Black Friday has passed, Cyber Monday has passed and many couldn’t resist and bought the old FR235 or FR735XT. Stocks are now low so Garmin announced the Forerunner 645 Music (449.99 USD). (use your fantasy for the FR245 version.)

Going through the specifications it seems that “all” basic sports are included, Running, Cycling and Pool Swimming. However it comes with limited Multisport and little less “extra’s” (No Golf, FTP etc) compared to the Forerunner 935 / Fenix 5s. With music playback now added i see Garmin didn’t include one of their items being tested. Perhaps they keep that for the next update of the Forerunner 935, after all the more expensive models must have some extra’s. For the same reason power meter support and sports like open water swimming are not included.

edit: the listed delivery time was 5-8 weeks.

(All information from Garmin)

Running is more than just exercise — it’s a performance. And Forerunner 645 Music has the tools to help you put on an outstanding show every time you lace up your shoes. It features on-device music storage — so you can run with your favorite tunes — and contactless payments that let you buy what you need without missing a beat. With all those features plus advanced running dynamics and performance monitoring tools, this GPS running watch is the instrument you need to refine the performance.

Music

With up to 800 songs worth of music storage built right into your watch, we’re putting the “beat” in your daily mission to beat yesterday. It’s easy to transfer music from your computer and then queue up your favorite playlist for easy listening through Bluetooth headphones. You can even sync your carefully crafted playlists from select music streaming services¹ to your watch for more ad-free listening. Now you really can leave your phone behind when you head out for a run, because the music that helps keep you moving is right there on your wrist.

Paying Made Easy Always on the run? Feel free to leave your phone and wallet behind. Forerunner 645 Music features Garmin Pay contactless payment solution² which lets you pay for purchases with your watch. Use it just about anywhere you can tap your card to pay. A bottle of water here, a bite to eat there — just pay, and keep on moving.

Tune up Your Training We’re making it easier to get the data you need to improve your form. Let Forerunner 645 Music measure crucial running metrics³ that you can use to analyze your performance. Biomechanical measurements, such as cadence, stride length, ground contact time and balance, vertical oscillation and vertical ratio, are the key to understanding your form so you can bring your best on race day. These metrics are available with the addition of a compatible heart rate strap³ or the compact Running Dynamics Pod, which clips right onto your waistband. Also, take advantage of feature sets to help with cycling and even swim training. In the pool Forerunner 645 Music will track your distance, pace, stroke count and more.

Monitor Your Performance

Just how effective is your current training plan? Forerunner 645 Music will help you monitor your training and recovery so you can better prepare for a race or training cycle. Training status is a performance monitoring tool that automatically evaluates your recent exercise history and performance indicators to let you know if you’re training productively, peaking or overreaching. The anaerobic training effect metric opens a window of insight to a critical dimension of training, telling you how your training is improving your ability to push the limits. You can even view your overall training load, which measures your exercise volume from the last 7 days and compares it to the optimal range for your fitness and recent training history.

More Ways to Customize Check out the Connect IQ™ store, where you can add personality to Forerunner 645 Music by downloading apps, widgets, watch faces and more. It’s easy and — even better — it’s free. New apps are added every day, so you can keep tabs on when your Uber is arriving, turn on your lights at home with the SmartThings app, and even use the AccuWeather MinuteCast app to find out when the rain will start. With the Face It™ watch face app, choose any image from your photo library, make some tweaks, and set it as your watch’s face.

Stay Connected on the Run

Forerunner 645 Music makes it easy to run without leaving important smart features behind. Once paired with your compatible smartphone, you’ll be able to receive and even respond7 to text messages and see social media updates, emails and more right on your wrist. Find your phone, access music controls, and let friends LiveTrack your runs.

Share and Compete Syncing your activities to Garmin Connect is for more than just storing your data. Garmin Connect is a thriving online community where people on the go can connect and compete by joining challenges, encourage each other’s successes and even share their triumphs via social media. Garmin Connect is free and available on the web or on your smartphone with the Garmin Connect™ Mobile app.

Train Your Way Your routine is anything but routine. Forerunner 645 Music lets you change things up with ease, thanks to built-in activity profiles for running (indoor/outdoor), cycling (indoor/outdoor), swimming (pool), elliptical, paddle sports, strength training and many more. Create your own custom workouts, and download for free from our Garmin Connect online fitness community. Then review your past efforts on the app, or share them with family and friends for added motivation.

Love the Look

Feel free to take this watch outside in all kinds of weather. Not only is it safe for swimming and showering, its Garmin Chroma Display™ is easy to read — even in direct sunlight — and housed under extra-durable Corning® Gorilla® Glass. When you want to change it up, swapping bands is fast and doesn’t require tools. The perfect everyday companion, this lightweight watch is rated to 5 ATM (50 meters) to be safe for swimming and showering. And with up to 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 5 hours in GPS mode with music playback, Forerunner 645 Music is the running partner that can keep up with you.

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