[Janice]

Both watches are identical in GPS function, reception and software. The only difference is a different unit setting in the compass of the X9Mi and asthetic features like color and a red backlight on the X9Mi.

I do not know anything about a SIRFIII chipset or even what it is. I contacted Suunto directly, and my contact person did not know either.

	Suunto Visit SuuntoWatches.com to see Suunto's full line of wrist top computers and compasses.

	Suunto X9Mi - Click for more info The Suunto X9M/i ("Military") is a new version of Suunto's incredible X9i Global Positioning System wristop computer, designed specifically for Military professionals looking for the ultimate field watch. The array of functions offered with a Suunto X9i GPS watch is still there in the X9M/i, but with some added features that make this watch even more valuable to our friends in the Military, both at home and abroad.

	Suunto X9i - Click for more info Introducing the Suunto X9i - the new and improved version of the Suunto's X9, voted "Best Product of 2004" by Fortune Magazine. Now available in two colors, the X9i combines GPS functionality with an altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer ... all these instruments, packed into a single watch.

	Compass Compasses are sensitive, absolutely crucial instruments to precision navigation. The earth's magnetic field, inclination, and your longitude and latitude all influence the horizontal plane of a compass needle. As a result, compasses are balanced for different geographical zones. Suunto Compasses overcome this limitation to traditional compasses by using a simple 'Two Zone System'. With a Suunto Compass, the only 'balancing zones' are the northern and southern hemispheres. In addition to this innovation, certain Suunto Compasses come equipped with useful features like luminous needles and marks, centimeter/inch scales, magnifying glasses, clinometers, sighting notches, and more.