Version: 2008
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SPOT watches
Today's watches are more than just fashion accessories and timekeepers. Now you can have news, sports scores, Outlook calendar data, and much more delivered straight to your watch, thanks to Smart Personal Objects Technology (SPOT). Announced by Microsoft in 2002 and officially available last year, this service operates via MSN Direct's Web portal, which beams data to the watch via an FM radio signal. For a monthly or annual fee, you can subscribe to a dozen or so channels to receive stock quotes, horoscopes, and even movie times in your area. And for PC users (sorry, Mac fans), you can even receive alerts to upcoming appointments in your Outlook Calendar--brilliant. Check out the growing list of these smart watches.

Swatch Paparazzi Affordable, informative, and entertaining, the Swatch Paparazzi is one of the best SPOT watches we've seen. While other MSN Direct watches are designed with business users in mind, the Paparazzi is perfect for younger users who need more entertainment-oriented information, such as upcoming DJ and club events. But don't expect to get into the hippest clubs because you're wearing a Paparazzi.

Suunto N6HR We're always delighted with two-in-one combos, and the Suunto N6HR does double duty as a SPOT watch and a fitness watch. The comfortable and water-resistant N6HR has a solid feature set (heart-rate monitor, training software, and more), but its more advanced features will give your patience a workout. That said, if you just happen to be an athlete with a geek streak who's in the market for both a smart watch and a sports watch, the N6HR is it.

Suunto N3i One of the problems about SPOT watches is that they're bulky and can look pretty darn geeky. But that's not the case with Suunto's N3i. This attractive watch sports a slimmer design and interchangeable leather band, all while receiving news from the MSN Direct channels and keeping on top of your Outlook Calendar. We just wish it had a more attractive price.

Suunto N3 Of the first-generation SPOT watches, the Suunto N3 was one of the best. It's relatively lightweight, and if you're a gadget lover with some money to burn, you'll find that this is a well-designed, durable watch that always keeps perfect time and gives you convenient and quick on-the-go access to a smattering of useful info.

Fossil Abacus AU4000 The Fossil Abacus AU4000, one of the first SPOT watches on the market, boasted an inexpensive price tag, an attractive look, and of course, MSN Direct service. Though revolutionary, it suffered from a couple of design flaws, namely a stiff and uncomfortable wristband. We recommend that you try on the Abacus before you buy; for some, the discomfort of the band will be a deal breaker.

Fossil Wrist Net FX3005 More about class than flash, the Fossil Wrist Net FX3005 is a good-looking and comfortable SPOT watch. It's one of the slimmest models available, but even so, wearing this instrument on your wrist requires a commitment; this is no subtle, dime-thin fashion piece. Navigating the watch is a little on the tough side, and Fossil has some of the bulkiest chargers in the group, but we liked having all our data within arm's reach.

Tissot High T This 155-year-old Swiss watchmaker may stand for tradition, but it also takes pride in its innovation. Case in point: the Tissot High T. Unlike other smart watches, this high-end timepiece features touch-screen technology so that you can tap away on the crystal display to access your channels and data. Unfortunately, it also will tap your wallet with its high price tag.