Observer Count-down Timer

[ob1]

I was primed and excited about my new Observer purchase, but, I made one glaring mistake ... I found out yesterday that it does not have a Count-Down Timer feature.

All of the other SUUNTO Cross-Country have Count-Down Timers.
What really attracted me to the Observer was its reduced size,
it was stainless steel, it had a mineral glass face, and it was more water resistant than the other Cross-Country models.

THIS IS THE ONLY STAINLESS STEEL MODEL in this category and SUUNTO OMITS the COUNT-DOWN TIMER !!!!!
THIS IS A GREAT OMISSION!1

I canceled my order. I guess I'll consider the X6 or S9/X9.
While the X6 is still a plastic resin, at least it has a mineral face.
I'll have to wait even longer.

I am so disappointed and confused.

ob1

	Suunto Visit SuuntoWatches.com to see Suunto's full line of wrist top computers and compasses.

	Suunto X9i - Click for more info Introducing the Suunto X9i - the new and improved version of the Suunto's X9, voted "Best Product of 2004" by Fortune Magazine. Now available in two colors, the X9i combines GPS functionality with an altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer ... all these instruments, packed into a single watch.

	Suunto Observer - Click for more info The shock-resistant Suunto Observer is a tool built for outdoor challenges, but its timeless design makes it wearable in any situation. The Observer is 1/3 smaller in both diameter and width than the first generation Suunto Watches (Vector, Altimax, etc). It also features a chronograph, which previously was only offered in the Navitech but is now discontinued.

	Suunto X6 - Click for more info Just when you thought a sports watch couldn't get any better, Suunto introduces the X6 HR, X6 HRM and X6-HRT. These are truly the next generation in sports watches, packed with all of the technology that Suunto enthusiasts have been craving. Designed for Cross Sports applications, the X6 writstops are functionally very similar to the Suunto X6 - but with the added benefits of a heart rate monitor.

[AltimeterGuy]

Please remember that the Xlander has a count down timer. It's also constructed out of Aluminum and has a mineral glass crystal. Suunto Oy deleted the countdown timer, Altimeter differential mode and 24 hour Altimeter memory in the Observer models as these were not frequently used functions for most users. However, the Observer will calculate up 40,000 Vertical Ascent & Descent feet in the logbook. All earlier Suunto models with Altimeters will calculate up to 30,000 feet.

AltimeterGuy

	Suunto Visit SuuntoWatches.com to see Suunto's full line of wrist top computers and compasses.

	Suunto X-Lander - Click for more info The Suunto X-Lander watch is the combination of an altimeter, barometer, compass and watch - the same features as the award-winning Suunto Vector, but with a mineral crystal glass face, carbon fiber back, and a leather or polyurethane band.

	Suunto Observer - Click for more info The shock-resistant Suunto Observer is a tool built for outdoor challenges, but its timeless design makes it wearable in any situation. The Observer is 1/3 smaller in both diameter and width than the first generation Suunto Watches (Vector, Altimax, etc). It also features a chronograph, which previously was only offered in the Navitech but is now discontinued.

[pepperfleming]

One of the most used features for me is the countdown timer. I own and X-lander and love it, and would purchase an observer today if not for the lack of countdown timer.

Pepper

	Suunto X-Lander - Click for more info The Suunto X-Lander watch is the combination of an altimeter, barometer, compass and watch - the same features as the award-winning Suunto Vector, but with a mineral crystal glass face, carbon fiber back, and a leather or polyurethane band.

	Suunto Observer - Click for more info The shock-resistant Suunto Observer is a tool built for outdoor challenges, but its timeless design makes it wearable in any situation. The Observer is 1/3 smaller in both diameter and width than the first generation Suunto Watches (Vector, Altimax, etc). It also features a chronograph, which previously was only offered in the Navitech but is now discontinued.

[Bergund]

What - no countdown timer? The reasons for not "upgrading" from my 6-7 years old Vector keep piling up. The Observer:

-has no countdown timer
-has no bubble to ensure accurate compass reading
-has a hardly audible alarm - useless to wake you up at 4 am in a wind-blown tent
-does not have an altitude difference mode - you need to use the logbook or memorize the starting altitude/time if you want to track changes.

And how about the mineral crystal scratchproof face? My old Vector does have a lot of scratches but it has not reduced the readability of those big, crystal clear digits. Mostly a cosmetic issue.

So I guess the only real advantages of the Observer is:
-small size
-better waterproofing
-looks cool
-99 lap memory of the stopwatch
-stopwatch minutes and seconds shows in the largest display line

Think I will stick to my Vector until they come up with a smaller one - hopefully they won't remove the bubble level. And display the stopwatch in the central line - for better readability when running. And an even louder alarm.

	Suunto Vector - Click for more info Suunto's original Wristop Computer, the Vector changed the face of sport watches forever with its groundbreaking combination of features, including an altimeter, barometer, electronic compass, digital log book, and watch. Introduced in 1998, the Vector was the first watch to make it to the summit of Mt. Everest. In addition, the Vector won the prestigious European Outdoor Award - Product of the Year in 1999/2000.

	Suunto Observer - Click for more info The shock-resistant Suunto Observer is a tool built for outdoor challenges, but its timeless design makes it wearable in any situation. The Observer is 1/3 smaller in both diameter and width than the first generation Suunto Watches (Vector, Altimax, etc). It also features a chronograph, which previously was only offered in the Navitech but is now discontinued.

	Compass Compasses are sensitive, absolutely crucial instruments to precision navigation. The earth's magnetic field, inclination, and your longitude and latitude all influence the horizontal plane of a compass needle. As a result, compasses are balanced for different geographical zones. Suunto Compasses overcome this limitation to traditional compasses by using a simple 'Two Zone System'. With a Suunto Compass, the only 'balancing zones' are the northern and southern hemispheres. In addition to this innovation, certain Suunto Compasses come equipped with useful features like luminous needles and marks, centimeter/inch scales, magnifying glasses, clinometers, sighting notches, and more.

[Lisa-Adam]

St. Clair Software has released an update for FlashMath , bringing it to version 1.2. FlashMath is a educational app designed as an intermitent flash card quizzer. The update features a countdown timer and an improved UI. According to St. Clair Software Software:

St. Clair Software is happy to announce the release of FlashMath 1.2, a quiz program designed to improve the math skills of computer-loving students.

FlashMath is an easy-to-use flash card program that teaches basic math. Designed especially for computer-loving students, it intermittently interrupts their computer play to quiz them on a set of flash cards. The student's score on the quiz determines how long they can use the computer before the next quiz session. FlashMath is loaded with features and has been proven effective in the classroom and at home.

This new version delivers a much requested countdown timer, limiting the time students have to answer each question.

The user interface has also been improved significantly, offering greater ease of use for parents, teachers and students. Other new features include password encryption and automatic student login.