Like the Pod it also began having issues displaying running dynamics data

If you want to write you own widgets/aps, the APIs and interface looks great and also the data is way more accessible than Fitbit

Another reason I chose this watch was the ability to use my chest Garmin HRM for more stable/accurate data, same one I use for cycling paired with an 820 computer, works almost flawlessly

Overall the device is good and provides accurate exercise data (which is to be expected from Garmin) .

Web interface is good and now two weeks in gets better because there is enough data for insight and the Firstbeat stuff to kick in

Anecdotally, in case of my late Tomtom Spark I had to wear it on the right hand to ensure more stable signal reception.

Despite Garmin’s handy table recommending better performance for Backbeat Fit headphones with the watch on the right hand (bizarre) I did not switch my watch to my right hand because I am right handed.

So they recommend wearing the watch on your right hand for certain headphones.

I ended up buying one of the headphones that were listed in the user forum as working, and these new headphones are an improvement over the ones I was using, but they still cut out occasionally when outside, walking, with the Garmin on my left wrist

Because I don't always run with music, a last minute decision (music or not) is always easier on the 645.The music does cut out more often than the phone or my Clip, even though I have approved headphones and use it on the correct side

Sadly, my cheap headphones, which worked with my phone, did not pair, so I bought skullcandy method sport, one of the Garmin recommended headphones

Despite some of the reviews that have been coming up about the music feature, I was optimistic my trusty headphones would work just fine.

I absolutely recommend this watch for runners who want a smart watch! and running without your phone, while listening to your music through Bluetooth headphones is great!

Battery life on the 645 is pretty solid, I get 3-4 days between charges and only charge it when I'm showering after a

Pros:- Smaller, looks like a normal watch on my skinny runner's wrist.- Smart watch capabilities.- Heart rate monitoring is actually useful, always on and seems to measure accurately while running.- Add on "widgets".- Stress monitoring is an interesting idea and works well.- Customizable watch faces.- Battery life is far better than I expected

The battery life is somewhat limited, but I've gone on four hour runs with GPS and music with no power issues.

The battery life is great and is more comfortable than my previous fitbit.

Battery life isn't phenomenal, but it is pretty much as advertised.

I had big hopes for this one and was excited for the sharp look and additional features

I really like the look of the watch, it isn't too bulky or heavy (a major contrast to the Forerunner 305) and fits well on my wrist

--I wish the bezel was a little more classy looking, but the ability to switch watch bands easily is great.

I really detest the vast empty ring of space between the bezel and the readable screen because it just screams "Look at how we screwed you over!

The everyday features like step tracking and heart rate monitoring are also very useful

Garmin Fenix 5 with sapphire glassPROS - amazing features

I don't listen to music while running so that feature was unimportant to me, however I might have considered it if there was a reliable answer about whether or not you can listen to audiobooks via the music feature (sounds like you can if you don't mind stripping DRM, jumping hoops, and crossing fingers that it will actually work, in other words, don't bet on it)

Because the 645 does not work for outdoor swims, it does not have this feature

All the other reviews seem to be for the music version and those features are fairly prominent in complaints

I noticed that the music skipped, like an old CD player

This is not the case, essentially the Garmin 645 Music is a mp3 player from the early 2000s, like the original IPods

Their accuracy, their ability to get a satellite signal quickly and their features are second to no other brand.----------------------------------------------------------------------Garmin 645 Music: Recommended

The main problem I have is that the music cuts out mid run (it's not a bluetooth problem).

I'll hold out and see if Garmin makes a music capable watch with touchscreen next year.

What I don't understand is why this supposed upgrade can't have a larger readable screen size.

the 645 non-music, after only one day because it is irritatingly too small (both in overall physical size and in readable screen size), the screen is difficult to see in daylight, the buttons are ergonomically awful, and the silver bezel is incredibly distracting and glare producing.

If you want a smaller watch (and love stupid small readable screen sizes, then you might like

I mention how much I hate the readable screen size?

It's the right size overall physical size and weight, doesn't have glare issues, the screen brightness has been serviceable, and it has excellent battery life

I really detest the vast empty ring of space between the bezel and the readable screen because it just screams "Look at how we screwed you over!

Love the watch but the screen is pretty bright at night

In this case, the atomic wedgie is that ratbag small readable screen.

First, it's the same moronic screen size with the giant ring of despair and emptiness around it.

Then again Garmin slapped a 1.2" screen on there and called it

So, do not blame Garmin, any watch would suffer from this symptom.

I've been wearing the Garmin Forerunner 645M for about a week now and love it

Oh, don't worry, that just gives them room to slap a "Garmin" on there.

With the window of opportunity for a refund quickly closing I didn't want to risk waiting to see if Garmin could resolve the problems I was having

This is not the case, essentially the Garmin 645 Music is a mp3 player from the early 2000s, like the original IPods

(for running) than a Apple watch, but the 645 is great running watch, and I'm very happy with it.

went to the Forerunner 935 (excellent battery life, big watch, excellent running stats) and loved that watch but wanted music so swapped to the 645M as soon as it was released.

I much rather move my music manually from the Garmin Express and I was actually able to purchase some nice running playlist in iTunes and without much effort, Garmin Express is able to connect to iTunes and very easily I can transfer the playlist into the watch this way.

- it tells how long you should wait before your next hard run

I bought this Garmin Forerunner 645 along with my running dynamics pod and updated watch to 3.10 a few weeks ago and have been in love with the watch til last week when I updated a workout in Garmin App

It’s a good watch that had some very bad problems that were partly fixed with a couple of firmware updates

There were two nearly fatal problems that caused me to contact Garmin and start the process of returning it:- it crashed, repeatedly, always in the middle of runs;- the Bluetooth signal is so weak, if my arm is at my sides below the waist, the headphones cut out

I've been wearing the Garmin Forerunner 645M for about a week now and love it

Also, wait 3-6 months after a new model comes out and let suckers like me sort out the problems