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Suunto X10 GPS Watch is Basically Perfect for Tomb Raiding
Posted by Kit Eaton at 12:30 AM on August 22, 2008
Suunto has just added to its range of GPS watches with the new X10, but this gizmo doesn't just do navigation and time-telling. It's also got an altimeter function, barometer, digital compass and thermometer: Exactly the sort of equipment any self-respecting real tomb raider would find darn useful.
Even better, the X10 has an improved GPS reception for tracking in difficult locations, like under heavy foliage in the rainforest. It's also got a track-back function so you can retrace your steps if you're lost, and 33% more battery life than the previous X9i generation. It also live-records routes and waypoints, so you can pinpoint on your PC later where that ancient undiscovered ruined temple really was, and it charges/connects over USB.
Available in two colours in September, though there's no info on price. [Navigadget]
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
DisposableInterloper
Posted 1:04 AM 22/8/08
Can it output GPS data in real time?
DisposableInterloper
superbryant
Posted 12:57 AM 22/8/08
personally I'm a fan of a good ol map a compass....it looks cool though....
superbryant
DrGonzho
Posted 12:57 AM 22/8/08
When are they ever going to make watches with color LCDs?
This one is better than most, since at least it uses a dot matrix display instead of the the "toothpick" numerals, but some color would be nice.
DrGonzho
jblock
Posted 12:44 AM 22/8/08
Although I don't think the Pathfinder watches have GPS yet...
jblock
jblock
Posted 12:44 AM 22/8/08
I would really want this watch, but I like the Pathfinder series more, they have a lower profile and are solar powered and connect via signal to an atomic clock so are self adjusting.
jblock
WD40
Posted 12:36 AM 22/8/08
*Free with the purchase of Indiana Jones collectors set
WD40
Arnabio
Posted 1:18 AM 22/8/08
Don't really see what this has over the Garmin ForeRunner 405, which is already available....
Arnabio
bpapa9013
Posted 1:17 AM 22/8/08
MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
bpapa9013
bpapa9013
Posted 1:17 AM 22/8/08
Well, if it is s Suunto its surely going to cost right around ELEVENTY BRAZILLION DOLLA!!!!
bpapa9013
future-proof
Posted 1:15 AM 22/8/08
@jblock: YUP! I've got one and swear by it. When they add GPS to it I'll upgrade...
future-proof
StealthNinja
Posted 2:47 AM 22/8/08
Plus, it needs to have FM/AM radio like Iriver's PMP touch screen system on a cool watch!
StealthNinja
StealthNinja
Posted 2:45 AM 22/8/08
mwahahaahahaahha.
StealthNinja
StealthNinja
Posted 2:45 AM 22/8/08
Can it watch FLO-Tv yet, or you tube videos, or any other MP4 and listen to music and answer cell phone calls? Plus, display 3-d maps with its GPS navigation system?
Maybe www.professionalwatches.com with some of dealextreme.com's cell phone watches could turn into a computer cell phone watch etc...!
StealthNinja
im2fools
Posted 2:13 AM 22/8/08
Could be a useful backup to a plugger, for the military set. I wouldn't want to call an airstrike off commercial gps, but for an emergency pickup might be just fine. Seems like a prudent investment for a pilot or SF set. I'm assuming it is moderately waterproof.
im2fools
bpapa9013
Posted 5:10 AM 22/8/08
@StealthNinja: Cuz I'm sure you will get stellar reception/service for all of those extras when you are in BFE hiking across a glacier in Patagonia...
bpapa9013
gajit
Posted 2:19 AM 22/8/08
This would be a coolassmothaflippin watch if it works well. I'll be all over it if it is, but me so very skeptical. Most (all?) of these smaller form factor GPSs haves hitty tracking (especially in trees) and poor battery life (even x 1.33). Relying on electronic watch compasses for route finding on four different watches have gotten me lost multiple times. Thermometer will only give you a good reading if you leave it off your wrist for ~15 minutes. Bitchbitchbitch.
Barometric altimeter and pressure trending are super useful for climbing, but I think a lot of watches already in the market have really nailed this one.
Cool idea for a device in theory, but I feel will likely be unreliable for outdoor use. I just don't think we're there yet.
>I would really want this watch, but I like the Pathfinder series more, they have a lower profile
- Agreed most altimeter watches are freakishly huge and look rather malignant on the wrist. For one with sweet profile/size, check out the Suunto Observer. Also, while I'm happy to sport an outie, there are not any good altimeter watch sizes for the ladies. I think there's a market for smaller alt watches. Finally, sorry but the Pathfinder is ... remarkably ugly ... there, I said it! No respectable outdoorsman would be caught dead trying to wrestle a grizzly bear with a watch like that ... a Koala, maybe.
>Don't really see what this has over the Garmin ForeRunner 405, which is already available....
- barometric altimeter
- 'lectric compass
- thermometre
gajit
Jon B.
Posted 12:43 AM 22/8/08
just make sure you don't run into a lady with duel pistols and over-exaggerated body proportions.
Jon B.