While similar to the Nike+ iPod experience, the Nike+ SportBand is perfect for those who don’t necessarily need or want a soundtrack when running. It allows runners to view their calories, distance, pace, and time when they run, in addition to accessing all the features and tools on the Nike+ Web site.
What we like most about the SportBand is its ease of use. The watch face is actually a detachable USB link, which we plugged into our notebook after downloading the Nike+ Utility and creating a user profile. A two-hour charge offers about 14 hours of run time, and recording your run is as simple as plugging the USB link into the SportBand and pushing a button; during your workout you can scroll through the menu to view your calories burned, current pace, distance (miles/kilometers), and elapsed time.
While the Nike+ SportBand is only $59, the sensor that comes with it is meant to be slipped into the sole of special Nike+ sneakers, which generally cost more than $100. Don’t want to shell out the extra dough? We recommend the Grantwood Technology shoe pouch ($6.99), which securely nestles the sensor between the shoelaces of your favorite kicks.
The best feature of the Nike+ SportBand isn’t on the device itself—it’s the Nike+ Web site (www.nikeplus.com) that comes with it. Plugging the USB link into your computer after a run automatically uploads your run data onto the site, where you can track your progress, share your data, set running goals, and use Nike+ Coach training programs, among other features.
We especially like the “Map It” feature, which employs Google Maps to let you create routes in any location you like. You can also view routes from others in the Nike+ community, and plenty of online forums and tutorials are available to help you with any problems or questions along the way.
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