M9

[BigBuff]

I have an M9 - as well as 8 or 10 other GPS's which I use in Boating,Fishing,Driving, & Flying. I find the Suunto PC software to be very impotent and inscrutable. The GPS is very slow to startup and very hard to keep locked on. The watch GPS software is mostly unusable. Navigate mode will indicate bearing and distance to mypoint - if you have the patiece to figure out how to navigate the levels. The Sailing mode is impossible. I strongly suggest that you wait for the 2nd or 3rd iteration before buying a M9. Get a Garmin GPS and another model Suunto watch - you will be much happier.

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

	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.

[huibers]

I have been eagerly awaiting the M9 (not available in Australia yet), especially for its yacht racing functionality such as "Start Line" information, "Tracking Angle Difference (TAD)", Lay Lines and subsequent race analysis with the "Sail Manager". As far as I know, this type of functionality is presently only found in integrated race navigation systems, bolted and hard-wired into the boat and only affordable for the sophisticated hot-shot racers with a big wallet or sponsorship budget.

I have not found any handheld GPS that has this type of yacht racing functionality, most are focussed on cruising, fishing, hiking or driving on roads. I would be interested to know if anyone has found a GPS that has the race functionality. In that case it would probably make sence to buy the handheld GPS and a separate "Suunto Yachtsman".

Until that time, I would still be going down the M9 route and would also be interested to know if anyone has used the M9's race functionality and what their experience is with it.

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

	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.

	Suunto Yachtsman - Click for more info For the demanding outdoor enthusiast comes the Suunto Yachtsman - a combination sailing timer, barometer, and compass, with all the features of an advanced timepiece. The Yachtsman comes equipped with a mineral crystal glass face, carbon fiber back, and a weatherproof polyurethane resin/fabric band to ensure maximum durability.

[BigBuff]

I do not race sailboats, but I suggest that setting up a standard GPS, such as the Garmin 76S would be far better than attempting to use the M9 (as currently configured). The Garmin with its downloaded charts would give you an instant awareness of your location in respect to the start position and an easy, quick way to set up the course. If you really want a M9, I can easily be talked into parting with mine.

	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.

[Layline]

I may be interested in your M9. Although your comments worry me. I would like to hear more about what you didn't like.

[BigBuff]

I use a GPS by planning trips with Visual Navigation Suites and a PC loaded with Maptech charts. I did not buy the admirality charts that are required by the M9 software. I think that that is the reason that I am unable to download waypoints into the M9. I want a unit that allows me to navigate to waypoints that I develop with VNS. This is not easy or perhaps possible with the M9. It is possible with all portable GPS's such as the Garmins. In addition, the Garmins will show charts with depths and other features. I have ordered a Suunto Observer so I get Pressure, Heading, as well as time and stop watch features. Coupled with the Garnims I will 'have it all'

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

	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.

	Suunto Observer - Click for more info The shock-resistant Suunto Observer is a tool built for outdoor challenges, but its timeless design makes it wearable in any situation. The Observer is 1/3 smaller in both diameter and width than the first generation Suunto Watches (Vector, Altimax, etc). It also features a chronograph, which previously was only offered in the Navitech but is now discontinued.

[JACQUES]

Why would you get the Suunto Observer when you could get the Yachtsman?

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

	Suunto Observer - Click for more info The shock-resistant Suunto Observer is a tool built for outdoor challenges, but its timeless design makes it wearable in any situation. The Observer is 1/3 smaller in both diameter and width than the first generation Suunto Watches (Vector, Altimax, etc). It also features a chronograph, which previously was only offered in the Navitech but is now discontinued.

	Suunto Yachtsman - Click for more info For the demanding outdoor enthusiast comes the Suunto Yachtsman - a combination sailing timer, barometer, and compass, with all the features of an advanced timepiece. The Yachtsman comes equipped with a mineral crystal glass face, carbon fiber back, and a weatherproof polyurethane resin/fabric band to ensure maximum durability.

[BigBuff]

I like the weight and look of the Titanium - I also do fish and hike at altitude and like the altimiter function