GPS/Heart Rate monitor
I walk and ride my bike and would like to have a watch that records my time, distance, calories burned, etc.
Does anyone have experience using one? Are they really worth the money? Which one do you recommend?
I've also looked at the thing called the bodybug and another one similar to it but it has a different name.
I have had the Garmin 405CX for about 1 month now and love it. It has a clear display and transfers data to the computer by just putting the watch near a usb stick in the computer. It has a bezel that is used to make selections that can become a little flaky when wet from sweat or the rain. However, you can lock out the controls and in general it is not that much of a problem. I would buy it again. It has a cheap connector that one can buy for bike mounting.
It was on sale, so I could not pass it up.
It was worth it to me, but I can program custom runs in for things like interval training. You may not use it that way. Here is a site that shows some results for other people:
http://connect.garmin.com/explore
The calorie results are comparable to the Polar non-GPS Polar that I had. With Garmin products you have to be careful if you want to compute calories in the gym. The 405cx will estimate calories based on heart rate, whereas the 405 only estimates calories based on distance. The Forerunner 110 is new may be worth looking in to for a lower priced watch.
The bodybug is not a GPS and has a subscription based service. I also did not like that it was not supposed to be accurate for some gym equipment. From reviews, it relies more on the built-in pedometer than just the sensors that they hype and can be thrown off by equipment like a cross trainer counting steps would be difficult. However, if someone owns one and loves it, that is all that matters. All devices have their defficiencies for estimating calories.
That is pretty cool. I can get one for $300 unless I find one with more of a discount!
The side effects of allergy medications keep some people from using them. Natural remedies can be a great alternative, but some are more effective than others.

