Garmin outs watch-like Foretrex GPS navigators
updated 09:40 am EDT, Tue June 16, 2009
Garmin adds Foretrex GPSs
GPS hardware maker Garmin on Tuesday announced it will double its wrist-mounted Foretrex range, adding to the current Foretrex 201 and Foretrex 101 with the Foretrex 301 and 401. The devices are flexible enough to be used by families or military personnel, and feature a built-in, high-sensitivity GPS receiver, waterproof and rugged construction with a USB interface. Hikers or mountain bikers can save their trail as a series of points via the TracBack feature, and up to 500 waypoints can be saved in memory.
Both new models also have a Jumpmaster function meant for use by military personnel who skydive from planes, with settable canopy opening points for both High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) and High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) jumps. At the same time, the Foretrex GPS devices will calculate High Altitude Release Point (HARP) based on forward throw and windspeeds at altitude.
The Foretrex 401 adds an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter. It can also wirelessly share routes, tracks and waypoints with other compatible Foretrex, Oregon and Colorado GPS devices from Garmin, and is compatible with the company's heart-rate monitors and cadence sensors.
No release dates or prices have yet been released for either device, however.
Garmin Foretrex 301
Garmin Foretrex 401
