Watches and wrist devices

The Bottom Line: The Fossil Abacus Mobilewear Caller ID Wristwatch has a cool factor that is reminiscent of a James Bond movie, but that's not enough to win our accolades. Its large size and limited compatibility with cell phones makes this more of a novelty gadget than a must-have.

Specs: Watch (combo device), Technical, 30 m

The Bottom Line: Microsoft and Fossil have made some significant improvements in their next-generation Abacus Smart Watch series, but it's still unclear whether the service's features can attract a broad audience.

The Bottom Line: Microsoft and Fossil have made some significant improvements in their next-generation Abacus Smart Watch series, but it's still unclear whether the service's features can attract a broad audience.

The Bottom Line: Microsoft and Fossil have made some significant improvements in their next-generation Abacus Smart Watch series, but it's still unclear whether the service's features can attract a broad audience.

The Bottom Line: Microsoft and Fossil have made some significant improvements in their next-generation Abacus Smart Watch series, but it's still unclear whether the service's features can attract a broad audience.

The Bottom Line: Microsoft and Fossil have made some significant improvements in their next-generation Abacus Smart Watch series, but it's still unclear whether the service's features can attract a broad audience.

The Bottom Line: With its built-in heart-rate monitor, Suunto's N6HR is the sportiest MSN Direct watch available, but it isn't cheap.

Specs: Heart rate monitor, Sport, 12/24 hour, Multiple time zones, 100 m, MSN Direct service, Smart Personal Objects Technology (SPOT), Changeable watch faces

The Bottom Line: Nothing screams geek like a SPOT watch, but this one does so a little less loudly than other models.

Specs: Watch (combo device), Technical

The Bottom Line: Even though the Tissot High T boasts Swiss quality and cutting-edge tech, it's difficult to justify the high price.

The Bottom Line: While other MSN Direct watches are designed with business users in mind, the Swatch Paparazzi is perfect for younger users who need more entertainment-oriented information.

Specs: Watch, Technical, Paparazzi, 20 m