Suunto X9Mi

I know what you are thinking..."Oh great, another GPS watch. It is probably the size of a 3 musketeers bar and can never find a satellite". Well, hang on a minute. The idea of a GPS enabled watch has always been great in theory but terrible in application. Suunto has changed all of those old assumptions with the new X9Mi. Designed to be not much larger than the Suunto Vector series yet still hold a good satellite fix in most conditions, the X9Mi has rewritten the rules for GPS enabled watches.

The X9Mi allows you to utilize its GPS system in multiple ways.

Compass Mode: The X9Mi will function like a compass to aid in your navigation when the GPS system is turned off. Like all Suunto's, the ability set declination appropriate to your location allows for accurate compass readings. It can display readings in mils (military reading) or degrees depending upon user preference.

Activity Mode: The activity mode allows you track your current performance. Whether you are running, biking, climbing or hiking, the activity mode utilizes GPS to track your speed, distance, time from start, and course traveled. Download all of the information for post event plotting and analysis.

Navigation Mode: This is what you came here to see! Full use of GPS means knowing where you are AND getting where you want to go. In navigation mode, the X9Mi uses a pre-planned route downloaded from your computer (using National Geographic Topo Software or Google Earth -not included) to guide you along your adventure. It provides accurate longitude/latitude readings and will guide you along the planned route. If necessary, the X9Mi can, at any point, provide you directions back to your starting location. It will provide space for up to 50 routes. While on the move it will deliver estimated travel time to next waypoint, final waypoint and destination based on current speed. In navigation mode the X9Mi will also provide you current speed, altitude difference between current and next waypoint as well as left/right deviation from course. When you are finished traipsing around the wilderness or running through the neighborhood, download all of the information to your computer for review.

The X9Mi comes with a lithium-ion rechargeable battery whose remaining power is displayed at all times. Available life varies greatly depending upon the tasks being peformed. In addition, an altimeter, barometer and thermometer are included in the X9Mi data set to ensure a complete picture of the world around you.

The promise of a usable, fashionable and awe-inspiring GPS has been fulfilled. We call it the Suunto X9Mi.