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Garmin Forerunner 910XT

By on October 5, 2011 in Garmin GPS, GPS Watch

Garmin Forerrunner 910XT
Garmin has just announced the all new Forerunner 910XT, a GPS-enabled watch that aims to become your training partner.

What is new about this device compared with older devices in the Forerunner series is that it is a multisport GPS watch that can also provide detailed swim metrics data. It is water resistant to 50 m and can be used in the pool or in open water. Some of the swim metrics it can capture are distance (obviously), pool lengths, stroke counts and it can also identify the type of strokes. Using these data it can also calculate the SWOLF score. This is an index of swimming efficiency (the lower the better).

Obviously this is not just a swimming GPS watch, it reports a number of data and statistics useful for dry land sports, including distance, speed/pace and heart rate (optional with the more expensive version). It also features an an on-board barometric altimeter that is responsible for recording elevation data.

So in theory it appears to be the ideal gadget for triathletes. It even has a low profile design to allow users to get in and out of swimsuits easily and an optional quick release and bike mount that will allow users to easily move it from their wrist to the handlebar.

Another interesting feature is Virtual Racer™, which allows users to race against themselves, or others based on previously saved training sessions. I guess a bit of competition is always good even if you are just training. The Garmin Forerunner 910XT is also compatible with Garmin Connect and Garmin’s and third party wireless fitness gadgets such as heart rate monitors, power meters and foot pods.

Currently it is listed on the Garmin online shop with a price of $399.99 for the base version and $449.99 for the version that includes a premium heart rate monitor. The availability information states that it will become available in the 4th Quarter of 2011.

Some final features/specs not mentioned above include:

  • Vibration Motor for Alerts.
  • 20h Battery Life
  • Weight: 72gr
  • Compatible with the Garmin Training Center®
  • Changes Sport Mode with the push of a button.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4Y5v1PDsxM]
Press Release

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Mainnav MW-705 – GPS Watch with Optional Bluetooth

By on February 17, 2007 in Bluetooth GPS, GPS Watch

MainNav mw-705 GPS watch
MainNav, the Taiwanese GPS manufacturer that recently released the MG-920 Bluetooth GPS receiver with an FM transmitter is releasing another interesting GPS product, a GPS watch with optional bluetooth. The watch looks kinda bulky and it’s size is 69 x 55 x 28mm (I couldn’t find how much it weights). Nonetheless, it’s an interesting concept, a GPS watch that can also be used as a bluetooth GPS receiver. Inside the watch resides the high sensitivity SiRF Star III LP chip that is responsible for tracking the wearer’s location. The system also features a digital heart-rate, speed and distance and a temperature sensor. Finally it is waterproof as expected for most systems that are mainly for outdoors use and is equipped with a Li-ion 400mAh battery. Although, I like the concept behind the MW-705 (and kudos to MainNav for not just producing cookie cutter products) my two reservations are it’s design and the battery life when using the optional Bluetooth (v2.0) module. Whether we will see it in Europe and the USA depends on whether western distributors decide to bring it to us.

Source

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Globalsat GH-615 GPS Watch

By on January 14, 2007 in Globalsat, GPS Watch, Handheld GPS
Globalsat GH-615 GPS watch

Globalsat is about to launch and new sports oriented GPS unit the GH-615 GPS Watch. Unlike the GH-600 series it has the looks and the size of an ordinary watch, just a bit bigger. It is equipped with the SiRF Star III high performance GPS chipset (supports WAAS and EGNOS), a built-in patch antenna and a black and white LCD screen. The size of the screen is 24.9 x 39.88mm with a resolution of 80 x 120 pixels. Obviously since this gadget is aimed for outdoors use it just makes sense to be waterproof (Waterproof standard: IPX7). Users will be able to track their routes using tracking points (60000 tracking points maximum).

No information is available yet about pricing and availability.

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Comparison of Garmin Forerunner 205 and 201

By on March 2, 2006 in Garmin GPS, GPS Reviews, GPS Watch
garmin forerunner 205

Mobile Analyst Watch has an interesting comparison of the Garmin Forerunner 205 and 201. He writes:

Overall I like the 205 a lot. It’s more comfortable on the wrist, has better placed buttons (lap and start/stop), more features I’ll use, and hopefully will be more accurate too. I plan to do another write up or two after taking it on some trails with heavy tree cover and/or canyons, where I have always lost GPS signals in the past.

GPS, Garmin, Forerunner, 201, 205

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Suunto x9i Review

By on February 7, 2006 in GPS Reviews, GPS Watch
suunto x9i

Suunto is a wristwatch created for outdoor sports enthusiasts. It is equipped with GPS, a compass, chronograph, altimeter, and barometer. The Digital Lifestyle Magazine reviews the Suunto X9i GPS enabled watch and reports:

With the Suunto X9i, you’ll be able to have several key instruments right on your wrist. This unit, ideal for outdoor sports enthusiasts, integrates a clock and chronometer, GPS, Altimeter, Barometer, and Digital Compass in one tight package. Even better, the instruments are integrated to take the guess work out of common tasks by cross checking data internally.


Read the whole review at DLMag

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