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Garmin, a leading brand in the field of diving computers, has recently launched its latest models in the MK series. The MK2 series showcases a range of improvements in both hardware and software, offering divers enhanced features and functionalities.
One of the notable upgrades in the MK2 series is the increase in display screen size from 30.4mm to 35.56mm, providing users with a larger and more immersive viewing experience. The resolution has also been enhanced, delivering sharper and more detailed visuals.
In addition to the display enhancements, the MK2 series now incorporates a Pulse Ox sensor, allowing divers to measure their blood oxygen saturation levels. This feature provides valuable insights into the divers’ physiological condition during their underwater adventures.
Furthermore, Garmin has made significant improvements to the battery life of the MK2 series compared to its predecessor, the MK1. This ensures that divers can rely on their watches for extended periods without worrying about frequent recharging.
Key Takeaways:
- The Garmin MK2 series offers an upgraded display screen size and resolution compared to the MK1.
- The Pulse Ox sensor in the MK2 series allows divers to monitor their blood oxygen saturation levels.
- The MK2 series boasts improved battery life, providing longer usage time during dives.
Hardware Design Changes
The Garmin MK2 series introduces several hardware design changes compared to the MK1, offering users improved functionality and an enhanced diving experience.
One notable change is the increase in display screen size from 30.4mm to 35.56mm, providing divers with a larger and more immersive viewing experience. Alongside the increase in size, the resolution has also been improved, ensuring clear and crisp visuals while underwater.
Furthermore, the entire body of the MK2 series has slightly increased in size, allowing for additional features and improved usability. The larger form factor provides divers with a more ergonomic design and facilitates ease of use, even in challenging underwater environments.
In addition to the physical changes, the MK2 series comes equipped with the Pulse Ox sensor, enabling divers to monitor their blood oxygen saturation levels. This valuable feature enhances safety by helping divers track their physical well-being during their dives.
With these hardware design changes, the Garmin MK2 series offers divers an upgraded diving computer that combines functionality, performance, and comfort for an exceptional diving experience.
| Specification | Garmin MK1 | Garmin MK2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Screen Size | 30.4mm | 35.56mm |
| Resolution | xxx | xxx |
| Body Size | xxx | xxx |
| Pulse Ox Sensor | No | Yes |
Battery Life
Improved Battery Performance
The Garmin Mk2 series offers significant improvements in battery life compared to the Mk1. Whether you’re using it as a smartwatch, GPS device, or during dive mode, the Mk2 outperforms its predecessor in terms of longevity.
In Smartwatch mode, the Mk2 can last up to 16 days on a single charge, whereas the Mk1 has a maximum battery life of 10 days. This enhanced battery performance ensures that you can rely on the Mk2 for extended periods without worrying about frequent recharges.
When it comes to GPS mode, the Mk2 provides up to 48 hours of battery life, while the Mk1 offers up to 20 hours. This means that you can confidently embark on long outdoor adventures, relying on the Mk2 to guide you accurately without the fear of running out of power.
In Dive mode, the Mk2 truly shines with an impressive battery life of up to 80 hours, compared to the Mk1’s maximum of 40 hours. This extended power capability allows divers to explore underwater environments for more extended periods, capturing every precious moment without the need for regular battery changes.
Battery-Saving Modes
In addition to its improved battery life, the Mk2 series also provides users with additional battery-saving modes. These modes help conserve power and extend the overall usage time, making it even more convenient for prolonged adventures.
Pro Tip: When you’re not actively using the watch and want to conserve battery life further, switch to power-saving modes like “UltraTrac” or “Watch Mode.” These modes can significantly increase the battery duration, letting you enjoy your Garmin Mk2 for an extended period.
Comparison Table: Garmin Mk1 vs Mk2 Battery Life
| Mk1 | Mk2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch Mode | Up to 10 days | Up to 16 days |
| GPS Mode | Up to 20 hours | Up to 48 hours |
| Dive Mode | Up to 40 hours | Up to 80 hours |
The comparison table above clearly illustrates the difference in battery life between the Garmin Mk1 and Mk2 series. The Mk2 outperforms the Mk1 in all three modes, providing users with long-lasting power to make the most of their adventures.
Software Features
The Garmin Mk2 series introduces a range of new and exciting software features that enhance the diving experience. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key software updates and improvements that set the Mk2 apart from its predecessor, the Mk1.
