Calvin’s Hub

The Nike+ Sportband is Nike’s answer to fans of the Nike+ fitness device who don’t have a compatible iPod or those who don’t really listen to music when running (like me).

I bought a Nike+ Sportband a few weeks ago (because miCoach Pacer is just too expensive for my needs) and have been using it regularly during my runs. Here are my thoughts on this helpful running device.

The Nike+ Sportband is composed of a watch which also displays the info about your run and the Nike+ sensor that you put onto your shoe to keep track of your stride and sends the data to the watch.

The Sportband

The Sportband is made of durable rubber that doesn’t smell even if you sweat on it. The watch part can be detached from the band so you can plug it into your PC via USB where it will upload the data to your Nike Running account. The battery of the watch will automatically be charged when plugged in as well.

The Sensor

You really don’t need a Nike+ shoe for the sensor. There are different kinds of lace locks or shoe pouches available out there where you can store the sensor and lace it onto your shoe. Or you can simply squeeze it under the lace of your shoe like what my wife and I always do.

I haven’t calibrated my sensor yet but I don’t feel the need to do so. I find that it’s fairly accurate for the length of my stride. If you still wish to calibrate it, run on a known distance of at least 400 meters on your normal pace. It should be the last run before you plug it into your machine. When the Nike+ software launches, the calibrate option will use the data on your last run.

According to Nike, the battery on the sensor will last for about 1000 km. After that, you have to replace the sensor.

Compared to the Nike+ for the iPod

Pros:

• You can see your progress in real-time
• Easy to store because there are only two components
• Serves as a cool-looking wrist watch
• No need to install iTunes. It’s plug and play so you can use it on any machine to sync your data to the Nike Running site

Cons:

• No light!!! Is it that hard to put a tiny light on a digital watch?
• More expensive than the iPod solution (unless you don’t have an iPod yet)

There you have it. I hope this would somehow give you a better idea on what type of Nike+ to get. Or maybe you want the more expensive adidas miCoach Pacer instead?

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Filed under: Gadgets n' Games, Health & Lifestyle