Suunto X9i Wristwatch Author: Talon Date Posted:21/09/2006 04:42.59 SLRating: Bottom Line: Suunto has once again proved to be at the forefront of wristwatch technology and design with the X9i. Article Navigation Introduction Design Function Conclusion Pages: 1 2 3 4 Discuss This Article

Design

The first thing I noticed when I opened the package was the size of the X9i: much smaller than the Forerunner but still larger than I had expected. I could by no means add the X9i to my casual watch collection, but at least I felt comfortable that wearing it around the city after a midday workout; it happily lacked the dreaded geek factor, as would be the case with other wrist-GPS units (the Pathfinder comes to mind). Additionally, Suunto implemented the GPS antenna inside the watch, so there are no awkward extensions or peripherals needed when it comes to locking on to a satellite signal.

As for the watch band, hard rubber is the order of the day with metal links in between, testaments to the Suunto's efforts and both durability and comfort. The sides of the watch casing are made of similar material, with the buttons protected by rubber to insure optimal operation even in moist environments (or up to 330 ft. underwater). The actual watch glass protecting the screen is made of mineral crystal, an extremely hard and scratch-resistant material. All of these features were obviously designed so that the X9i could be taken into the most demanding of environments and still be fully functional.

The watch package also includes a USB charger and PC connector (or in Suunto terminology: a "data snake"), the use of which we will cover later. Also in the box is a multilingual instruction manual and software for Suunto's treck program that logs and analyzes recorded X9i data. In terms of accessories, everything to get the X9i up and running is included; there are no essential parts that "must be purchased seperately," like when printers don't come with the cable (I hate it when that happens). But again, at a $500 price point, that's pretty much expected.

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