I recently reviewed my Casio F-91W, a watch that has been around for 27 years. It got me thinking what would I put on today's version, should it be updated.
Firstly, I wouldn't change the look or size of the watch. Any features should fit within the case of the current model, with the possible exception of an additional button (to make a total of four).
Here's what I would add:
1. A decent light. The first criticism of the F-91W is always the light. It's as if Casio's engineers were thinking "we'll design one of the most iconic digital watches, but only let people see half of it at night." An EL light would be ideal. As far as controlling the light, an adjustable timer would be good, as well as a dedicated switch for the light. Also, it would be nice to have the light stay on as long as you're using any of the other buttons. Easily done in software...
2. Smart hourly chime. I love the hourly beep on all of my digitals. However, I always have to turn them off at night. For some watches (Timex Classic Digital) this is easy, for some (Casio A-500) it's a pain in the neck. However, it needn't be that way. Adjustable on/off times for the chime make this hassle a thing of the past. Set and forget.
3. Multiple alarms. Simple.
4. Dual time. Also simple.
5. Two-tone beep. It's dead simple to change the beep pitch, so why don't manufacturers make more use of it. When my A-500 scrolls back to the home screen, the beep is an octave higher than usual. Unobtrusive and very cool.
6.Consistent beeping. The mixture of lights and beeps when setting anything on the F-91W is a tactile nightmare. Either beep or don't beep. And don't flash unless I'm using the light...
That's it. Six little things, most of which are easy software updates that would work within the confines of the F-91W's screen. Will we see it. Probably not. Bit it's nice to dream!
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