For Hiking: GPS-Watch with SiRFstarIII. chip?

[Mark]

Hi,

I am looking for a watch-size gps device (It can be a big watch
= ; ) and found the suunto 9xi very interesting. However, some
reviews indicate that the signal reception is very waek, especially in
forest areas. The Garmin foretrex series seems to have the same
problem, but their forerunner-series now comes with two devices (205 /
305) with a SiRFstarIII chip that -- so they say -- solves all the
signal / fix problems. This seems exactly what I am looking for, but
the firmware is intended to serve running purposes (measuring distance
and speed...) and has very (!) limited navigation functionality.
Another problem is that the foretrex series works with AA batteries
while the forerunner series works with a rechargeable battery -- too
bad if you don't come across a power socket on your trail...

Does anybody know of another wristband / watch-size device with a
SiRFstarIII chip that ist good for navigation? I don't need a device
that is able to handle maps, just pure navigation.

Does anybody know whether there will be a new model in the foretrex
series with that chip?

Is the difference between the "old" chips and SiRFstarIII really that
big?

I am looking forward to hearing your opinions.

Greetings, Mark