[stetre76]

Re: Suunto Core or wait for Ambit

Other suggestions I made was to have the ability to change what part of the display to be used for different functions. Meaning having the ability to change in the main display area and the lower view area, so that for instance I could shift between having the stopwatch in the upper main display area and then the time would move to the lower sub field area, or the other way around having time in the main area and stopwatch in the lower area. Unfortunately I do not think they actually implemented this with the Ambit.

I also see no mention of any sunset/sunrise data function nor weather alarm function which was present in the X10. But I hope Ambit have those as well.

I think Suunto might have added the feature to set up the display to you liking - reading the link previously posted here (to the Suunto Ambit press info) you can find the following:

Being able to personalise the displays of the watch, download updates and analyse the data on Movescount.com all help to make the AMBIT an awesome product for mountain athletes.

and concerning sunrise/sunset time - this is more or less standard for GPS watches, I would be very surprised if that's not included with the Ambit.

At the moment I am using a Timex Ironman GPS Global Trainer, which is working really well. The only thing I'm missing with the Global Trainer is a barometric sensor - so here the new Ambit might be a interesting replacement.

 

[Gerald Zhang-Schmidt]

Re: Suunto Core or wait for Ambit

A few thoughts:

- It's pretty obvious that the watch is extended to accommodate an antenna in the 6-o'clock position, the very place that will point skywards while on the move.

- The backlight is pretty effective (I think some people will complain about it breaking their night vision... I've seen that, but not much more), but "Light Lock" is just the usual designation of a button that turns on the backlight when pressed short, or locks the buttons by holding it for 1-2 seconds.

- Since it's to be usable for training (even give training effect and recovery time), it must have at least a stopwatch for recording training sessions.

- I also noticed the statements about setting up displays via Movescount (to show the fields desired, presumably) - that's exactly what one can do with the Suunto Quest. There's also been mention of updates that can be downloaded via Movescount.

- From what I heard/know of, the accelerometer would help smoothing GPS speed/distance even just if it were used to give an indication of whether a change in position according to GPS was real or not. I mean, if you have both accelerometer and GPS indicate movement, there probably was; if the accelerometer didn't sense movement, a GPS change is probably an error.
Of course, there could be more sophisticated things behind it. The press release has Jonathan Wyatt mention that the Ambit would work with PODs, so maybe it would even be possible to have GPS + FootPOD measurements of pace "fused."

- Weather alarm, sunrise/sunset... don't know, but at least for the former, given how much the description of alti/baro sounds like on the Core (with automatic mode switching possible - that's been mentioned), it would be more than likely.

- Solio has already announced that its "Bolt" solar charger will work with the Ambit. Whether charging + GPS use will be possible is a good question. Wouldn't be bad, but might make charging ineffective or hurt the battery lifetime in such a way that it's better to assume people will charge their device only when they don't (need to) use it.

I do wonder how connectivity will be implemented myself. Movescount is getting lots of criticisms, indeed. Some justified, some because there's always someone who wants something more, which has not (yet) been implemented. Must be difficult. Still, needing a notebook + internet connectivity to upload waypoints to a GPS, download tracks from it to empty memory... I hope there'll be a "simple track downloader" software again. Everything's moving into the Cloud, though, so...

One way or another, I'll be getting one and using/reviewing it intensely. Won't be the first review, but will be when there's been enough time for it.

Gerald, at home in…, w| Gerald Zhang-Schmidt | how to truly live in this world

 

[ejunge]

Re: Suunto Core or wait for Ambit

I do wonder how connectivity will be implemented myself. Movescount is getting lots of criticisms, indeed. Some justified, some because there's always someone who wants something more, which has not (yet) been implemented. Must be difficult. Still, needing a notebook + internet connectivity to upload waypoints to a GPS, download tracks from it to empty memory... I hope there'll be a "simple track downloader" software again. Everything's moving into the Cloud, though, so...

One way or another, I'll be getting one and using/reviewing it intensely. Won't be the first review, but will be when there's been enough time for it.

Gerald, at home in…, w| Gerald Zhang-Schmidt | how to truly live in this world

it makes sense to do this.. It is easier to upload data from a watch directly to a server for analysis rather than using a piece of Software. There is no need to update across various platforms, and tweak setting, etc.. Its a smart move for Suunto to put their software efforts here. Mac is becoming a real live player in personal computers, and this fixes this long running frustration with being a Windows only platform..

 

[DaveS66]

The Ambit looks great. Can't wait to get hold of one to see how it compares in size to my Vector. Hope it doesn't have teething problems like I believe the Core had.

