Princeton Review

CASIO DBC310-1 DataBank Men's Watch

2009-07-10T17:42:00.001-07:00

This is the best of the databank series in terms of functionality, but not the best in ergonomics.

With 300 data set shared memory, you can have any combination of phone numbers or alarm schedules that will ring perpetually or once. This watches' design has not changed in over 10 years after a generation of prior versions with less memory, true metal casings, incandescent lighting, or a flat keyboard that did not have letters fade, leading to the pros and cons of this model. I've had this one particular model for over 10 years and several Casios like it over the past 20 years.

PROs

300 item shared memory
LCD back lighting saves battery life
Flash memory for memos/schedules, won't disappear with a battery change
consistent 2 year battery life even with all the alarms ON
stop watch
timer
world time
calculator
alarm clock
Screw-on case allows user to change battery easily
takes shock abuse
Accurate to within a minute a month, often less

CONs

Water resistant not water proof

Resin case will break after exposure to sweat for years. I found replacing the strap with a 'The Band' style velcro straps protects the case from sweat. I now have the same watch unblemished over 10 years old.

Resin strap will crack and break in under 2 years. Change it to something like 'The Band'.

Silk screen lettering on keyboard fades

Small LCD fonts can be hard on older eyes

Somewhat difficult to learn to use, at first

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Suunto Observer SR Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass

2009-07-09T17:03:00.001-07:00

I have had this watch for over 3 years and the only problem I have found is the compass has to be frequently recalibrated. I have had issues with some batteries messing the calibration up. When I try to use the compass while walking in a circle it reads from 95 degrees to 243 then jumps back to 95 degrees.
I have owned numerous watches over the years but this is by far my most favorite, regardless of the compass issue.
The only thing I would change is you can only monitor the barometric pressure or the altitude. It would be nice to monitor both, though not sure if this is feasible due to the watch using pressure to monitor both. This was difficult to keep up with while over seas (the resources to obtain the barometric pressure aren't as readily available as they are here).

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Suunto Observer ST Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass (Stainless Steel)

2009-07-08T17:32:00.001-07:00

This is a great watch, especially for small to medium build guys. It's a good size watch but it's not nearly the dinner plate replacement that some of it's ABC brethren are.

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Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Thermometer (xBlack)

2009-07-07T17:49:00.001-07:00

Received as a corporate gift, and basis of comparison as "outdoor watch" is a G-Shock I purchased

+Extremely comfortable to wear despite large dial
+Fixed barometric "trend" window is neat
+Altimeter very accurate. I calibrate in the morning before heading the slopes and it matches markers exactly.
-Less durable than GShock/More cosmetic wear/scratches easily (face and case)
-Very UNINTUITIVE control. Try to change the units without reading the manual, I challenge you. (for reference i work in the field of technology)
-Weak backlighting
-USELESS temperature gauge is mounted on BACK of the case... thus always registers a ~82*F skin temp. Manual recommends removing watch for 10-15 minutes for ambient temperature reading. Whats the point??
-Buttons have dull feel

I only grab this watch when going hiking and interested in azimuthal direction and elevation. Most of the time I default to Casio as outdoor watch. Actually, since I bought an REI keychain compass&temp gauge, there's even less need for the Suunto. Based on my personal experience, and Casio's general reputation for wristwatches, were I to purchase an altimeter watch, I would look at their PATHFINDER series

Just for comparison, some benefits of "upgrading" to Pathfinder:
-instant access to baro/alt/comp feature (instead of cycling through)
-AUTOMATIC backlight option (AutoEL)
-Solar-charged!!! (vs 1 year battery)
-Atomic-clock synchronization (always accurate time)
-Dual time zones w/ multiple preset world cities (now thats a travel watch)

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Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Thermometer (Khaki)

2009-07-06T17:20:00.001-07:00

Suunto X-Lander Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Chronograph (Negative Face)

2009-07-05T17:23:00.001-07:00

The Mil X-Lander is one impressive piece of equipment. It is a an ABC watch that is built to withstand some pretty harsh environments. The watch wears large on the wrist, but it is perfectly at home on the trail as it is in the office. I do a lot of bushwalking and mountain biking and the barometer and compass are easy to set and use and the alti is very accurate. I would recommend this to anyone who is out in the scrub or who just wants a bloody great watch for everyday use.

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Suunto S-Lander Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter and Barometer

2009-07-04T17:38:00.001-07:00

Great Watch Great Value. Had and an X lander for 3 years and
still working. just wanted to change strap but value of a new watch
was just a irresistable!

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Suunto X-Lander Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Chronograph (Positive Face)

2009-07-03T18:25:00.001-07:00

Suunto Advizor Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Barometer, Compass, Altimeter, and Chronograph

2009-07-02T18:28:00.001-07:00

Pros:

1. Great watch with a TON of features. Not many compass, altimeter, barometer combo watches also come with a heart rate monitor. That's impressive.

2. This is one of the best styled watches I've ever owned.

3. Very comfortable and easy wearing band.

Cons:

1. Suunto Watches have terrible function navigation. There is no intuitive function design to these watches.

2. I use a stopwatch often and the stopwatch function can only be accessed through another function - which was a big negative for me causing me to give the watch away to a friend.

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Suunto G6 Pro Wrist-Top Personal Golf Computer Watch

2009-07-02T06:31:00.001-07:00

I got this for a present. Not sure I would have purchased it for myself. I don't use the swing speed stuff that much. Never could figure out how to make the best use of it. I know already when I swing too fast! I do use the scoring function often. It does provide some useful info but the PC based part of the process leaves a bunch to be desired. It does not do a good job of presenting information in the way you would find valuable. You have to did around to get at what you want. The transfer mechanism is also a bit erratic. The worst problem is that it eats batteries. I play about 3 times a week and I don't get much more than 6 weeks out of a battery. Considering the written material says 6 months, something is not all it should be.

In summary, a good idea with a lot of very rough edges.

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