In reply to biscuit:
> Hi,
>
> i want to buy a basic watch based device that when i run in the hills can tell me how far i went, what speed i did and how far up and down i went.
Garmin have brought out some more affordable devices for those that don't want the added bells and whistles. Eg.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Forerunner-Sportswatch-Heart-Monitor/dp/B004...
However you don't say exactly what your budget is which would help. I seem to remember hearing about some around the £100 mark, but I'm still using my Forerunner 405 from about 5 years ago so didn't pay much interest.
Smartphone apps are good, and I use Strava on my iPhone when I don't have my watch, or its not charged up, but:
- Its annoying to use the screen when hands are wet, cold, sweaty
- You keep it in a pocket so hard to keep easily checking distance/time, unlike a watch
- The app (especially on the iPhone) is a bit flaky (although I think this is down to the poor GPS in the iPhone)
- less likely to drop it off a cliff if its strapped to your wrist