Question about X9i

[lorenzo]

Hello boys!

I'm an Italian underwater explorer and I'd like buy the X9i, because I diving with the DPV (scooter) in disowned places and when I go to surface I have need to make my position to tracking the distance.

I have read many reviews of military that use the X9i in Iraq and a lot has convinced me , but still have a doubt after to have seen this video review:
http://www.slashgear.com/suunto-x9i-...iew-061100.php

(see movie in the middle page)



Now I ask to you: do you have found the problems of the video? do it has never given problems to you?

Thank you very much!

Ciao!

	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.

[GeneStoner]

I heard the video, but did not see it. It was blacked out.

The guy sounded competent and had decent credentials, but still could not get the GPS to work correctly either.

Hmmmmmm.

	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.

[bluf98]

Originally Posted by lorenzo

Hello boys!

Now I ask to you: do you have found the problems of the video? do it has never given problems to you?

Lorenzo, I own(ed) several X9(M)(i)'s and can assure you that these watches work fine in their own way.
But indeed you do have to read the manual and build up a more than fair understanding of navigation to be able to use it properly.
Hey, it's the smallest GPS around and therefore with limited screensize you have to visualize and interpret the routes/tracks in your head based on the numbers produced by the X9.

As a resque diver myself I wouldn't recommend using this watch for scuba for two reasons:
- GPS signal pickup when initially activated in a new place can be a little slow at times. This is OK if you're hiking in the field, but imagine yourself on your DPV in the surf waiting for a sat. positionlock is not a relaxing thought. And I'm not even talking about operating those tiny buttons (without gloves!)necessary to become a location bearing & distance back to where you came from! ;-)
- Accidental operation of buttons while (deeply) submerged might introduce minor moist issues in the watch. I had this while checking the (water)temperature at 10m during a decostop in Bali. Post-dive the hourglass became foggie on the inside! This luckily went away, but that is for sure not good for the circuitry inside. Facit: Although it's waterproof for swimming, it's not meant for scuba since it's not "200m" certified.

Good luck choosing a GPS alternative for SCUBA (if there is one on the market at all).

	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.

[bluf98]

thx for the link to the video! :-)