If you enjoy running, biking, hiking, or mountain climbing, then chances are you know all about Suunto watches. While these watches are expensive, they really are worth every penny. But if you have found yourself suffering from sticker shock in the past, then you owe it yourself to check out a lower cost model: the Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Altimeter, Barometer and Compass Watch.
The Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Compass, Barometer and Altimeter Watch keeps track of both your altitude changes and the barometric changes over time via the computer onboard. It will log your altitude (within a 9,000 meter range at a resolution of one-meter) and ascending and descending rates every hour for a 24 hour period while the barometric changes are logged for a period of four days. The time function has all the features you would expect from a watch of this caliber and is even preprogrammed to 2089. If looks and fashion are important to you, then you will be pleased to know that this watch is available in several colors such as black, yellow, and khaki.
But not all is roses in regards to the Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Altimeter, Barometer and Compass Watch. Perhaps the biggest issue this watch has is the fact that the watch face itself is neither crystal nor glass, but rather some type of plastic. Though using plastic is surely one way that Suunto keeps the price down, it causes the face to get scratched rather easily. Another thing to keep in mind is the battery life you can expect to get out of this. It is likely that you will have to replace the battery about once every year, particularly if you use the backlight a lot.
PROS:
* A very illuminating backlight
* An accurate altimeter with a range of 9,000 meters
* Clock has three alarms, dual time display, and stopwatch functions
* Keeps both altitude and barometer data in memory (altitude for 24 hours, barometer for four days.
* Built in thermometer
* Comes in a variety of colors
CONS:
* The watch face is made of a type of plastic and is easily scratched
* The battery needs to be replaced at least once a year under moderate use
