Mainnav kicks out Bluetooth-enabled MW-705 GPS watch

GPS watches certainly aren't new 'round these parts, but a timepiece that sticks up around 1.1-inches off your arm has to set some sort of unwanted record. Hot on the heels of the company's MG-920 Bluetooth GPS receiver, Mainnav is offering up a GPS wristwatch with built-in Bluetooth and a SiRF Star III LP chip that could probably double as a weapon in a fistfight. Aside from sporting an unnaturally large design, the Taiwanese device can track your current position, operate as a standalone GPS receiver, and also handle heart-rate monitoring, speed and distance tracking, and sense the temperature whilst frolicking in the great outdoors. Unsurprisingly, this beast can handle underwater excursions without a hitch, and the built-in Li-ion cell should keep things humming along for a good bit before needing a recharge. As of now, it doesn't look like Europe nor the US will ever see the behemoth on their shelves, which seems fairly smart considering the fashion sense most of western civilization holds dear.

[Via GPSGazette, thanks Dimitris]

[Tiberian @ Feb 17th 2007 10:07PM]

Quite possibly the best looking watch I have ever set eyes upon. Looks like it could survive a nuclear blast and stay attached to my carbonized bones.

[beatnix @ Feb 17th 2007 10:23PM]

It would be great for bikers... I often go on long bikerides with some friends and we've gotten lost several times while exploring... If I had this device strapped to my wrist, I would have never got lost and not look like a tool with a big honkin' navigation system strapped to your handlebar...

[srw @ Feb 17th 2007 10:52PM]

Yes.. instead you would look like a super-tool with a big honkin' navigation system strapped to your wrist.

[YankInOz @ Feb 17th 2007 10:48PM]

I like it for use in underwater archaeology - where bulkiness is not a fashion faux pas... And you might want to consider that Asia is actually comming out of the Dark Ages and might have a few things on "Western Civilization"... maybe, just maybe.

[Sam @ Feb 17th 2007 10:49PM]

Umm... yea, the fashion sense of the western civilization that created the THUMP!!!

[Joe @ Feb 18th 2007 1:42AM]

If you don't need bluetooth then I can highly recommend this Garmin GPS enabled watch:
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Wrist-Mounted-Personal-Training/dp/B000CSQJ8C/sr=1-2/qid=1171780556/ref=sr_1_2/102-0877178-4382514?tag=freeplecom-20&ie=UTF8&s=electronics

After rebate you'll be able to get it for under $150. Granted it is big, but not as big as the Mainnav.

And if you can afford it, the Garmin 305 GPS watch is even better:
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Receiver-Heart-Monitor/dp/B000CSWCQA/sr=1-1/qid=1171780556/ref=sr_1_1/102-0877178-4382514?tag=freeplecom-20&ie=UTF8&s=electronics

[Eric @ Feb 18th 2007 11:09AM]

Target has this on clearance for $56. There is also a $50 rebate from Garmin, making it $6 AR. Too bad my store is out.

[jmchez @ Feb 18th 2007 3:26AM]

The Gramin 305 Forerunner has everything but bluetooth and does not make your heart rate go up every time you raise your hand.

[BL @ Feb 18th 2007 11:07AM]

I still am a big fan of the x9i which has a great hook up with Google Earth, rechargeable battery, and sweet stylish look.

http://blog.spungle.com/2006/11/suunto-x9i-verdict-what-watch.html

[Jappleng @ Feb 18th 2007 7:17PM]

It doesn't look that bad. It's not like you would wear it on a daily basis unless your a hardcore 80's fan (where are the calculator buttons?). I would wear it if I were going hiking or something but if I had to get on a boat I'd have to leave that heavy/bulky thing at shore for my personal safety.