The Brookstone 5-Day Wireless Weather Forecaster is a simple yet effective tool for monitoring current and upcoming weather patterns. Powered by two AAA batteries, the Forecaster has a built-in wireless receiver that locks onto a radio signal from AccuWeather.com for up-to-the-minute information on weather conditions.

This small yet attractively designed gadget features a 4-inch-square picture window surrounded by a 1/2-inch white frame. The screen displays crisp black drawings and numerals against a pale gray background. The Forecaster is surprisingly simple to both operate and understand. There are no complicated bar graphs or incoherent symbols, just bold illustrations showing the expected weather patterns, such as sunny, cloudy, thunderstorms, drizzle, flurries and snow, to name a few. The pattern icons are self-explanatory. For instance, the screen might display Partly Cloudy + Possible Thunderstorms + Rain.

The top of the Forecaster's screen shows the current temperature and weather, as well as the predicted high and low temperatures for the day. The current time is also shown, as well as the closest city code. The wireless receiver automatically determines the closest geographical location/time zone and transmits accurate data and weather conditions for that area, as well as five nearby cities. You can take a peek at the weather in neighboring areas by pressing the MODE switch on the side of the Forecaster.

The Forecaster has very clean, compact styling. A flip-out stand lets it rest on a desk, counter or table, and it also has a magnetic backing for mounting on you fridge or other metal surface. The Forecaster is remarkably handy, and you will find yourself checking it frequently so you can plan ahead.

The 5-Day Wireless Weather Forecaster works independently of any home computer or other electronic device, so there are no wires to connect. Before you purchase it, however, make sure your area is equipped with the necessary radio signal. Enter your zip code at www.brookstone.com or go to www.map.myambient.com. A premium subscription service is also available to add areas not included in your local coverage, and a free 90-day trial of the premium service comes with the unit.

With the Brookstone 5-Day Wireless Weather Forecaster, you will always know what to expect from the outdoors.


Pros: Compact design and innovative styling, easy-to-understand display, doesn't require connection to a computer
Cons: Radio signal not available in all areas

Warranty
1 year, limited