TomTom Runner Cardio GPS sport watch
Integrated heart-rate monitor with five training zones added to Dutch firm's 2014 range, with multisport version costing £279
Love heart-rate monitors but averse to itchy chest straps? This should interest you – a new TomTom GPS sport watch with built-in heart-rate monitor, using the same optical Mio tech as the Adidas Smart Run.
There is a price bump from last year’s £180 Mysports GPS Watch though – the new TomTom Runner Cardio will cost £249 when it goes on sale later this month, while a multisport version will also be available for £279, offering support for running and cycling GPS tracking, along with swimming and treadmill work.
It can be pre-programmed with five heart-rate zones, and crams a lot of data into its extra-large display, including real-time heart-rate, distance, pace and other metrics. One-button control should make it easy(ish) to navigate menus when sweating profusely and panting for breath, while QuickGPSFix technology is expected to help users quickly find a satellite fix.
Waterproof up to 50m, TomTom claims up to 8hrs of battery life with GPS plus heart-rate monitoring, or up to 10hrs with GPS-only. Also included is Bluetooth Smart connectivity, as well as compatibility with a wide range of running stat platforms, including TomTom Mysports (natch), Strava, Runkeeper and TrainingPeaks.
We’ll be getting one in for testing shortly, watch this space…
Jamie Beach
Former digital editor 