 

[Kipster]

I called Suunto on Jan 15th just before purchasing a T6D and asked them if they had any new products coming out in the very near future that might trump the T6D. The customer service rep gave me quick and stern NO. I asked the question again in a different way, were there ANY new products coming.....got the same response. Don't mind saying that rubs me wrong.....I returned the watch on the news the Ambit would be released in March. Have given some thought to the Garmin 910 XT but it has shortcomings compared to what it appears the Ambit has.

Whatever I buy I am expecting to be able to plot my run/biking courses after the fact on google maps, something that is important to me. I hope there is functionality to do so with the Ambit. If not the 910xt may win over.

 

[gaijin]

I called Suunto on Jan 15th just before purchasing a T6D and asked them if they had any new products coming out in the very near future that might trump the T6D. The customer service rep gave me quick and stern NO. I asked the question again in a different way, were there ANY new products coming.....got the same response. Don't mind saying that rubs me wrong.....I returned the watch on the news the Ambit would be released in March. Have given some thought to the Garmin 910 XT but it has shortcomings compared to what it appears the Ambit has.

Whatever I buy I am expecting to be able to plot my run/biking courses after the fact on google maps, something that is important to me. I hope there is functionality to do so with the Ambit. If not the 910xt may win over.

Sorry Suunto couldn't give you better info when you called, but I do understand why they were unable to do so pending the "official" press releases on the AMBIT.

Depending on your requirements, the 910XT still may be the way to go. I have the 310XT and as far as uploading and using data, it is the slickest thing since sliced bread. It is all wireless (where the AMBIT must be physically connected) with the ANT+ connector on my PC. All I have to do when I finish a session with the 310XT is get within a few metres of my desktop and the latest data are automatically and wirelessly downloaded to my PC. A window pops up on the PC letting me know new data is available and I am one click away from the graphic representation of my latest session. I don't think the AMBIT with Movescount is going to come anywhere close to that level of user friendliness.

Of course, the AMBIT has many functions the 310XT lacks - 3D Compass, Barometric altimeter, etc., etc. But even after I purchase an AMBIT (yes, I've already pre-sold myself ;-)) the watch I grab for a workout is going to be the 310XT (unless, of course, I get a 910XT ...).

HTH

 

[Joakim Agren]

I can't imagine it won't have a count down timer or stop watch. It's a specialty watch and I couldn't imagine anyone using it as a every day watch but it still should include a weather alarm for field use.

Why can you not imagine anyone using an Ambit as an everyday watch?

I certainly have used my X10 as a daily beater. Its the Suunto watch I have worn most!

I think the Ambit seems to look very elegant just like a Core. I can definetly see the Ambit work just fine in a casual environment. Perhaps not with a suite and tie but definetly with Jeans and T-shirt or sweatshirts.

 

[FireMedic1343]

Why can you not imagine anyone using an Ambit as an everyday watch?

I certainly have used my X10 as a daily beater. Its the Suunto watch I have worn most!

I think the Ambit seems to look very elegant just like a Core. I can definetly see the Ambit work just fine in a casual environment. Perhaps not with a suite and tie but definetly with Jeans and T-shirt or sweatshirts.

I could see myself wearing the Ambit with just about anything. With a long sleeve shirt lower profile is usually easier for me to work with, but I would have no problem wearing the Ambit anywhere.

 

[Mystro]

The Ambit will be too big/thick for every day. Its gonna be like weaing a can of Skoal snuff strapped to you wrist. Even the strap has a growth coming out of it. View attachment 605607

 

[Kipster]

Re: Suunto Core or wait for Ambit

One problem...Its thick as hell. Way too thick to fit under a coat sleeve. That is a problem when most of my outdoor activities require a coat.

View attachment 605607

Mystro did you take that photo? Wondering if that person has small hands of if that thing really is that big.

 

[Mystro]

Re: Suunto Core or wait for Ambit

I didn't take the pic. It really looks that big to me. Look at the protrusion coming out of the lower rubber strap. Looks to be a nice specialty tool but as a watch it's Falvor Flav big. I personally wouldn't want a watch any bigger than the Core. It will be fun to see the first Ambit in person. I hope Suunto becomes the GPS watch leader. We will have to see..

Mystro did you take that photo? Wondering if that person has small hands of if that thing really is that big.

