The mush anticipated Garmin fenix is now available. The fenix incorporates watch, altimeter, barometer, compass, temperature plot, as well as a high-sensitivity GPS receiver.
It features an LED backlight and is waterproof to 50 meters. With a battery life of up to 50 hours in GPS mode (depends on settings) the fenix will continue to function up to 6 weeks in watch mode. Basic watch functions include alarms, tones, vibration alerts, timer, stopwatch and world clock with the ability to display several times zones at once.
Additionally, you can create routes, record up to 1,000 waypoints (such as campsites or points of interest), and record GPS bread crumb trails on the move (tracklogs). It also uses Bluetooth technology to allow you to share data between fenix and other Garmin compatible devices. Finally, there is also an iOS that helps you share data between your fenix and iPhone called BaseCamp Mobile.
Available now through Marine Corps Veteran Owned Strohman Enterprise.
Tags: Garmin, Strohman Enterprise
Surprisingly, it also could show even simple maps. Some of the first owners reported the positive result of an attempt to upload trail map of two states (hiking trails only).
So, every experienced Garmin user could add own simple line/point map created with third-party software.
Anyone try one on? Is it massive?
I’m a large man with small features… big watches look and feel like wall clocks on my skinny little joke wrists.
You could find several threads with real use photos on WatchUSeek forum http://forums.watchuseek.com/f296/
It is a big watch. No Just a tad larger than a Casio running watch.
6 weeks in watch mode? Seriously? You want me to pack at least a dozen spare batteries for a deployment?
You recharge it
@Dude, @BB- We have used the Garmin Foretrex and Rhino products for the last 10+ years. With that said, the Fenix is the type of GPS a lot of us have been asking for. The battery life on the Fenix puts the Foretrex and the Rhino to shame. If you have a lot of experience with these types of GPS units, then you know what I’m talking about.
I agree with Dude….6 week charge on watch mode? This is a watch one would use every BLUE MOON. and usually if something says it lasts a certain amount of time…you can usually cut that in half….
You can also use Garmin’s Basecamp, a free down load from the Garmin web site.
I just tested one. Also I am a Garmin dealer. 6 weeks in watch mode, 23 hours with all sensors on. Has to recharge, with that we recommend a solar charger (we sell the Power monkey), that will keep it going for a long time. It is very close to those numbers on the sensors, haven’t had it in the watch mode long enough to confirm.
Thanks,
Joe
But how does it compare to the Ambit is what inquiring minds REALLY want to know! Anyone had the two side-by-side yet?
Not yet
This is what I want to know. I was looking at getting an Ambit but might hold off now.
Hold off, I have had an Ambit, but after the 3rd time it broke (replaced every time) I know the Garmin will hold up better.
I am a Garmin dealer. 6 weeks in watch mode, 23 hours with all sensors on. Has to recharge, with that we recommend a solar charger (we sell the Power monkey), that will keep it going for a long time.
Thanks,
Joe
Joe,
Can you use the watch while it is charging? Or does it go into ‘charging mode’ or some bullshit when it is plugged in.
-Alex
It has a charger that plugs into the wall or your computer. It is a strap that goes behind the watch, so you can’t wear it while it is charging but it works while charging. I just checked it on mine.
Hello,
I have a question too: What about charging from laptop via USB or from other power source but wall outlet? I use external battery to power my smartphone when I’m out for hiking. It would be nice if I could recharge this watch too form similar external power source.
If I would know the charging ratings I could easily buy any external power source with a proper connector (micro / mini USB).