This is a good product, more accurate than the foot pod I used to use with my Suunto T6 watch and simple to set up. I've used it in the woods a little bit, and haven't lost the GPS signal, but I haven't used it in deep, thick woods, which will be the acid test.

It's an outstanding tool.

I have to say that there IS a way to actually MAP the runs. You've got to HACK the gps and BUILD a usb port onto it so that the PC can communicate with it.

Then, using a compiler you can download and elaborate the data and send it straight away to more than just google earth / maps and have the full mapping.

Honestly I am disappointed with having to do this and I am not entirely sure i actually will but I read the reviews of others who tried and made it work like a charm.

I think Suunto didn't want this function because they partly have it on the X9/X10 series, still.. these watches are for sailing, definitely not for running.

All in all the mapping is a cool feature but pretty useless unless you want to show your route to someone. What matters is the data you can get from the HR1 belt + the GPS pod.

... then if you really want the mapping, go to the suunto forums and check the mapping thread. You'll see the blog where instructions to hack the pod are, with full explanation on software and steps to take to mod the gps pod.

Out of the box and working in fifteen minutes. A bit of experimentation with buttons proved fruitless because the watch menu system does not function like standard digital watches. Once I calmed down and read the manual all worked and sync-ed up quickly. The only negative thing I have to say after the first run: I am disappointed the GPS Pod has no ability to recharge itself. Positive: It was way lighter than I expected.

Everyone who wants to monitor their progress and improve, this device is great. I trail run through canyons and this device keeps a good signal throughout the entire trail. I've ran the same path 5 times and it has consistently given me the same distance. Other than that, it takes a while to find a signal, which can be frustrating sometimes when I want to hit the trail before the sun sets.

The cold start takes a while- especially if you're doing it in a new location- maybe 5 minutes. But once it's locked on it keeps it well. It is worth looking on the various Suunto and forums like Yahoo's Wristop Computers for advice, since there is a lot to know about how to use it. On flat land it seems very accurate- the problem is with mileage in the 3rd dimension- it is not so obvious how one would calibrate it since GPS systems don't really do the vertical dimension well. But if you are running/biking on flat ground calibration is easy. Finally, one of Suunto's strongest points is that when the watch locks on to the pod (or HR belt) it does so positively- Polar products seem more intermittent. Once you've learned to use it, for flat land (outside) it might be one of the better distance/speed units out there.

Yep, it works great. Like the previous reviewer, I've had great success with the Suunto GPS Pod. I've had no problems with the GPS dropping out in steep walled canyons or heavily wooded trails. These devices can be a little finicky, but mine picks up satellites within a few seconds even during cloudy weather. It may be a bit pricey, but if you run and bike it will replace the need for a foot pod and a bike pod. The only thing that would make this a 5 star product is if it actually sent coordinates to the watch so that you could map your run/bike/hike. Suunto hasn't added that functionality, but I still love my GPS Pod.

I've used my GPS pod three times. The first time it worked brilliantly (sunny day), second time it didn't work at all (raining), and the third time (cloudy) it took 6 minutes to find a satellite. I'm about to take it back and swap it for a footpod... fingers crossed this'll work better.