 

[Joakim Agren]

The Ambit will be too big/thick for every day. Its gonna be like weaing a can of Skoal snuff strapped to you wrist. Even the strap has a growth coming out of it. View attachment 605607

Well I like BIG watches! So the fact that it is thick is something I like about it. I am a G-Shock collector and have several G's in the 18-22mm range so thick is not an issue for me. I am also a big guy coming in at 6'4" and 300 IBS so big watches tend not to look to big on me. The Ambit looks to be a 18mm watch or so which is about 3mm more then a Core and 1mm more then a X10. This means it will fit under most jackets sleeves and sweatshirt arms. I never had any issue with my fat G's fitting under a long sleeved college sweatshirt nor my outdoor jackets. The protrusion on the strap seem to be about 10mm at most and it folds down following the shape of the wrist so should not look to bad. As for the width of the watch, the Core is 50mm and the X10 52mm and I have no problem wearing those, the Ambit seems to be very similar to the X10 so it is probably in the 52-53mm range, which I consider still wearable.

 

[Gerald Zhang-Schmidt]

I wore an X9i as my everyday watch for quite a while, and while it's not recommendable with a dress shirt (because the cuffs are not wide enough to let it slip through for reading it), I even did that. So, I second the "I can imagine wearing the Ambit with any outfit," and I'm pretty sure that will be exactly what I will be doing, as a watch like that is just too useful not to be wearing it.
An Omega wouldn't be much smaller, but I'd rather have the high-tech possibilities...

The thing that "comes out of the strap" is actually an extension of the watch casing (for the antenna, I'd assume). I'm not the smallest, but skinny rather than heavyset (runner, not fast but for long... or so I hope), I've had the Ambit against my wrist once before, for a sec, and it looked and felt good to me. Will be something to try out for those who have small wrists or are concerned about it, but I think it will work out for most - and even more so given that, in actual use, it should go above clothes, anyways.
Seemed to me it is a little thicker, but not wider (except for the antenna bit), than a Core, but I could be mistaken on all those counts

 

[joelc]

Did someone know if it will be possible to follow a predefined route with some indications displayed directly on this Suunto Ambit? As a trail runner, this is a must-have feature for me. Some GPS garmin watches are proposing this feature, and so far, I'm finding Sunnto Ambit very promising, and the most interesting watch so far for my needs,... except if it is proposing no help for following a route. I did not find information on this subject in the announcements available for the time being.

 

[ancient_mariner]

I agree with Mystro, this might be too big watch or should I say too tall watch for everyday use. It might be OK with short sleeves but especially in winter the height of the watch is a problem when there is multiple layers of clothing. I look forward to see this watch in person.

 

[Kipster]

Well I like BIG watches! So the fact that it is thick is something I like about it. I am a G-Shock collector and have several G's in the 18-22mm range so thick is not an issue for me. I am also a big guy coming in at 6'4" and 300 IBS so big watches tend not to look to big on me. The Ambit looks to be a 18mm watch or so which is about 3mm more then a Core and 1mm more then a X10. This means it will fit under most jackets sleeves and sweatshirt arms. I never had any issue with my fat G's fitting under a long sleeved college sweatshirt nor my outdoor jackets. The protrusion on the strap seem to be about 10mm at most and it folds down following the shape of the wrist so should not look to bad. As for the width of the watch, the Core is 50mm and the X10 52mm and I have no problem wearing those, the Ambit seems to be very similar to the X10 so it is probably in the 52-53mm range, which I consider still wearable.

I'm a large guy but have wrists like a 12 y/o girl...so there is the potential it could look like a satelite dish on my arm.

I really liked the idea of the T6d having the separate GPS pod, but was disappointed in it's limited capability and accuracy. I kinda hoped they would stay the pod course, only give us something with more functionality, battery life, accuracy, and in a smaller package than the present gps pod.

 

[patrickkhong]

From historical trend, do Suunto lower their price once a new model comes on?

I.e will the Ambit launch make Core or X10 cheaper in March/April?

 

[Mystro]

I don't see the Core changing price because the Ambit isn't replacing or competing with it. The X10 should see a discount because it will be replaced, most likely with the Ambit.

From historical trend, do Suunto lower their price once a new model comes on?

I.e will the Ambit launch make Core or X10 cheaper in March/April?

 

[FireMedic1343]

From historical trend, do Suunto lower their price once a new model comes on?

I.e will the Ambit launch make Core or X10 cheaper in March/April?

It might take a percentage of future Core sales, especially among some enthusiasts. However, I doubt there will be a price drop in the Core as a result.

 

[Gerald Zhang-Schmidt]

Did someone know if it will be possible to follow a predefined route with some indications displayed directly on this Suunto Ambit? ... I did not find information on this subject in the announcements available for the time being.

The information out there does tell that it will be possible to upload waypoints and thus get help navigating along a route, but it sounds like it will not show a kind of track to go along (of course, how much you'd need that, how well it would display, and how many waypoints make quite enough of a track, anyways, is a matter of debate). I'd had a X9 before, and found the navigation along waypoints (and the data it could display for finding the way there) quite sufficient for outdoors sports - would expect something similar with the Ambit.