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

The barometric mode of the Vector displays the current barometric pressure and temperature, as well as recent barometric trends. The trend display can be used for rough weather forecasts if you won't be changing altitude. After we'd made the initial setting, the Vector provided accurate barometric readings compared with the readouts to Internet weather reports for our region.

We did run into a problem with the temperature display of the barometer mode, as it can be affected by body heat. Suunto recommends removing the watch from your wrist for 15 minutes for a more reliable temperature reading--not exactly the handiest of options.

The altimeter, which uses barometric readings to measure altitude, isn't exact, either. And, depending on the weather, we needed to reset the altimeter at least once a day. But it proved useful on local hikes, noting altitude to an accuracy margin of 10 feet after being reset, and also letting us note in the Vector's logbook how quickly we increased or decreased in altitude (the log holds up to 3,800 sets of data).

One of the most useful tools on the Vector is its digital compass. After we'd made an initial calibration (we found that using a watch this powerful requires a lot of tweaks), it kept us headed in the right direction with readouts in both direction and degree. We just had to remember to keep the watch level--holding it at the normal angle for chronometer reading skewed the compass results. And, oh yeah, the Vector keeps time as well. Its time mode displays day and date with 12- or 24-hour time. It also has three daily alarms, a stopwatch, and a countdown timer. Even while you're using its other modes, the Vector shows the current time at the bottom of the display.

The Vector has a bright backlit display and is also waterproof to 100 feet--as long as you don't press any buttons. We didn't take it down that far, but it surfaced without a problem from the bottom of our 12-foot-deep pool. You'll know this large watch is on your wrist, but if you're an avid adventurer who loves techno-gadgets hardy enough for the outdoors, the Vector's for you. It's the timepiece Grizzly Adams would have worn. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• Ruggedly designed--great for the outdoor adventurer
• Compass and altimeter are handy on hikes
• Easy to switch between modes

Cons:

• Large size can be unwieldy on wrist
• Takes a lot of resets

The Vector looks like a high-end wristwatch, with an ABS plastic body and elastic wristband. The body is red, with a ring of black around the dial and an oversized backlit LCD screen. The Vector is made tough, built to be waterproof, even submerged up to 100 feet.

The watch displays day, time, and date with three programmable alarms, plus a stopwatch and countdown timer. But the Vector really stands out in its combination of altimeter, barometer, and compass functions. The altimeter allows you to view the current altitude with a range up to 29,500 feet and a resolution of 10 feet. Also view your ascent/descent rate in feet per minute. (All measurements are also available in metric units.)

The barometer allows you to measure the temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit, absolute pressure, and a difference measurement to follow changes in barometric pressure and temperature. The automatic four-day memory keeps track of atmospheric pressure information. Another feature is the adjustable sea-level pressure function.

The Vector's compass shows directional bearing in degrees and cardinal or half-cardinal point. There is a north-south arrow and a bearing-tracking function that displays locked bearing, actual bearing, and the difference between these declination adjustments. The compass's bubble level indicates a level position to ensure a reading accuracy to within 2 to 3 degrees.

The Vector comes with a user-replaceable battery, which lasts up to 18 months, and a low-battery indicator. The Vector is covered by a one-year warranty.