I used to be the king of gadgets, but since moving to Idaho, I have turned in many of them for simplicity. In Maryland, I had a cell phone, a blackberry, and a pocket PC. I took the former two with me everywhere. Combine that with my keys and multi-tool, my pockets and belt were filled with technology.

In Idaho, the mountains blocked my phone reception, and friends seemed to only call me during college football games. Where I live, the only reception is with Nextel, and it is not a strong connection. Slowly I began surrendering each device, and quickly I welcomed the new freedom.

I am no longer connected to the world 24-7. I do spend much of my day submersed in technology, developing websites, and other applications, but when not behind a computer, I feel free again, as if no once can interrupt me. It feels good to grab my keys and my pen knife and head out the door.

This brings me to my post. I do not post much at all on new gadgets, but I love this new one. My Seiko watch of 15 years finally died on me. In its place, my wife gave me as a birthday gift, the Highgear Alterra. Here is a list of its features. See an image here.

• Over-sized face is easy to read; scroll-through graphic displays quickly guide you to the information you need
• Ski Chrono calculates speed to base; altitude log book tracks average/total vertical gain and loss
• Altimeter reports elevation in 3-foot increments, range is from -2,303' to 30,058'; select feet or meter display
• Barometer reports changing trends in the weather; 1mbar with 300- to 1,100-mbar resolution; weather forecaster
• Digital thermometer reports temperature with 1-degree resolution, Fahrenheit or Celsius (min. 14 F to max 140 F)
• Digital compass accurately reports direction in 1-degree increments; adjustable declination
• Watch features time in a 12- or 24-hour format
• Stay on time! Tracks time in two time zones simultaneously; features two programmable alarms plus a selectable hourly chime
• Chronograph feature records 1/100 second-resolution; 50 lap memory; stores run number, month/date, lap number, split, time and average lap
• Backlit for easy viewing in low light
• Water resistant to 165 feet (50m)

I am rejuvenated. I feel the same energy I felt before I turned in my cell phone, blackberry, and pocket PC, but now, I am more interested in knowing my current altitude, barometric pressure, and temperature. Of course, knowing the time is nice, but for living in the foothills, it helps so consult my wrist watch for accurate weather forecasts. Now I know when to pack rain gear.