I've owned 4 models in this Casio series as far back as ~ 1983.
The best model of the databank series, rating a 4/5, was the mid-1990s release with a mini-bulb for lighting and a silk screened keyboard ... it rated 4/5 because it was a real stainless steel case, the keyboard remained readable for its lifetime, it was easy to clean and it only died because I lost it.Both the strap and watch case lasted over 5 years, the LCD was more readable than the newer releases.It was not perfect though, because the light ate batteries and memory was not FLASH or eeprom memory ... you lost everything during a battery change.
Avoid the resin watch straps, they always break when you least expect it, whether its from Casio or others.Woven nylon with velcro bands can be bought at sports shops and are more durable.The cases for the 2000 models were all resin, the 'steel' ones were simply painted atop resin ... and I've lost 2 watches when the hole in the resin that holds the strap pins breaks, the watch case is useless.Since the earliest model new features are major improvements but prior features were removed, made come backs, or are removed again!I'm writing this detailed review in the hopes Casio will finally get a databank we can all rave about.
Navigation has rarely been a problem.In the older models, a beep in watch mode is different from others, so one can cycle through modes without looking at the screen.Keep the old mode, but GIVE A DISTINCT beep or sound as one enters a new mode as an option.
The background lumination went from a tiny power hungry micro-bulb to an ELD display, much more pleasing and power saving.This is a super plus.Please allow it to say ON as once cycles through MODES.
Make the numbers on the TIME, DAY and DATE readout HUGE and viewed by default.We don't need a year readout, that can be a shift- or scroll button item.The DB37H-1AV screen is ideal, just add a keyboard.
Make a calendar function.
The silk screen or painted numbers on the resin casing always fade with time.Silk screen flat keypads weren't as easy to use as raised keypads, but they kept their labels longer.Make a version with all raised or embossed labels that can be identified by touch.
The screw-on battery case is a dream, batteries can be user serviced.For a watch of this price, its not practical to have it serviced by a watch technician, it can be 25-50% of the cost of the watch!
Keep the password feature for all data and telememo.
The perpetual Schedule mode .. and multiple schedule memos is a key function I use, and the super compact 1 week look ahead schedule view on the LCD is great.I can keep anniversaries, birthday, holidays etc., in the watch and get an entire week's preview of upcoming events. This mode was removed in this watch, hence the 3 Star rating.
While a palmtop serves better than the DB, its easier and more convenient to just carry a watch, and actually serves as a more reliable backup for palmtops with ultra-crucial names, numbers and data, thanks to its low power consumption and non-volatile memory.If there is a way to upload schedules to a DB without loosing the current total amount of memory or the watches other features as other models have, it would be a plus.
Finally, as a watch it keeps excellent time.It really does keep to near +30 sec a month, usually moving slightly faster.This is referenced against US Standard time using the atomic clock time by NIST.gov
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Casio Men's EDB610-1 Databank Digital WatchProduct Description: Presenting unsurpassed innovation, the quartz-powered Casio Men's Databank Digital Watch #EDB610-1 features a classic digital dial face, which comes protected by a sturdy mineral dial window. A perpetual calendar display brings at-a-glance convenience, and other high-tech functions include an 8-digit calculator, a multi-alarm system, and a 300-page databank. For a flashy contrast, the 40-millimeter resin case is a stunning silver tone, while the stationary resin bezel is a sleek black. Other details include a black resin band, which is accompanied by a reliable buckle-clasp closure to ensure your convenient fit. Catering to your fast-paced day, this exciting timepiece brings you style and convenience.
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I am a big fan of casio digital watches. I purchased 3 over a five year period. They are tough and last a long long time. I am very rough on watches and the worst thing that ever happened was the silver electroplating wore down to the brass finish underneath. This brings me to my current purchase -- it is perfect, easy to set up and I love the big illuminator bar ("light") under the function keys. The only caveat is that the digital read out is smaller, and if you have a bigger wrist or like to wear it loose -- it will need to be adjusted by a jeweler. Will update my post as to case wear and tear, otherwise I am delighted!
