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Sorry i know there has been threads galore on these but new to this type of technology! I'm hoping to get one of these fitness watches for Christmas, from the threads that i've read the Garmin Forerunner 45 looks to be a good bet. What i would like to know is, do you need to have a smart phone with you to use them? I want one for mostly running and i don't take a phone with me can i use this as a stand alone device?
Also storing and analysing the data, where can i do this as i don't do Strava etc. Do Garmin offer a free service for users?
Thanks.
No need to take the phone with you, your data will transfer over when you sync once finished, and garmin have their own dashboard called connect.
Do Garmin offer a free service for users?
Garmin, Polar etc have their own web based services for storing and analysing data, although Strava is so good I just use that.
The watches work stand alone, recording data etc and store it all onboard the watch with basic stats available on the watch screen.
The watches sync with the web via your phone, or you can use a laptop but that's a bit clunky compared to it just happening via your phone without you doing anything.
Thank you, that is pretty much exactly what i wanted to hear.
"Do Garmin offer a free service for users?"
Garmin Connect is indeed free.
As above, I use a Garmin Forerunner and never carry my phone with me. It just connects and uploads once I get home.
Garmin Connect is the software, it's free, relatively easy to use and, contrary to what some will say, works perfectly well.
Worth also noting that some of the higher-end Garmin watches will let you do contactless payment and carry hundreds of music tracks for BT headphone listening. All without any phone needed. Also important for some when running and not wanting to carry any additional clutter.