It's clear from reading the Operation Gadget website traffic reports that a number of readers have some interest in the Garmin Forerunner 201 GPS-enabled personal fitness tracking device. So, I want you to know that I noticed that Garmin is telling potential buyers of the Forerunner 201 that the Logbook Software, meant to keep a journal of exercise activities, will be available in "early January 2004".

Although I think that the Forerunner 201 is a very interesting product, I don't think it's usefulness can be fully evaluated until more is known about the Logbook. If you read and understood the article I posted last week, called Why Training Log Software is One of The Most Important Features of a Fitness Gadget, you probably already realize why I am taking this position.

With respect to the Forerunner 201 Logbook, there aren't even any screenshots of a prototype posted on Garmin's site. If I was making a purchase decision, I would assume that the Logbook software will be of limited value until I see more information about it.