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Garmin Forerunner 35 GPS Running Watch

Hello,

currently I have Garmin Forerunner 15 GPS Running Watch. I used it for almost 2 years, from June 2015. Unfortunately, it has began showing signs of age. It resets itself and I loose data if it resets while I am pressing buttons. For example, when I finish the run and press stop, then select save.

Anyway, I would like to purchase a new Running Watch.

Forerunner 15 fulfilled all my needs with one drawback. Connectivity. I knew about it when I was purchasing the watch and consciously agreed with that. However, 2 years later, I know that the technology moved on and I would like an upgrade.

1. Connectivity and 2. charging gadget.

1. I would like my the watch to synchronise via bluetooth. Moreover, I am not interested in pairing it with mobile phone. I have a desktop, netbook and a tablet with bluetooth and would like to pair the watch with each or at least one of them.
2. Charging.
Forerunner 15's charging gadget is cumbersome.
It would be nice if I could charge it from wall socket (using adapter of course) with a box-standard USB cable.

After initial research I stopped on Forerunner 35 but I am open to any suggestions, even if it is more expensive.

Would I be able to synchronise with a computer or tablet via bluetooth?

Why in "Product details" it says:
"Batteries 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included)"
Is it any different from Forerunner 15? I didn't have to think about what is inside of it and what battery it comes with. If I remember correctly, the batter was built-in.

There are other Garmin running watches, such as
Forerunner 230
Forerunner 235
Forerunner 630
Forerunner 920XT
Garmin Vivoactive HR GPS Smart Watch with Wrist Based Heart Rate - X-Large

but I think they are overkill for what I need. I have Multiple Sclerosis. All I do (don't know for how much longer before MS destroys me) is either running or walking and I want to monitor distance, time, speed and see my route on the map.

Thank you in advance,
Arthur

0 Astrart over 8 years ago

I'd strongly advise doing your first sync using the cable with your computer running Garmin Express.

After that, you can pair and sync your watch wirelessly with your tablet nearly exclusively if that's what you want to do.

I will do it that way.
It is logical. Only proves that my brains are foggy nowadays.

Thank you.
Arthur

0 Astrart over 8 years ago

Pairing with tablet took a bit of an effort but after it happened it worked.
Pairing with desktop PC didn't. the pairing went well but for synchronisation the watch requires mobile version of Garmin Connect.

Getting used to it. One thing I miss. On FR15 I could choose what I see on display. I used to see clock and steps. However, FR35 can't be customised on that way. Then again, it is not a big deal. I get used to it.

Arthur

0 ASmugDill over 8 years ago

Did you install and run the Garmin Express application on your desktop, and did you connect the watch using the USB docking/charging cable?

I know you prefer everything to be wireless, but that's not how the Forerunner watches are designed – or, I suppose, envisioned – to work with (desktop/laptop/notebook) computers.

0 Astrart over 8 years ago

Did you install and run the Garmin Express application on your desktop, and did you connect the watch using the USB docking/charging cable?

I know you prefer everything to be wireless, but that's not how the Forerunner watches are designed – or, I suppose, envisioned – to work with (desktop/laptop/notebook) computers.

I am sorry. Apparently, I have given a wrong impression of myself regarding everything to be wireless.
Fortunately or unfortunately, I don't. I have been using FR15 and consequently desktop Garmin Express for 2 years. So, when I got a new computer one year ago (the first one since 2005 :eek:) one of the first pieces of s/w, using the modern language - app, that I installed was Garmin Express.
Following your advice, the first time I connected FR35 to desktop, I have done done it with the USB cradle.
Now I know that when I eventually install W10 on my netbook, its bluetooth won't communicate with FR35 for the same reason my desktop doesn't. Forerunner wants to talk to the mobile version of Garmin Express.

It works perfectly well with my tablet. When I want to synchronise, I turn on bluetooth on the tablet and lunch Garmin app.

I switched off heart rate monitor. I think it draws a good amount of power from the battery. Besides, the numbers or the graph don't tell me any meaningful info since I don't understand much about it.

On the other hand, I did want this watch to be able to communicate via bluetooth for two reasons.
1. When I go on holiday, I don't have to drag the netbook/charger/mouse.
2. Prolong FR's battery life. Every time I wanted to synchronise the watch I connected it to desktop and it began charging its battery. As far as I know, batteries don't like to be re-charged very often. It is better to deplete it at least half way before re-charging.

Arthur

0 Astrart over 8 years ago

Happy with the watch

A quick report.

I like FR35

Each time I press the start button to begin an activity it asks me for the type of activity, i.e. Run, Walk, etc.
It finds GPS satellite signal significantly faster than FR15
The battery life is quite good
I think it has more "memory" space, so I don't have to worry to tun out of space as quick as it was the case with FR15
A bit slow on bluetooth transfer but always works and that's the most important. It is the tablet that annoys me, asking me the same stupid question each time I turn on bluetooth and the watch connects to it

I would like to thank you for helping me to choose the watch.
Thanks :)

0 ASmugDill over 8 years ago

I'm glad to hear you're happy with your purchasing decision and the device is working well for you.