Timex Global Trainer GPS watch now available exclusively at REI
By Donald Melanson 
posted June 23rd 2010 12:54PM
posted June 23rd 2010 12:54PM
Timex said that REI would get its Global Trainer GPS watch first when it announced it way back in January, and it looks like it's now finally available both in REI stores and at REI.com -- albeit a bit later than the originally promised May launch date. That includes both the standalone watch and the bundle with a heart rate monitor, which will set you back $275 and $325, respectively. As for the watch itself, it seems to stack up pretty well against the likes of Garmin's Forerunner GPS watches -- complete with SIRFstar III GPS, water resistance to 50m, ANT+ compatibility, and training software for both PC and Mac -- and it does so while looking considerably more watch-like. Look for it to launch at other retailers globally this September.
[Thanks, Derek]
[Thanks, Derek]
watch looks awful.. anyhow i just wanna thank engadget.com for the excellent coverage on the google/verizon/adobe/motorola conference.. we all know theirs nothing going on today so lets just spend our time blogging about worthless watches that maybe 1000 people worldwide will buy over 2 years.
@deadaim
Geeze, tell me how you really feel....
You didn't have to read, then post, if you really didn't think it was an entertaining article. If you're complaining about the things that are covered on the site, maybe you should read a different site (or just quietly ship past what doesn't interest you)
I'm just tired of seeing people bitch about Engadget in the comments. That's not why they're here.
@deadaim
You could have skipped it if you did not want to read it! I like the "gadget" filled watch and appreciate the coverage.. I appreciate Engadget keeping up up to date on GADGETs!
@deadaim
You must feel pretty stupid now that 7 minutes before you posted this Engadget started their live blog of your beloved Droid conference.
@deadaim Only 1,000 people? Dream on! I'll be getting one to replace my Garmin Forerunner. You wanna talk about an ugly GPS in a watch form/factor... the Forerunner is it.
Triathletes and marathon runners alike will be buying this thing up like crazy.
Nice.
That watch is a lot more useful than that one from the article two pages down.
@Ninjakid4 From the Article two down underneath this one I mean.
I hate it when I do that...
Unfortunately, while it looks far more watch-like than previous GPS models from most companies, the size of it is absolutely massive in person. The closest to a watch you will get is still the Garmin Forerunner 405, which is far smaller than this, though it has an annoying touch-bezel interface (I use it daily, I know). I looked at the Timex for my wife, but the watch face was too large for my wrist, much less hers. You can see the size difference here, with the 405 the second from the left, and the Timex on the far right: http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Wo8yCZ1eTVw/TA8J8J9enFI/AAAAAAAAcT0/RniX7xIpcyE/s1600/IMG_7895%5B3%5D.jpg
@smackrabbit It is because of the touch bezel that I haven't upgraded from a 305
@smackrabbit
I have a love/hate relationship with my 405. The constant "on" and draining the battery is my biggest complaint. The bezel can be frustrating.
The Timex is tempting but the tethered downloads and size deter me.
I think this is an awesome watch and appreciate that engadget covers this kind of stuff. I remember seeing their first post about it and being excited. Some of us outdoors nerds like any type of data compilation device we can get. This gives really great info for those that spend time doing active things. I will use this for tracking my route stats when I go mountain biking, hiking, trail running, motorcycling, snowboarding, etc. The gps data shows great route stats and helps you share routes. The heart rate stats are great for tailoring routes to your training goals.
Still missing som info, like the battery life when using gps and what other functions are available.
@gopherr
It's all in the 'Spec Sheet' PDF linked to from the Timex site link in the article.
@gopherr read the datasheet at the timex link.
15 hours in full gps mode.
Does anyone know whether the HR monitor functions under water - will it record the hearbeats while swimming?
@Gadgety
"Warning, Your Heart has Stopped.
Recommend you call 911 immediately."
@Gadgety It won't work underwater, since the 2.4 GHz ANT+ signals don't work. Polar has models that work underwater (with their coded straps), but that's it.
Looks like a cool watch. I use iMapMyRun on the iPhone for stuff like this, but it would be sweet to have it all in a watch form!
looks too big
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2010/06/timex-ironman-gps-global-trainer-first.html
Dammit, just bought a Polar Heart Rate Monitor, maybe time to sell it.
I like the watch so much options on my wrist sounds good but it is not a main stream watch I personally think LED is coming back especially with how good they look with a very small price tag.
There are a couple on http://leddigitalwatch.co.uk that look great and all under £20
I just ordered mine and my husbands today. Already have the Garmin 310 and really don't care for it. I'm anxiously awaiting something that I can do a Tri with. Hope this does the trick. My friend has it and she showed me how to set all the features through the computer...really cool! And I got mine for 25 bucks less than REI. :) Got it at www.timex-ironman.com.