CASIO DBC310-1 DataBank Men's Watch

I can't do without my Casio anymore and have bought a back up just in case my present one is damaged, gets lost, or goes kaputt. It now contains all the vital info I need and which folks carry in their (relatively) bulky cell phones or Blackberries. Several times daily it reminds me of chores to do. Several times weekly I'm prompted to access some stored info. Indeed, I've gotten so dependent on it that I had to order a 2nd unit. ;-)

This is the best of the databank series in terms of functionality, but not the best in ergonomics.

With 300 data set shared memory, you can have any combination of phone numbers or alarm schedules that will ring perpetually or once. This watches' design has not changed in over 10 years after a generation of prior versions with less memory, true metal casings, incandescent lighting, or a flat keyboard that did not have letters fade, leading to the pros and cons of this model. I've had this one particular model for over 10 years and several Casios like it over the past 20 years.

PROs

300 item shared memory
LCD back lighting saves battery life
Flash memory for memos/schedules, won't disappear with a battery change
consistent 2 year battery life even with all the alarms ON
stop watch
timer
world time
calculator
alarm clock
Screw-on case allows user to change battery easily
takes shock abuse
Accurate to within a minute a month, often less

CONs

Water resistant not water proof

Resin case will break after exposure to sweat for years. I found replacing the strap with a 'The Band' style velcro straps protects the case from sweat. I now have the same watch unblemished over 10 years old.

Resin strap will crack and break in under 2 years. Change it to something like 'The Band'.

Silk screen lettering on keyboard fades

Small LCD fonts can be hard on older eyes

Somewhat difficult to learn to use, at first

Great watch. I bought it for a gift for my husband. He loves it.

I bought my first databank watch over 20 years ago in Hong Kong and was very happy to have a way to keep track of phone numbers. Unfortunately, the hazards of living on a navy ship claimed this one. So, I bought another when I got back to the US. The first one only had room for 30 records; the second only 50 and now it is up to 300. I've always heard the saying "a short pencil is better than a long memory". But who wants to carry a notebook around all the time?
I believe this is my 6th databank. So one might think that I am a bit abusive to my watches. But this brings out the only negative thing about the databank; and that is that it is a bit on the fragile side. So, if you work in an industrial environment it might not be a very good choice.
Otherwise I am still giving it the top rating. I look forward to the say when it has text to speech and then becomes a wirelss device a la Dick Tracy.

This is the third Data Bank I've owned. It lived up to my expectations. It's a good piece of equipment. One thing, you won't find a black flex band to fit it. Buy a silver watch instead.