WHEN Nike introduced the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit two years ago, one needed an iPod Nano together with the Sport Kit to see or hear the performance and get real-time feedback during a run.

The Nike+ SportBand enables you to see the statistics of your run without having to get an iPod.

Now, with the Nike+ SportBand, the iPod Nano is no longer needed, yet you’ll still be able to see the statistics of your run in a device that resembles a fashionable watch.

The Nike+ SportBand kit includes the band, Link and sensor but the Nike+ footwear are sold separately. You will know which shoes are compatible as they will have the “+” sign next to the Nike logo.

You can wear the Nike+ SportBand on your wrist. Nike has designed it to be worn on the underside of the wrist to maximise the screen’s visibility, as the inside of the wrist is already positioned towards the direct line of sight.

There is a clock function which shows the time, but the SportBand also gives you instant feedback of a run and monitors your time, step, pace, distance and calories that are burned at a glance.

The SportBand is easy to use. You just need to push the Start button and start walking or running. The Start/Stop button is also used to pause or restart a session. Holding it down ends the session and gives a quick review of the run information. A second button toggles through distance, pace, elapsed time and calories burned in real time.

Much like the earlier Nike+ iPod Sport Kit, the SportBand receives data wirelessly from a sensor inserted in the sole of a Nike+ footwear. Additionally, data from the SportBand can be uploaded onto the Nike+ Web site at http://nikeplus.com. You just need to detach the Nike+ SportBand Link and plug it into a universal serial bus port.

The Nike+ Web site allows you to monitor your sessions and graph your runs, comparing distance and times as well as weekly and monthly totals. You can also set individual goals on the Web site such as distance, frequency of runs, amount of calories and speed.

There are also community features at nikeplus.com. For example, motivational tools such as a leaderboard compares your data with other runners across the globe while a Google mapping tool illustrates individual running routes, which can be shared with others. There are also “Challenges” that you can initiate or take part in with friends or strangers.

You need to sign up as a member and install the Nike+ utility onto your computer so the session data is uploaded automatically once the unit is plugged into the USB. Plugging it into the USB port also charges the battery and Nike estimates 14 hours of usage per charge.

The Nike+ SportBand is a good way to track your runs without having to get an iPod Nano. It can also function as a music player.



Product: Nike+ SportBand

Manufacturer: Nike

Enquiries: Nike (nikeplus.com)

Price: RM229



Verdict ***1/2

Physical design ***

User-friendliness ****

Performance ****

Features ****

Value for money ****

Documentation ***