This product joins the Foretrex 201 in Garmin’s growing line of wrist navigation devices. The Foretrex 101 has all the features and functionality of the Foretrex 201, including PC interface capabilities for downloading waypoints, tracks and routes, but operates on two AAA batteries.

"The Foretrex 101 is a low-cost GPS solution that delivers the benefits of location technology in a wearable device," said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s director of marketing. "It provides an easy-to-use interface and basic GPS capabilities to professionals and outdoor enthusiasts who would rather replace the batteries than recharge a GPS unit in the field."

Like the Foretrex 201, this unit features Garmin’s intuitive operating logic, utilizing six dedicated buttons to simplify navigation for the user. For instance, users can mark a specific location (i.e., a vehicle, campsite, scenic area, deer stand, trailhead, etc.), identify this waypoint with an icon and/or six-character description, and navigate to it later using the GoTo function. The Foretrex 101 also boasts Garmin’s exclusive TracBack® feature, which allows users to retrace their steps by following an electronic breadcrumb trail back to their original starting point.

Because the unit is waterproof, the Foretrex 101 is a natural companion on watersport adventures like kayaking, canoeing, boating and sailing. In fact, this device incorporates another feature found on the Foretrex 201: a sailboat-racing timer. Competitors can configure the countdown sequence prior to the start of the race and utilize their GPS location to be in the best possible tacking position when the race begins.

Other specifications of the Foretrex 101:

GPS accuracy: 15 meters or less in normal GPS mode, 3 meters or less when WAAS-enabled
Trip computer: Trip distance, trip timer, plus other non-mapping navigation data
Waterproof: IEC 60529 IPX-7 standards (submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 mins.)
Waypoints and routes: 500 waypoints with graphic identification; 20 reversible routes
Track log: 10,000 trackpoints, TracBack technology and 10 saved tracks
Display: 100x64-pixel monochrome display with backlighting (display size: 36mmx23mm)
Battery life: 15 hours (typical use) on 2 AAA batteries
Lightweight design: 2.6 oz.
The Foretrex 101 is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2004 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $138.65. It will ship standard with an expandable wrist strap, owner’s manual and quick-reference guide.