When it comes to the technology behind how altimeter watches work, you are limited to essentially two choices - those that calculate altitude by GPS and those that use barometric pressure.

I'll discuss the specifics of each type of altimeter watch in the next few paragraphs. To summarize the difference between the two, GPS altimeter watches use map datum based on position (this position is communicated to a satellite). The majority of barometric altimeter watches use air pressure to determine altitude. This is the original method (by original, the initially discovered method) and the most common method for a watch to determine elevation.

If your altimeter watch is GPS enabled, the way it calculates altitude is by sending your latitude and longitude to a satellite, which likely communicates with the manufacturer and returns your altitude, among a number of other data points. Because of this GPS altimeter watches are considered to be more accurate that their barometric watch counterparts. Not having to recalibrate is one of the obvious benefits to owning a GPS enabled altimeter watch. However, one of the downsides is your position and altitude is often subject to terrain - on flat, open terrain you will have near perfect communication with the satellite. However, in mountainous terrain, particularly in a canyon or gorge, you will often have poor satellite signal, resulting in inaccurate latitude and longitude positioning. Obviously, this results in somewhat questionable accuracy of your elevation. Examples of GPS enable altimeter watches are the Forerunner 305 or the Suunto X10.

99% of altimeter watches on the market use barometric pressure to determine altitude. The calculation is very simple and can be found by googling "barometric pressure to altitude conversion". This calculation is stored on the internal software on the altimeter watch. Because barometric pressure altimeter watches use outdoor conditions to determine altitude, the accuracy of the elevation readout is often skewed by changing weather conditions. Because of this, you need to calibrate your altimeter watch when beginning your outdoor activity, then re-calibrate frequently at known points. The mostly widely bought altimeter watch manufacturers are Suunto and HighGear.

The entry price point for GPS enabled altimeter watches is around $250. While a bit more expensive than the barometric pressure altimeter watch (lowest price of around $100) often GPS altimeter watches come with many features, such as trip distance, not in their barometric counterparts. When looking for a watch compare carefully the individual watch feature set that best matches your needs.

Learn more about the types of Altimeter Watches. Stop by Anthony Edward's site where you can find out all about the best altimeter watch for your needs.

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Suunto released their Core line in 2007 as an upgrade to the reliable Suunto Vector. The feature set of the Core altimeter watch was impressive (altimeter, barometer, digital compass and a new feature warning when storms were approaching).

Suunto has long set the standard in functional, durable watches, while also leading the industry in breakthrough technology. The Suunto Core promised to continue this standard. With a vastly improved look (the Core is not only a piece of outdoor gear, but also a good looking watch that can be worn to the office or social engagements) and improved feature set (coolest feature is the storm warning) Suunto had positioned the Core line to rise a step above the competition at a comparable price point.

Suunto is known for extremely high quality. Because of this reputation the industry expected nearly flawless performance on initial release of the Suunto Core altimeter watch. However, within a few weeks of release, reports of product malfunctions started rolling in. Common issues were software bugs and battery life issues. From an outsiders perspective, it looked like Suunto had chosen to do product testing in the field and had prematurely released the Core altimeter watch.

Obviously, the flaws in the Suunto Core were an embarrassment to Suunto. Throughout the next couple years Suunto spent considerable money identifying and rectifying the issues with the Core. Fundamentally, the Suunto Core altimeter watch is and was a great idea with revolutionary features.

Suunto has done a great job of fixing the initial problems with the Suunto Core. Over the last few years the majority of customer complaints have been resolved, and the end buyer can now be assured when purchasing a Suunto Core altimeter watch they are getting a high quality, high feature watch. The Suunto Core can be found at many outdoor retailers and their eight versions are priced from $250 - $450.

If you want to find out more about the Suunto Core altimeter watch, then visit Anthony Edward's site on how to choose the best altimeter watch for your needs.

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