1. Support for Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR)
The Mk2 series now supports Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR) functionality, allowing divers to take advantage of this advanced diving technique. CCR offers a safer and more efficient way to dive, recycling the breathing gas and minimizing decompression risks.
2. Customizable PO2 Settings
With the Mk2 series, divers have the flexibility to customize their Partial Pressure of Oxygen (PO2) settings according to their specific diving needs. This feature ensures optimal gas mixtures and helps maintain a safe oxygen concentration throughout the dive.
3. Subwave Functionality (Mk2i exclusive)
The Garmin Mk2i takes it a step further with exclusive Subwave functionality. This feature allows divers to communicate wirelessly with other Subwave-compatible devices, enabling real-time data sharing and enhanced coordination during group dives.
4. Air Integration (via Subwave)
By utilizing Subwave technology, the Mk2 series offers Air Integration, which provides divers with real-time air consumption and tank pressure data directly on their dive computer display. This information helps divers monitor their air usage and plan their dives more effectively.
5. Gas Time Remaining and Consumption Rate (Mk2i exclusive)
Exclusive to the Mk2i model, divers can now access valuable information on Gas Time Remaining and Consumption Rate. These features help divers monitor their remaining breathing gas and track their consumption rate, ensuring safer and more efficient dives.
6. General Health and Fitness Features
In addition to the diving-specific updates, the Mk2 series also includes general health and fitness features. These include Pulse Ox, which measures blood oxygen saturation, Stress Tracking to monitor stress levels, and Body Battery Monitor for monitoring energy levels throughout the day.
With these software enhancements, the Garmin Mk2 series delivers an impressive array of features and functionalities that elevate the diving experience to new heights. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just starting your underwater adventures, the Mk2 series is designed to cater to your needs.
Full Specification Breakdown
The Garmin MK1 and MK2 series offer divers various enhancements and improvements across their specifications. Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between the two models.
In terms of materials, the MK1 and MK2 series differ in their lens and bezel, case, and strap materials. The MK2 series boasts upgraded materials that enhance durability and aesthetics, ensuring it can withstand the demands of diving adventures.
Physical size is another area where the two series vary. The MK2 series has slightly increased in size compared to its predecessor, providing users with a more immersive and user-friendly experience. The larger display size and improved screen resolution of the MK2 series further enriches the overall diving experience, offering clearer and more detailed visuals.
One of the most notable improvements in the MK2 series is its battery life. With extended battery performance, divers can enjoy longer diving sessions without worrying about their watch running out of power. The MK2 series offers significantly longer battery life across various modes, including Smartwatch mode, GPS mode, and Dive mode.
FAQ
What are the main differences between the Garmin MK1 and MK2 dive watches?
The Garmin MK2 series features an increased display screen size and resolution, as well as the addition of a Pulse Ox sensor to measure blood oxygen saturation. Additionally, the MK2 series offers improved battery life and additional software features compared to the MK1.
How has the hardware design changed from the MK1 to the MK2 series?
The MK2 series has a larger display screen size of 35.56mm compared to the 30.4mm of the MK1. The MK2 series also has a slightly larger overall body size.
What differences can be seen in the battery life of the MK1 and MK2 dive watches?
The MK2 series offers improved battery life compared to the MK1. In Smartwatch mode, the MK2 can last up to 16 days, while the MK1 can last up to 10 days. In GPS mode, the MK2 can last up to 48 hours, compared to the MK1’s 20 hours. In Dive mode, the MK2 can last up to 80 hours, while the MK1 can last up to 40 hours. The MK2 series also features additional battery-saving modes.
What new software features does the MK2 series have compared to the MK1?
The MK2 series introduces several new software features, including support for Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR), customizable PO2 settings, Subwave functionality (only on MK2i), Air Integration (via Subwave), Gas Time Remaining and Consumption Rate (MK2i only). The MK2 series also includes general health and fitness features such as Pulse Ox, Stress Tracking, and Body Battery Monitor.
What are the full specifications and features offered by the MK1 and MK2 dive watches?
The Garmin MK2 series has various differences when it comes to lens and bezel materials, case materials, strap materials, physical size, display size, display resolution, weight, battery life, and more. The MK2 series offers an upgraded version with new materials and improved specifications compared to the MK1.