Garmin Unveils the Foretrex 201 - a Hands-Free GPS Device

OLATHE, Kan./February 12, 2004/PR Newswire - Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), today introduced the Foretrex 201, a wearable, waterproof Personal Navigator aimed at outdoor and marine enthusiasts. The Foretrex combines the design of Garmin’s new personal training system, the Forerunner 201, with the Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation features of the company’s popular Geko 201 device.

"This product is literally ‘for treks’ - whether in the backcountry or on the water - and offers users true, hands-free navigation," said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s director of marketing. "Ruggedized for adventure, this wrist-top device is perfect for mountaineers, skiers, paragliders, kayakers and mariners who want useful GPS information in a lightweight, affordable package."

The Foretrex 201 features six dedicated buttons (GoTo, Page, Enter/Mark, Up, Down and Power), making it one of the easiest GPS units on the market to operate. It offers essential navigation data - enhanced GPS accuracy; extensive storage for waypoints, reversible routes and tracks; and exclusive TracBack technology - on an easy-to-read display. The unit also features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is rated for 15 hours (typical use). And at 2.75 oz., the Foretrex is remarkably light.

Users will appreciate the intuitive user interface that allows them to mark a campsite, enjoy a day hike and easily follow the electronic "breadcrumb trail" back to camp. Garmin has also created a special application for sailboat racing that allows competitors to configure the start sequence of a race, providing the countdown on a large-number digital display and audibly alerting the user at each phase of the start sequence.

Other specifications of the Foretrex 201:

GPS accuracy: 15 meters or less in normal GPS mode, 3 meters or less when WAAS-enabled
Racing timer: Configurable start sequence, alert tones and large-number digital readout
Trip computer: Trip distance, trip timer, plus other non-mapping navigation data
Waterproof: 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 20 saved tracks
Display: 100×60-pixel monochrome display with backlighting (display size: 36mmx23mm)
Battery life: 15 hours (typical use) on rechargeable internal lithium battery
Lightweight design: 2.75 oz.

The Foretrex 201 is expected to be available in March 2004 with a suggested retail price of $182.13. It will ship standard with a wrist strap, expandable strap, desktop charger with PC interface cable, owner’s manual and quickstart guide.