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

2011 Suunto Vector Yellow Performance Computer Watch. Altimeter with vertical speed measurement and altitude alarm Barometer with pressure difference measurement Compass with leveling bubble for more accurate reading Multiple watch functions User replaceable battery ...Read more

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Although the name Wristop Computer may suggest otherwise, Suunto's line of über-watches aren't just for those with a fetish for the latest in techno-toys. These rugged time tellers offer a variety of features for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Vector watch sporting a barometer, an altimeter, and a compass.

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 making the initial setting, the Vector was able to provide us with rather accurate barometric readings compared to 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 impacted 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 of 10 feet after being reset, and also letting us note how quickly we increased or decreased in altitude in the Vector's logbook (which holds up to 3,800 sets of data).

One of the most useful tools on the Vector is its digital compass--after an initial calibration (we found out 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 features three daily alarms, a stopwatch, and a countdown timer. Even while using the other modes, the Vector displays the current time at the bottom of the display.

The Vector has a nice, 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 definitely 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 your watch. It's the timepiece Grizzly Adams would have worn. --J. Curtis

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