By ZAM KARIM
bytz@thestar.com.my
Suunto has unveiled the Ambit, a high-performance watch with built-in GPS that's targeted at skiers, hikers, trail runners and mountain climbers.
Powered by the SiRF IV chip, it allows users to set waypoints for navigation and view their current location.
The watch also has a host of other features including temperature gauge, track logging, 3D compass and barometric sensor. All these helps keep you informed of your location, altitude and weather conditions on your adventures.
The watch has a special feature for mountain climbers. The patent-pending technology, called FusedSpeed, uses the GPS and acceleration sensor to give a more accurate speed reading and responds faster to changes in speed.
There is also a Heart Rate monitor that works with the built-in Peak Training Effect (PTE) system to show the impact of a training session. PTE works based on your fitness level - so, the fitter you are, the harder you will have to work to reach a higher PTE.
To ensure that you do not over exert yourself the built-in Recovery Function will estimate how long your body needs to recuperate before going for another training.
When you are ready to head home after an hard session, the watch can help you navigate home with its GPS. You can then upload the data in the watch to Movescount.com for further analysis. Movescount is a free online sports community operated by Suunto.
You will be able to get in depth training analysis and progress summary as well as planning tools to create new waypoints.
Also, the watch's software can be upgraded through the website.
The Ambit is housed in a reinforced polymide case to withstand use in rough environments and it is water resistant up to 100m.
Powered by a rechargeable battery, the watch is able to work up to 50 hours with GPS mode or up to 30 days without.
The Ambit retails for RM2,299 and is available in black and silver. The bundle with the heart rate belt costs RM2,499.
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www.suunto.com