Advice on heart rate monitors and gps systems

Garmin Forerunner 305 has been solid for me so far. The altimeter is weak, and leads to some really interesting (if inaccurate) bits of information.

With the attachements, you can get cadence, and a bike mount. Not sure if you can still find them new, but I know alot of folks around here use it. There's a new one that is significantly smaller. The Garmin software is solid and their support has been good for folks around here.

Just be careful - it's easy to get sucked in to gadgets and gear-whorism. Before you go dropping a few hundred dollars, make sure you want to stick with the sport. A good HRM and speedo on your bike is a lot less money.

I'm a computer tech- gadget freak and have recently gotten into Tri's. My favorite unit is a Garmin Edge 705. I have a Forerunner 305 but I don't like the screen or short battery life. But for $159 or so the 305 is ok considering the 705 is about $450. But consider the 705 especially if you do lots of cycling.