Nike+ SportBand gets reviewed

For those breaking into a sweat trying to decide whether or not the Nike+ SportBand is really worth your hard earned dollars / euros / pounds / Schrutebucks, simmer on down. The runners over at the Stuff offices have snapped one up and tossed out their two pence. Summarized as a "Nike+iPod system without music," the unit was given fairly high marks all around. It was noted that calibration was highly recommended before taking on the London Marathon, but that setup was a real lesson in simplicity. Design wise, most everything was kosher save for the detachable face (Link USB drive) that may not fit perfectly in slim laptops sitting flush on a table and the non-backlit display that proved difficult to see at night. Believe it or not, critics still found the SportBand to be a joy to use despite the aforesaid quirks, but given the drawbacks, we'd certainly recommend trying out a pal's before throwing down for your own.

[Matt @ Apr 16th 2008 11:16AM]

Why is it that everytime I see that picture, I see MILF, but then it morphs to MILE?

[Alan Partridge @ Apr 16th 2008 12:20PM]

Because you're a 'prevert'

[Lowest Ranked @ Apr 16th 2008 2:02PM]

Hmm, prevert?

Creative.

[Bradley Huddleston @ Apr 16th 2008 11:31AM]

It just looks... dunno, flaming maybe

[gabe @ Apr 16th 2008 11:33AM]

This would be a nice incentive to run. God knows a lot of u fat a$$es need exercise.

[DESTOS @ Apr 16th 2008 11:51AM]

www.schrutebuck.com

[DESTOS @ Apr 16th 2008 11:52AM]

Damn it...

http://www.schrutebuck.com

[Dima @ Apr 16th 2008 11:56AM]

Nokia S60 3rd + GPS (built in / bluetooth) + Nokia Sports tracker Beta (free) = Far more precise tracking, no calibration, google maps integration, live update to friends or everyone, with music. No voice feedback. But overall far more advantages. Live google maps update for friends is just awesome.

Ditched Nike+iPod =DDDD

[rob @ Apr 22nd 2008 1:43PM]

yea just make sure no one is trying to kill you that is half decent with computers because they could find you in an instant.

[Terry @ Apr 16th 2008 12:03PM]

I would have loved to have been able to use my N95 with sportstracker while running the marathon but poor GPS signal unless im holding it in my hand with the slide open, battery life lasting max 3 hours and extremely flakey phone software which crashes too regularly to be reliable meant I bought the Nike+ Sportsband, I agree that Sportstracker is far far superior to this technology but with the current generation of phones and software its just not suitable for any long distance excercise.

[DG @ Apr 16th 2008 12:11PM]

The iPod+Nike getup I bought recently fritzed out of me on a run over the weekend; I wasn't pleased. I really like the Nike+ website, and if the price is right on this (what is it, anyway?), I might be interested in taking a look.

[Wwhat @ Apr 16th 2008 12:50PM]

Why does that thing look like it's something that might have been worn by people of a homosexual persuasion in the 80's?
I don't mind gays but it's interesting they go for such a small segment of the population (I hear it's even 0% in iran :P)

[CraigJ @ Apr 16th 2008 12:52PM]

"Design wise, most everything was kosher save for the detachable face (Link USB drive) that may not fit perfectly in slim laptops"

So I can't use my Über expensive pedometer in my Über expensive MacBook Air?

/flamebait

[amber @ Apr 16th 2008 1:16PM]

I think it looks like a great product, minus the USB that might not fit into slim laptops .... I would really like to use one of these while I work out and then track my workouts ... heck, maybe it would even MAKE me work out more if I had something this cool!

[NuttyBars @ Apr 16th 2008 1:29PM]

I am having so many problems with my 3G Nano, this would be awesome.

[LegendZ28 @ Apr 16th 2008 1:29PM]

Okay, wonderful. Where can I buy one?

[gimmeslack12 @ Apr 16th 2008 9:59PM]

Do comments regarding the style issue of wearing this thing consider how small it is? It looks like its only the size of a Lance Armstrong strap, barely notice it. And if you're worried about looking gay then how about not wearing those short ass running shorts?

[C. Espo @ Apr 16th 2008 2:01PM]

Schrutebucks? I only pay for my purchases in Stanley Nickels.

[ozzzy @ Apr 16th 2008 2:13PM]

Has the price of this been released? I haven't seen it on Engadget or Nike.com

[Rupert @ Apr 16th 2008 4:15PM]

It would be nice to see this with a heartrate monitor, knowing how far your ran isn't any good if you don't know how hard you ran.

[Jeff @ Apr 16th 2008 6:24PM]

People have already been noticing that there is a heart icon on the LCD, it just doesn't get illuminated yet. Since it looks like the think is firmware upgradeable, I'd bet we see a Nike+ heart rate sensor get released (or announced) before too long

[maricela farfan @ Apr 16th 2008 2:58PM]

the price is $59....a can't wait to get mine...i ordered 2, one for my husband and one for me.

[Joseph @ Apr 16th 2008 5:56PM]

bcoz you're a pervert and was trying to be funny

[King Mook Mook @ Apr 16th 2008 7:00PM]

Yes, but can it play Crysis?

[Ben @ Apr 17th 2008 3:57AM]

Is it a pedometer or an accelerometer ?

Reason I'm asking is just to know if it's suited for something else than running as I'd love using it with my inline skates ...

[janet @ Jul 1st 2008 3:38AM]

Accelerometer (sp?) and you calibrate it to your stride over a known distance is how I believe that works. So should work for the stride of skating too. Not useful as a pedomter as it does not count steps (only distance) and it is not meant for continuous use (like all day every day) just for workout sessions.

janet