Somewhere between the picture taking and the short walk to my parked truck after the Long Beach 1/2 Marathon, I lost my Nike+ receiver (the white plug-in pictured on the left side). I've had that thing for almost 16 months and you'd think I would've lost that gizmo much earlier given its size! Anyway, I looked high and low - that little sucker is gone! So I had to pick up another receiver, which meant buying the entire Nike+ Sports Kit ($29). Now I have 3 sensors... I guess I have a sensor for three different sets of shoes! Although come to think about it, I believe the iPod Nano only accepts up to two separate sensors. (shrug) Oh well... say, just a side note: the sensors are supposed to last about 1,000 miles of running, or one year of use - something like that. There's a CR2032 or CR2016 battery (I forget) that powers the sensor's microchip, but it's a non-replaceable battery. So once it goes, the sensor gets tossed. What I really hate is that you have to calibrate each new sensor for the most accurate measurement of your walk/runs when synced to the Nike+ receiver. I just wish those darn sensors had a removable/replaceable battery housing! (I'm still using my original sensor, by the way and sometimes swap out with my backup sensor on another set of shoes... I'm in full anticipation of hearing that low-battery warning for my original sensor!)
I really love my iPod Nano - when combined with the Nike+ Sports Kit, I've gotten a lot out of it as the pace feedback and music to supplement some portions of the run have certainly made it worth its weight in gold. Well, actually, it doesn't weigh all that much... in fact, it's hardly noticeable. I guess it wouldn't be worth too much on the gold market? But now I'm thinking about adding GPS to supplement or replace the sensor - I already do, in a way, by using an app on my smartphone called Cardio Trainer, and sometimes RunKeeper. I use the GPS function to trace my stored route after the run or cycling activity, plus it's a good measure to compare to the distance on my Nike+ sensor(s). Lately, I've been looking at the Nike+ TomTom GPS SportsWatch - it not only captures GPS data, but whenever a satellite signal is weak or lost (or when running on a treadmill) the TomTom SportsWatch links back to the Nike+ sensor and continues to track the sensor data. How cool is that?! The sad news is, it's not a media player, so if you want your tunes for the road, you'd still have to carry your iPod or similar media device.
Not to be outdone, have any of you seen this? MotoACTV SportsWatch
I see it as a direct competitor to Apple's iPod Nano with the Nike+ Sports Kit, and even against the Nike+ TomTom SportsWatch. Not only does the MotoACTV SportsWatch track GPS data, but like the iPod Nano, it has a built-in accelerometer as well, AND is an MP3 player! (Those of us with an iTunes library that includes music downloaded from first quarter 2010 and later, those iTunes music files will play on MotoACTV!) Another big plus: it's Wi-Fi enabled and can actually communicate with your smartphone - meaning you can accept texts and even answer your calls via the headphone's built-in microphone! (Very useful for when I'm on-call for work... hate missing those calls during a run!) You know, I happen to have a Motorola Droid phone and there's a free app that will allow the two devices to integrate wirelessly through Bluetooth and do oodles of things that one cannot possibly fathom! I'm so torn! And I'm used to the Nike+ Running website where all my walking/running activity has been stored (as glitch-ridden as the site is, it has its upside and is a great motivator and a great way to interact with other runners)... on the other hand, MotoACTV is launching its own workout site that will be similar to the Nike+ Running format - which I think is a good thing because it gets you involved and can be a very useful tool in training. But I'll tell you, it's just plain fun, too!
Did I mention I was looking at the Garmin 610 GPS SportsWatch, too?
So what kind of electronic gizmo do you use for your workouts? Media player? GPS? Smartphone? Just clothes, a good pair of shoes, and the wind in your face? Because that's good too! Less distraction. Mmhhm!
Now, I'm really at a loss as to what to get. I was planning on getting the nano and Nike app, but that MotoACTV looks great. Wonder how much that greatness is going to cost...
ReplyDeleteThe MotoACTV will tell me my pace in real time, right? That's the main feature I want.
Well, thanks for doing all the research!
Joy
I must admit that I'm seriously looking at picking up a MotoACTV when it's released... I'm such a gear junkie!
ReplyDeleteYes, it'll keep your pace in real time as the MotoACTV GPS sync is set for every other second - even though that's a strain on the life of the battery, it makes for a very accurate measurement. For example, on some GPS trackers, the satellite sync is set for every 3 to 5 seconds, meaning that if you take a turn (like a 90 degree right or left), the timing of the sync may occur between the two shortest distances, the tangent may be shorter in measurement, thereby giving a misleading distance and pace. It's really not that much of an issue unless one is running an ultra distance, then it adds up.
The battery life is estimated (by Motorola) to be 5 hours (the same as the Nike+ TomTom GPS Sportswatch using the GPS mode) - as opposed to my Nike+ with the Sports Kit, I'll easily get 8 hours with the receiver attachment actively picking up the sensor. But I think the longest I've ever put it to the test was during a 45K walk/run - and that was just over 5 hours! I don't think I'll be doing that again any time soon!
I really like how it plays iTunes music files, just like how my Motorola Droid plays them (2010 downloads and up). Such a big plus and the main pull on my curiosity.
All this awesomeness is going to cost plenty - like the Nike+ TomTom and the iPod Nano with Sports Kit, they're all in a price fixed market, so it'll be hard to find any significant discount... here's the breakdown:
MotoACTV $249.95 (8 gig) and $299.95 (16 gig) - they come with a set of headphones/mic and a belt clip. If you wish to add a wrist strap or an armband, that's $29.95 for either one.
With the Nike+ TomTom GPS Sports Watch, that's $199.00 - but no music player. (Seriously now... c'mon!)
And of course, with Apples' trimming of the price tag on the iPod Nano, that does help a little - $129 (8 gig) and $149 (16 gig), and if one wants to use the Nike+ Running site, it's another $29.00 for the Sports Kit. But, you can still have your walks AND runs tracked with just the iPod Nano's built-in accelerometer as long as it's worn at waist level.
Decisions, decisions!
Well, Christmas is coming... but I'm not sure if I run enough to warrant such a pricey sports watch.
ReplyDeleteHmmm....I tried running a few miles yesterday for the first time in several weeks. My toe felt pretty good, and no pain afterwards. So we'll see how it goes. If it looks like I can actually keep doing the half marathons then maybe I'll get the Moto thing. ;-)
Maybe by the time I decide, you'll have purchased it and can tell me whether I should buy it or not. (That's my real plan...)
Ahahaa... good plan!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear about your progress - I'll tell you, injuries are such a de-motivator! But it's what we do afterwards that makes all the difference. I wish I could get my act together!
Stay tuned for a MotoACTV review (maybe!)...