Time and time again   |  September 2, 2004  

By Peter Wolchak

MSN Smart Watch and Timex Ironman Data Link USB

Owning a PDA is great, but how often have you left it at home, only to find you need it? It would be better to own a wearable data device.

Just out from Fossil and Suunto are timepieces powered by MSN Direct. Using a built-in FM receiver, these watches receive personalized content including news, weather, sports, personal messages, horoscopes, daily diversions, stock quotes and calendar appointment reminders from Microsoft Outlook. The watches also feature automatic time-zone adjustment based on location. The MSN subscription service costs $14.95 per month or $99 for a year. Watches start at $199. Pictured is Fossil’s Dick Tracy watch.

For athletic types who also want to carry appointment and contact data, there’s the Ironman USB. Through a cord connected to a PC or Mac’s USB port the watch can download contacts with multiple numbers, appointments, schedules and other useful information.

Sport timing information can also be uploaded to the Trainer software, allowing athletes to automatically log workouts. The Ironman USB starts at $149.99.