Introducing the Suunto X10

Are you a keen outdoorsman with a need for a compass, barometer, altimeter, thermometer and a GPS device but don't have enough hands to carry them all? Instead of lugging everything bar the kitchen sink around, you should cast your attention to the Suunto X10. The X10 packs all of the aforementioned devices into a neat wrist unit, plus it tells the time too, but we must stress this is not a watch, this is a wrist top computer.

We have been selling the Suunto X10 for a few months now and it has proved a hit amongst many customers. Launched at the tail end of last year, this is the perfect device to kickstart 2009's outdoor activities. Have you given up on your New Year's resolution to get fit already? Or did you vow to get out and about while breathing smog-free air more? As Suunto say the X10 makes the Earth your playground and it will make you want to get out there and get back on track with those resolutions.

Whether you run, cycle, climb, trek or are just inquisitive about the weather, the X10 has a feature for you.

Now you may have noticed the X10 is not a dainty little thing, but then its not really that big if you consider everything that is packed into the one unit. Imagine having to carry a compass, a barometer, an altimeter, a thermometer and a GPS device around, you would need a rather large backpack or an easy manupilated friend. While this thing, well it just sits on your wrist and like a normal wristwatch (again its not just a wristwatch!) you will hardly even know you are wearing it.

For those of you who know your Suunto, you probably know the X10 is the replacement for the X9i. Now the X9i was a good watch, but good can always get better, there is always room for improvement. Improved the X10 is, the GPS is a lot faster, locking to satellites in seconds and performing much better in difficult conditions such as dense woodland and stormy weather. A lot of people of people found the battery life of the X9i to be poor, with the X10 this is greatly improved, the battery is much much better with 30% more life. The X10 can also be charged up on the go with any USB travel charger, which is ideal if your stamina is greater than that of the watch (you are one trooper if you undertake that mean feat!). A good little charger to use, is the SPX900 Solar Charger. The solar charger is the ultimate companion for charging the X10 outdoors, there is no need to worry about batteries getting drained or laptops crashing or whatever else you would charge it with failing, all you need to have is light!

So what exactly does the X10 do?

GPS Function: Go beyond North and South with a GPS watch that knows where you are going and how to get you back to base. Plan your trek at home and upload the route to the X10. The X10 GPS watch is compatible with National Geographic TOPO! Maps, Google Earth, and Fugawi.

Also included with the X10 and free for download from Suunto.com is the Track Exporter PC software, which makes route planning and waypoint programming a breeze.

Going where you've never gone before? The X10 will record your tracks, which you can save or use to find your way home. Found the perfect trail? Save the coordinates on your watch.

Altimeter Function: Measure your altitude from the lowest points of Death Valley to the highest peak of Mount Everest or from the top of that hill in your local country park to the bottom of it. The altimeter measures your elevation using air-pressure. An altimeter is a useful tool for loads of outdoor activities, including running, biking, hiking, skiing, or snowboarding or even just standing on your roof and seeing how high your house is.

Barometer Function: Like some kind of premonition from the gods, the barometer will let you know when to take shelter from a storm and when to carry on. The barometer measures atmospheric pressure in order to forecast weather (sorry to ruin the magic).

Compass Function: Know your direction at all times without the need to follow stars or use any other ancient methods.
and who is it for?
Anyone who loves adventure will love the Suunto X10. Whether you are a mountain guide, an explorer, a member of the military or a law enforcement agency, the X10 will be a invaluable device that will help you make critical decisions. Avid trekkers, adventure racers, bikers, hunters, and fishermen will find a feature for them with the X10's GPS, altimeter, barometer, and compass capabilities.

Find out more about the Suunto X10 here.