Review: VibraLite 2

Product Information

Manufacturer: Global Assistive Devices Inc.

Reviewed by: Name withheld by request.

Why did you purchase the product?
To wake me with a shake in the morning and to alert me silently to appointments.

How well did the product meet your needs?
Only partially.

Are there specific features of the product that you liked?
Attractive overall look. The vibration feature works well, and the controls are relatively easy to understand.

Are there specific features of the product that you disliked?
The design is very attractive but, alas, leaves much to be desired. The numbers and other information in the viewing window are extremely hard to read, even under a bright light. The problem is not just the small size of the numbers. There's too little contrast between the numbers and the background. Also, the raised outer edges of the window throw an annoying shadow across much of the viewing area, which itself is too small. I think the window could be enlarged if they got rid of some of the superfluous ad copy around the edges. I refer to the words "VibraLITE 2," "WATER 30M RESIST," "ELECTRO LUMINESCENCE," "AUTO LIGHT TILT SENSOR" and, at the bottom, "VIBRATION." Seems to me there's no reason why this text has to take up so much room, especially when the working text in the viewing window is so microscopically small. Why not put those words in smaller print on the black strips above and below the viewing window? Other points: I don't like the way the watch beeps or buzzes with each push of the button as you cycle through the modes. Also, I wish it were not so easy to switch from beep to vibrate mode. I like keeping the watch in vibrate mode, but I keep hitting the Start/Stop button by accident and changing the setting to silent or beep.

Any other comments about the product's performance?
I've owned the watch for less than 24 hours but, notwithstanding from my gripes about some of its features, it seems well made and appears to keep good time.