GPS watch recommendation for a runner?

Go to Ray's blog:

www.dcrainmaker.com

It will tell everything you could EVER want (or not want, even) to know about Garmins.  I have the FR305 and I love it.  It's a little bulky but you get used to it.

^^^^^^

The website is spectacular and what I used before deciding on the 305.  Got it for Valentines day and love it!!!

I got a 305 in January and I love mine too.  Unless you're looking to wear it as a regular watch too, the bulkiness isn't a big deal.

x2...dont buy anything till you read his blog!!

I am about to buy the 305 and from what I have researched here and other boards is 2 main issues

1) the bezel locks up or has issue with sensitivity or water...dcrainmaker explains it better than me

2) Multisport fuction on the 305...but if hubby is only a runner that may not be an issue

3) and price

well i guess that was 3 main issues...good luck.

One more thing.  I have a 305, my wife has a 405.  Before I bought mine, I used hers for a 10K.  I hated it.  I'm 48 and have "old eyes".  I wear bifocals when I wear glasses and multifocal contacts when not, which work only so so for up close.  I wear the contacts when running.  On her 405, I could only read the big number field.   I couldn't hold my arm far away enough to read the small numbers (and looked like an idiot trying!).   With the 305, I can read all four fields, since they are all the same size and big enough.  

So how old is your husband?  If his eyes haven't gone yet, they will!

I review equipment for a living and one reason I'll suggest I am a good reviewer is because I despise complex gadgets.

As a result, the GPS I bought for my personal use is the simple, least expensive Garmin 110. Here's my review:

http://university.tri-sports.com/2010/07/06/garmin-forerunner-110/

A concern some people have with the "basic" nature of the 110 is that it may not have all the features they want. I don't see that as an issue. with Garmin Connect, their uploading telemetry website, there is a ton of usable information about pace, heart rate, route, time, splits, etc.

I don't need an interval timer, don't need to know how much I've "recovered" or some obscure estimate of how (un)fit I am. I'm like Joe Friday: Just the facts Ma'am.

There was a thread yesterday with a link to amazon who was selling the 405 with HRM strap for $170.  Yes...the retail sticker price for the 405 is very expensive...but you can find it much cheaper on ebay and amazon. 

Caveat Emptor on these closeout Garmins.

Something is going on and I don't know what it going to be. No kidding.

x2...I've been considering the 110 for a while now...but I find it ironic that you can easily find the 405 for the same price, if not cheaper than the 110 right now.

I have a 405 because I planned to use it only while running.  It works ok.  I like that it is smaller than the 305.  I don't like the bezel.  I haven't had a problem with battery life - I can usually do my three short weekday runs on one charging, but I turn the GPS off in between.  But, it really is just ok.  I had a Polar RS200 that I liked way more, but I consistently had issues with the foot pod.  I will probably upgrade to a different Garmin model next year.

x2.  After leaving my 5 year old Garmin 305 at the gym last night and double checking lost & found this AM with no luck (Grrrrrr!) , I am now in the market for a new 305.  Thankfully, the price is signficantly lower than when I bought mine in 2006. In the 5 years I used the 305, I went through a phase of being predominantly a cyclist with an occasional run here or there, and another phase of being exclusively a runner, and now I'm swimming, biking & running.  The 305 has worked very well for me for running and cycling, though I've never tried OWS with it.  Despite its age the battery still maintained its charge up to 5-6 hrs.  After updating the software recently, it downloaded satellites faster, too.  The only issue - if you want to call it that - which arose within the past 6 mos was the rubber coating that covers the buttons on the side of the unit was starting to gradually peel off; however, this never impeded the functioning of the unit. 

I like the customizeable screen and the auto pause for the 205...plus you can vary the pace out put (average pace, lap pace, current pace, etc).

I don't use any of teh virtual partner crap or all that jazz...but the those things above are crucial for me. Otheriwse, I'd just use my watch. And, plus, the 205 is cheaper. Why not pay less and get more?