Comparison Garmin Forerunner 110 vs Garmin Forerunner 310XT

The shape of the display provided in the design of the device. In this case, there are two main types of displays — round and rectangular. However, it is worth noting that such a division is very arbitrary, and the groups themselves are very extensive: for example, round displays are oval and egg-shaped, some of them resemble rectangles with extremely rounded corners; a classic rectangular display can be placed in a round case, etc. In addition, its shape practically does not affect the functionality of the display. Therefore, when choosing, you should focus not so much on the form as on the type of display (see below), the features of displaying various data on it and the general compliance with your aesthetic preferences.

Sensors and measurement modules provided in the design of the gadget.

— GPS module. A GPS receiver helps pinpoint a device's current coordinates. Its applications range from calculating distances in sports gadgets to more advanced functions such as full-fledged navigation with optimal route determination, depending on the device's features.

— Altimeter. The altimeter, detecting device height, operates through various principles. In GPS-equipped models, it uses a geographic database to determine height based on coordinates. Those with a barometer calculate altitude from pressure differences, often referencing a starting point or a hypothetical sea level. While the GPS method is more precise in measuring ground surface height, it overlooks objects like stairs or towers. Barometer-based measurement is affected by weather changes but provides the actual height of the device.

— Thermometer. A sensor that detects the ambient temperature. This data can be useful both for assessing general comfort levels (personal impressions can be deceiving, especially if you will be outside for a long time), and for specific tasks — for example, improvised weather forecasts (in combination with barometer data and other observations).

— Barometer. A s...ensor measures atmospheric pressure, commonly used to forecast weather changes. Its applications extend beyond this, including the ability to gauge height differences even when a dedicated altimeter is not present. It's worth noting that this function is applicable only to gadgets capable of displaying atmospheric pressure data on the screen; altimeters with barometric sensors lacking this feature are not included in this category.

— Compass. A traditional compass is a device for determining the cardinal directions, one of the basic instruments for any navigation. In modern heart rate monitors and other sports gadgets, usually, a digital compass is used, which displays data directly on the display.

— Clock. Classic clock — a function of displaying the current time. The clock provides not only time tracking, but also some other features — for example, they are mandatory for devices with an alarm clock (see below).

— Alarm clock. The presence in the device of the alarm clock function — the sound signal at a specified time. In the simplest models, this signal can only be programmed for one specific time, more advanced devices allow you to remember several alarms, and if you have a calendar (see below), you can also set them on certain days (for example, only on weekdays or even on specific dates) .

— Calendar. The device includes a calendar function, displaying at least the current date, and some models may offer advanced features like viewing monthly dates in table form. Calendar data is often used by other functions, ranging from the built-in training diary to the alarm clock.

— Stopwatch. The device can function as a stopwatch, measuring time intervals with high accuracy, down to tenths or even hundredths of a second. The stopwatch starts and stops at the user's command, and many models offer special measurement modes, including recording intermediate results or the time of each individual lap. This makes stopwatches significantly mor...e convenient for measuring time intervals than regular watches.

— Timer. The ability to operate the device as a timer — that is, in the countdown mode, with a signal at the end of the specified segment. This feature will be useful when performing exercises that are clearly limited in time: setting a timer and waiting for a signal is more convenient than constantly looking at the clock.

— Lap counter. The device has the capability to record data (time, speed, calories burned, average heart rate, etc.) for each individual lap, such as during running. Typically, this is achieved with a designated "Lap" button that, when pressed, captures data for that lap and initiates a new countdown. This function enables monitoring of training dynamics, identifying the most effective laps, while simultaneously recording overall training data. Some devices also offer a lap countdown feature, where the user sets a specific number of laps, and the device signals the end of the workout after that set number is completed. This simplifies the process of tallying the total number of laps.

— Multisport. The device includes a "multisport" function designed to enhance usability during multisport activities — training or competitions involving various sports stages. While non-specialized devices can be used for such activities, those with the dedicated "multisport" feature offer greater convenience. Optimized for this mode of use, they feature built-in software modes like "Running" or "Rowing" that can be easily switched between. These devices save complex data in a format conducive to further processing and analysis.

Personalized settings enable users to tailor the device to their individual characteristics. Modern fitness devices often incorporate the following customization options:

— Gender. Ability to set the gender of the user. With the same age, height and weight, the male and female bodies still differ in metabolic characteristics, optimal heart rate values and some other significant parameters.

— Age. Ability to set the user's age. This indicator primarily affects the general condition of the body and its ability to endure high loads (although these points also depend on other factors, ranging from physique to physical fitness, previous diseases, etc.).

— Weight. The option to input user weight is used in calculating optimal heart rate, energy expenditure, and fat burned (refer to "Possible measurements"). When combined with height, it provides insights into physique specifics and the need for weight management.

— Height. Ability to set the user's height. This indicator is practically not used on its own — it is usually used in combination with weight (see above) when determining physique. In addition, some pedometers (see “Type”) can calculate stride length from height data (although this setting is more common, see below).

— Step length. Ability to manually set the user's average step length. The main scope of this data is the calculation of the distance traveled in pedometers (see "Possible measurements")....

— Individual training area. Users can manually define an individual training zone, specifying the desirable heart rate range during exercise, with a warning signal for exceeding it. While many fitness gadgets can automatically calculate an optimal range based on workout goals and individual settings, certain situations, such as recovery after illness or exceptional physical fitness, may require specific considerations. Some devices with a heart rate monitor function enable users to manually set a personalized training zone, factoring in all relevant parameters.

Body with special protection against moisture, taken to measure the IP index. The higher it is, the more waterproof the device. However, heart rate monitors, which are akin to wristwatches, are water resistant in most cases, measured in atmospheres (see the relevant paragraph). It is this parameter that to a greater extent describes the capabilities of the device in contact with water. Anyway, before using any waterproof model, you must carefully study the operating instructions specified by the manufacturer.

The degree of water protection provided for in the design of the device.

The specified underwater depth for device functionality is often given, but it's important to note that these values are somewhat arbitrary and don't accurately reflect real-world water resistance. The assessments only consider static pressure, neglecting dynamic pressure created by movement, including immersion.

Effectively, genuine water resistance can only be claimed at a minimum of 30m. Even then, such capabilities only withstand minor exposure like rain. Brief water exposure, like swimming, might be permitted at 50m (not universally). For depths of 2 — 3m, 100m is necessary, and serious diving requires a minimum of 200m (or 300m for depths exceeding 20m).