In order for me to understand it a step further is to use it so i would know what to expect and be able to troubleshoot it. My biggest complain on this TGT is the duration it takes to lock on the satellite even though it has been hot-started. On the day i wanted to use it, i had to stand for about 3 minutes, perhaps 4 and wait for the watch to lock on to the signal. Compared to the 910XT, it was almost immediate (for the 910XT).
I will cover the GPS lock on in s separate posting soon.
Pros
1. The price online or from US of A is super attractive. Can't beat USD150 for a HRM.
2. Complete package includes the bike mount. Further saving on initial investment
3. Comes with HR Strap. Option in US include without the HR strap for about USD10 to USD15 less.
4. BIG display - which also can be a con for those with small wrist circumference
5. Free basic software for training planning.
6. 50m water resistance! Wow!
Cons
1. Slow satellite lock - whether it is hot-start or cold-start.
2. Big display - big even for my big wrist
3. Complicated software for data downloading/uploading. Steep learning curve.
Full Specification of the TGT

Powered by GPS:

SiRFstarIII™ Powered GPS Technology Requires No Calibration
Calculates Pace, Speed, and Distance in Real Time
Measures Location with Altitude Ascent and Descent Distances and Rates
Records up to 100 Location Waypoints to Track Back and Create Routes
Recalls up to 50 Custom Routes for Pace Tracking

Performance Training:

Customizable Display Shows up to Four Data Windows
20-Workout Memory with Dated Summary Records up to 1000 Laps of Information
Chronograph with Interval and Countdown Timers Measures Performance
Records Elapsed Time, Calories Burned and Performance Data for Each Lap
Performance Pacer Helps Meet Finish-Time Goals
Hands-Free Option Automatically Starts and Stops Data Capture Functions
Multisport Event Mode Records Activities and Transitions in One Sequence

Connected & Compatible:

Performance and Route Data Downloads to Online Training Software Powered by Training Peaks ™
Advanced Desktop Software Manages Users Settings for Easy Customization
Battery Recharges when Connected to USB Port or AC Adaptor
Compatible with Windows® XP or Newer and Mac® OS X 10.4 or Newer
Compatible with Timex® Heart Rate and Bike Sensors Using ANT+™
Compatible with Third-Party Bike Power Sensors Using ANT+™