Nike+ Sportband Review
Monday May 12, 2008
The first Nike+ system in 2006 relied on the iPod nano for display and upload of data from an in-shoe sensor. Now, Nike is debutin the Nike+ Sportband: You no longer need an iPod nano, and you can view your data on the wrist Sportband and upload it to your computer via a USB connection. The Nike+ Sportband kit includes a sensor that fits inside Nike+ ready shoes and communicates wirelessly with the Sportband. Get visual readouts of your time, speed and distance while working out (walking or running); this system is not meant to be used for continuously recording daily steps.Nike+ Sportband Review
Nike expects you to buy special Nike+ shoes for your Nike+ sensor. It is meant to fit into a compartment in the footbed of Nike+ shoes. But you can use it with other shoes. In the olden days, I used packaging tape to attach it to a pair of New Balance shoes. Now, Marware and other companies have designed sensor pouches for other shoes. Or, you can knit your own!
Sensor Pouches for the Nike+ Sensor
Photo © Wendy Bumgardner 2008
Comments
The Nike+ shoes aren’t necessarily required. They just have a convenient place to put the sensor so that it won’t get damaged or lost. You can simply put the sensor in the top of your sock, and it will work the same.
I bought the sport band, it wouldn’t work out of the box, returned it, second worked for about a week, till i went on a run in the morning fog, that got condensation in the display and destroyed the armband, now on number 3 (send fedex from nike) and once again it doesn’t work straight out of the box.. i gotta say. when it works it’s great, however.. they never work.