After two weeks with the Forerunner 35, I’m satisfied but not thrilled. It’s convenient going to a single device; however, it isn’t as good of a smartwatch or running GPS as the dedicated devices it replaces.
Pros:
- Great Battery Life – After 10 days and 3×30 minute runs using GPS, the battery is still reading 25%
- Fast GPS acquisition – When I step outside it’s usually less than 10 seconds to acquire GPS
- Easy synchronization – synchronizing activities with a phone over Bluetooth is much more convenient than a USB connection
Cons:
- Limited (almost no) customization:
- Watch Face – The watch face only shows the battery, time and date. It cannot be customized (other than converting it from digital to analog)
- Widgets – information screens (notifications, steps, weather, etc.) cannot be reordered
- Notifications – There is no way to filter notifications. Selecting specific apps to show up on my Pebble was one of my favorite features
- Exercise information – There are 4 screens of 3 fields for each. Fortunately these can be configured; however, they are not labeled. If you don’t have all screens configured, you still have to scroll through blank screens
- Controls – Everything is controlled through the 4 physical buttons. There is only a down button for scrolling, so you have to scroll through everything if you hit down an extra time
- Vibrator – I hear the vibration more than I feel it. I think it sounds cheap