Now, you won’t be using the GPS capabilities to map out automotive routes, but it will come in handy for plotting waypoints for exercise and other outdoor activities. The Forerunner 405 contains all the electronics necessary to track speed, distance, pace, calories burned, location and even heart rate (assuming you add the optional heart rate monitor).

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The watch can automatically sync with your computer wirelessly, downloading workout data as well as receiving route data for future outings. You can even beam locations, workouts and course information with your running companions if they happen to also wear the same type of watch.

The Forerunner 405 is slated for a Q1 2008 release and will retail for about $319 USD.

[via NaviGadget]

Their new Forerunner 50 system automatically synchronizes data from devices you wear to your computer. The devices use a wireless system called ANT+Sport which constantly looks for paired devices within proximity of your PC. There are several devices in the series, with the centerpiece being the Forerunner 50 watch.

In addition to being a fully functional digital watch, it can display other information such as heart rate, speed and distance traveled when paired with optional wireless devices. A wireless “foot pod” monitors your speed, cadence, distance and calories burned. The chest-worn band can accurately monitor your heart rate. The watch itself can track up to seven hours and 100 laps of detail-level data, so you can monitor your progress before you sync up.

Pricing depends on what accessories you purchase. The base Forerunner 50 with the heart rate monitor watch costs just $99, including the USB wireless stick for your PC. $149 buys you the watch and the foot pod, while $199 gets you the watch, foot pod and the heart rate monitor. Garmin also plans to release an add-on for tracking your bicycle workouts too.

The Forerunner 50 system should be available this October.