Apple Nike + iPod Sport Kit for iPod nano 1G, 2G (Old Version) by Apple Computer
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Digital camera reviews of Apple Nike + iPod Sport Kit for iPod nano 1G, 2G (Old Version)
Digital camera Review: I can't believe I'm using it - it rocks!
Summary: 4 Stars
When this first came out, I gotta say, I rolled my eyes. I'm not known for my athletic prowess... my most frequent exercise is waddling to the fridge... but after I was fortunate enough to attend a demo w/ the travelling Nike van, I became a believer. Packaging genius - you have to buy the shoes, the sport kit and the Nano... but it's a sweet package once you really start using it.
The nano itself is light weight and has no moving parts - so it makes sense to be the iPod of choice for exercising. I don't run unless something I truly fear is chasing me - so I use this for walking with occasional bursts of brief jogging.
Uncalibrated, the pedometer function is 92% accurate... if you calibrate it using a measured walking track, it is 98% accurate. If you do calibrate it, you need to do so once for walking and once for running, as the different gaits have different strides.
After your first run (or in my case, waddle), hooking up your Nano to your Mac (or PeeCee if you must), immediately connects you to the NikePlus website, where your run is graphed. Any place you ran, shows an upswing in the graph. You can challenge other users around the country if you so desire.
I really like the voiceover that very subtly quiets the music to announce "you're at the halfway point - ____miles to go" it's nice to not have to look at the display every few seconds - you can just focus on breathing, avoiding stray dogs, butterflies, etc... with the pseudo coach telling you your stats.
My less than perfect rating is that you have to look at the display to set up your 'run' before you can go. I like the Nike armband (not included in this kit), once it's already on - but I have to select my workout, then walk around to connect to the insert in my left shoe - then start the workout - THEN cram the thing into the armband, then fasten the thing around my fat arm. Since you can't see the display, you have to have the iPod out of the armband, then you have to cram it back in. It would be nice if you could just control it from the armband where the voice would read out the menu listings.
I hear Nike is working on another armband design - but I'm not going to shell out even more $ for an armband only to put this one in a drawer... the armband is ok - they just need to change/update the software so that it reads out the menu items so even a blind person can use it.
I also don't like the fact that if you stop moving long enough, it just stops the workout... it would be nice if it paused (or if you had the option to set it up for this in the settings dialogue) automatically. As I waddle around my neighborhood, I run into neighbors and stray dogs that require a greeting, petting or a defensive posture and I can't always walk uninterrupted. How frustrating to lose your data if someone stops you long enough!
Despite these shortcomings, the combination of feedback during the run, the accuracy level of the pedometer and the online experience is pure genius. My hat is off to Apple & Nike for really getting an awesome product together.
The module that fits in the left Nike+ tennis shoe is waterproof - so you can sweat like a hog or run through a puddle in the pouring rain and the module should (in theory) still be intact. The module is guaranteed for 1000 hours of playing time before it needs to be replaced. The module is 'asleep' when not in use... so it doesn't waste battery life. You 'wake' it by accessing the appropriate menu on your iPod. Because each module and connector have a unique id, you do not have to worry about someone else nearby activating your shoe or vice versa - it's a bit like a bluetooth headset in that fashion.
If you're riding the fence as to whether to invest in this, rest assured that Nike claims that all the shoes they make will eventually be Nike+ capable - so it's not like this is a fad that's going to go bye-bye anytime soon. I'm old, fat and I don't run - but I feel like I can get back into shape with the aid of this gizmo.
Digital camera Review: Incredible Product
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are a runner so matter what level you are - you will love having this as a partner! It will help keep you motivated and will keep track of how you are doing! The best part of this is that when you sync it up with your Ipod it will send the info from your runs and upload the results to Nike+ site. The other thing I love about the Nike+ site is that you can create challenges to compete with friends, family and people all over the world to help keep you motivated as well!Digital camera Review: Instant motivation! Improved my running
Summary: 5 Stars
In short.. best piece of running kit I bought for a long time and best value too!
The Nike+ gadget gives you instant feedback on how fast you're running, distance, current pace.
At the end of your workout, it I'll give the final statistics and - if you been doing well - a congratulatory message from Lance Armstrong or Paula Redcliffe. Some may find that a bit cheesy - I love it, if i've been running for nearly 2 hours and Paula tells me I've done well...
When I get home I can't wait to plug the Nano into my PC. iTunes comes up and uploads your data to the Nike+ website, where you can keep track of your past runs and set yourself goals.
As I work most evenings and run during the day alone, this is an excellent way of keeping motivated and I can thoroughly recommend it!
Get a Marware cover for it (which includes a cover/wallet for the pod, so that you can attach it to any shoe) and you're all set!
Digital camera Review: Ipod Sport Works Perfect with My Shoewallet! Love it!
Summary: 5 Stars
I can't run with Nike shoes because of ankle problems. I slipped the Ipod Sport Chip into my Shoewallet (can be purchased at Amazon, key word shoewallet) on my Asics Gel Kayanos and it worked perfectly. I love the information the Ipod Sport provides and I love how seamlessly the chip fits into my shoewallet accessory. I would highly recommend this product.
Digital camera Review: Ipod sports kit
Summary: 5 Stars
I just got my sports kit and have only used it once, but I loved it. The product is incredibly easy to use and appears to be very accurate. While you run you can easily find out how far you have gone, how long you've been running, and how fast you are going. I don't have the Nike shoes that are made to fit the sensor, but it worked well anyway. (I just cut a small hole in the tongue of my shoe and inserted it there.)