My wife and I searched for some motivational exercise tracking tools to encourage us in our new quest for a better lifestyle. My experience with fitness monitors follows:
--- MotoACTV by Motorola ---
Sleek, black look, like a 6th gen iPod Nano, although about 1/3 bigger/thicker
Setup took a couple of tries, not seamless, non-savvy computer users may require help
GPS, ANT, and accelerometer based
Optional ANT devices available
Wireless syncing via your router
… will not connect to a wireless router with the router SSID hidden
… PC does not have to be running for sync to occur
Wired sync available via usb
Integrated music player for workout motivation
Audio statistic feedback during workouts
Most phone/notification features only work with Motorola Android smart phones
Motorola wrist strap is adequate, but rather cheap looking, plastic/rubbery - easy to clean
Motorola recommends better statistical accuracy is attained using the wrist strap yet packages the unit with a belt/clothing clip
Initially VERY tight fit of the unit into/out of the wrist strap holder and belt clip
… awkward to remove from either – you’ll need to develop your own ‘method’
… must be very careful removing unit from either, could go flying
Web site lacks food recording – http://www.motoactv.com/
Web site features pale in comparison to others i.e. Garmin
Web site reported a firmware version other than the correct latest version
… support asked me to go find and report the web site spot where the discrepancy existed. Don’t they have employees PAID to do these tasks? (Rhetorical)
TOO many problems out of the box
… actually exchanged the first unit thinking hardware was the issue, both units exhibited the same issues
… first unit did not have 3.5mm audio port protection plug, second unit did
… syncing success is intermittent
… usb connection caused PC OS lockup on occasion
Ineffective support
… support initially slow to respond to issues
… complaints of inaccurate pedometer readings (recorded by me and many folks for months!) brought a response of a reference to a thread on the customer forum. No ‘proof’ or validation as to the accuracy of the unit.
... explanation of the ‘automatic sync’ process revealed that the unit doesn’t work as the advertised claims would lead one to believe. If you are not within the Wi-Fi range within several minutes of workout completion, it can then take up to 6 hours for the data to automatically sync.
… too many varied complaints with no solutions on the user forum
… promises of web site/unit firmware upgrades
This system appears to be in beta testing – way too many problems for a premium priced piece of gear. May be that Motorola is stretching their product line too far from their core competencies as a company and is unable/not ready to succeed in this area of business. Appears they ran out of development dollars and launched this product prematurely. I really wanted this setup to work for me. It appeared to be integrated with all the features I needed and wanted. Unfortunately, MotoACTV is unable to deliver these features in a reliable, trouble-free system.
Bottom line: Returned unit – Spent WAY too much time with support folks trying to get this premium priced system to work correctly. This unit needs serious work before it can be used or recommended. Support/solution is sorely lacking.
--- FitBit ---
Small, light-weight, unobtrusive unit
… includes a holder with belt clip
Accelerometer based
Easy setup in less than 2 minutes
Has a sleep measurement tool built-in
… includes a soft wrist band used for sleep tracking
Difficult/impossible to read in sunlight
Critical stats available on the unit at the touch of a button
… Steps, calories burned, distance traveled, flights of stairs climbed, time, activity indicator
Unit syncs wirelessly to its web site via a usb receiver on your PC – http://www.fitbit.com
… computer must be running
… receiver also acts as a charging station
… battery life of about a week
Web site stats include: nutrition, blood pressure, physical measurements, wireless weight sync (using FitBit Aria scale) … and more!
Almost anyone can use this system with no instructions after setup – intuitive
Motivational – often we try to ‘top’ the recommended 10,000 steps per day (about 5 mi)
Support = ? Haven’t needed any
… has worked flawlessly from day one
Both my wife and I are BIG fans of this system
Bottom line: HIGHLY recommended – works ‘out-of-the-box’ – Great web site features – Widely accepted by users according to our reading on the internet – very well thought out – simple/easy to use – This system seems like it has appeal to a very large segment of folks who are interested in motivation through statistical feedback.
--- Forerunner 410 by Garmin ---
Easy setup
Easy to read outdoors
GPS and ANT connectivity based
Optional ANT devices available
Charge via included ac adapter or included usb cable
Features/functions easily accessible – more than I am using currently – hope to grow into the more advanced features
Touch bezel works flawlessly and makes menu navigation/selection a breeze
… bezel functionality improved since Forerunner 405
Flawless automatic syncing via the usb ANT+ dongle
… computer must be running
… syncs to an app on your PC as well as the web site
GREAT web site – http://www.garmin.com/connect
… slice and dice LOTS of captured data in many ways
… export to CSV so additional manipulation of data is possible with external programs i.e. Excel
Zero complaints
… nothing but high praise for a device that does exactly what it claims and does it seamlessly
I must admit, I am a die-hard Garmin fan having purchased many of their products over the years. Reason; Garmin products WORK and support has been terrific.
Bottom line: VERY HIGHLY recommended for those who want DETAILED workout data. Best web site I’ve used for integrated WORKOUT info.
--- Nano iPod 6th Gen---
Tracks walks, runs, workout, and maintains history
Accelerometer based
Audio stat feedback during/after workouts
Music during workouts
Connectivity available for optional foot pod
Web site = Nike+ Active - http://nikeplusactive.nike.com/
… syncs with Nano through iTunes app
… I haven’t figured out why one section of this site doesn’t work for me at all
… online ‘game’ conquering cities is fun – great pictures along your ‘run’
… much work needed to make this site valuable
… site is being taken off-line on 6/5/12 for major renovation – will return Fall 2012
Bottom line: Recommended for those interested in the basics of their workout/fitness activities. It is on par with FitBit for tracking. However, the Nike+ web site detracts from the usefulness of this monitor.
