Slimmer Battery And New Case From Satmap

The guys at Satmap are 'streamlining' their 'product offerings' - marketing speak alert - from November, with three all-in packages available as well as a new, slimline battery aimed at reducing the thickness of the Active 10 GPS and a new protective rubber case.

Thinner Battery And New Case

The new Slimline Power Bundle is a thinner, lighter, rechargeable battery which comes with a slimmer back plate for the unit considerably reducing the overall thickness of what's a slightly bulky unit as standard.

Like the standard rechargeable battery, it's a lithium polymer cell. There is a downside though, the smaller battery has reduced capacity giving around a claimed ten hours of life in advanced power saving mode, so best for shorter days. We've had a sneak preview of the new battery pack and it's much slimmer, allowing you to slip the unit unobtrusively into a pocket. Price for the bundle will be £39.99 and it's available from November.

A good call we reckon as the Active 10 does take flak for the bulk of the unit.

New for December is a protective rubber case, which is made from silicone rubber and designed to fit onto the Active 10 and give increased impact protection as well as increasing water and dust resistance. It's going to come in black, orange, sand or green and retail for £39.99.

Three New Bundles

Finally, Satmap's launching three bundles in November. The standard Satmap Active 10 at £299.99 pre-loaded with full GB mapping at 1:250k scale and World Base Mapping at 1:5 million and 1:200 million scales, plus carry case and 3AA batteries.

The Active 10 PLUS  - £379.99 -has all the above, plus lithium polymer battery and charger and a voucher giving access to Satmap's online route planner and share forum - normally £79.99 - and finally a voucher providing 1/3 off 60km² site-centred map (worth £35).

Finally the Active 10 BIKE at £339.99 is like the standard Active 10 but with added rechargeable battery pack and a bike mount.

More details at www.satmap.com