I bought a Jawbone Up activity monitor bracelet a few weeks ago and have been wearing it to write a review. But yesterday the CEO announced there were too many user-reported problems with the device and they were offering refunds to anyone who has bought one, beginning today, Dec. 9, 2011 through Dec. 31, 2012. The refund is generous, as you can keep the Jawbone Up and continue to use it and get support.
Jawbone Up Refund
The Jawbone Up works with an iPhone app to record your motion. In addition to logging your steps, distance and calories burned, it also tracks your sleep quality. What sold me on it is that you can set it to vibrate after a period of inactivity. I set mine to vibrate after 15 minutes of sitting still. This helps remind me to move around when I'm working at my desk throughout the day.
My band has worked fine in the couple of weeks I've been wearing it. But I encountered a problem I knew would occur -- I lost the cap the covers the headphone jack. You use the headphone jack to upload your data to your iPhone. You can use it without the cap, but it makes it a weird-looking bracelet to do so. I ordered a pack of replacement caps (three for $9.99) before the refund announcement. I plan to continue to use the device and see what problems might develop. I love the inactivity reminder, it's something I need to keep to my pre-New Year's resolution to stop being so inactive during the workday.
If you'd like to try a Jawbone Up in the near future, you are out of luck. They have stopped shipments until they resolve the technical problems with the device. This is a stand-up decision by the company and I applaud them.
Meanwhile, my Fitbit Ultra arrived this week and I'm wearing it as a replacement to my original Fitbit. It also tracks steps, calories, miles, and sleep quality. The Ultra also tells you how many flights of stairs you climb and display motivational (nagging?) messages. I love my Fitbit. My first one fell apart after after 15 months of use, which could have been prevented it I'd used the provided belt clip carrier. But I like the flat fit and convenience of using it as its own clip. Compare Prices on Fitbit Ultra.
Photo © Wendy Bumgardner
