First Impressions
Tech4o Discover GPS Watch
Designed for more than just road running, the Tech4o Discover GPS watch is a sleek and compact package. Its dimensions are very similar to that of the smallest watch in our test – the Soleus GPS 1.0 – but the square face provides more viewable real estate which Tech4o uses for its unique, high-customizable and nicely done user interface.
Features
Three things standout on the Tech4o Discover. First, the display is one of the best out there. It’s able to show large amounts of information without looking crowded or cramped. This is true in virtually every mode from basic time mode – which shows day, month, date, hour, minutes, seconds and am/pm – to the highly customizable workout and navigation modes (more about these below). In keeping with this approach, the white on black button labels are also some of the easiest to read thanks to the large, crisp typeface.
The second major standout item is the level of customization that’s possible of the Tech4o Discover’s user interface. Press Mode and hold to get to the Settings screen. Press View three times and you’ll find the watch comes standard with five different workout profiles – running, cycling, hiking, sailing and a user-defined option – and each of those have three separate views for displaying one of 22 different metrics. Not everyone will want to tap that power so the Discover comes preconfigured for each workout type. Users can change settings on the watch and transfer them to the desktop software or vise versa (nice touch). One disappointment is that the larger center set of numerals on the watch face can only display a subset of the 22 metrics. I’d like to see all of those metrics (including current pace) available there.
Specs
Dimensions: 45 mm x 45 mm x 17 mm
Weight: 54 g (1.875 oz)
HRM: Yes
Training Application: Yes
Navigation is the third standout set of features. The Discover dedicates two screens to that function. Waypoints can be set using the software and transferred to the watch, or recorded on the trail and sent to the PC. The Waypoint screen displays pace, distance and estimated time of arrival. Another very nice touch. There’s a compass screen as well.
The Discover performed well in our tests, locked onto satellites easily and recorded and reported workout metrics via the software. The software also provides one of the easiest to use in our tests.
Fit
With its smaller face, the Tech4o Discover should work for a broad range of folks, men and women alike. The plastics are top notch.
Final Verdict
If you are a trail runner or hiker, the Tech4o Discover is the GPS watch for you. With navigation capabilities that include waypointing and a built-in directional compass, and a highly customizable user interface, the Discover gets the job done on the trail. The PC software is one of the easiest to use as well, while still providing tons of capabilities including control over the watch’s interface. On the road, I missed the current pace information in the larger center font, but that’s a pretty minor criticism. Recommended.