Nike + iPod Sport Kit for iPod nano Reviews and Guides

How Nike+iPod sensor or transmitter is stored on the Nike+ shoe

Sports Frog reviews Nike + iPod Sports Kit and concludes that “one issue I have with the kit is that I can’t use it with my regular iPod. That is going to be a problem for me, because after trying it out a couple of times I have to say I don’t know if I can quit this thing. Another problem is the sensor has a battery that can’t be recharged so I don’t see it lasting very long. I’ve also heard complaints that the device doesn’t offer split times or a heart-rate monitor, but I prefer that it is affordable and simple. I’m going to explore some other options over the next few weeks and try some of the Nike workout music. But overall, I’d say if you have a Nano, it is definitely worth the 30 bucks to grab this gadget.”

Video review of NikeplusiPod Sport Kit by shinymedia - Part 1

Video review of Nike+iPod b shinymedia - Part 2

PC Magazine gives Nike + iPod Sport Kit editor’s ratings of 4.5 out of 5 with conclusion that “overall, for $29, the Nike + iPod Sport Kit is well worth the price. My only wish for improvement is that the kit came with a little adhesive patch to put over the iPod’s Select buttons for easier operation when you’re tired and sweaty, though that’s also a very easy and inexpensive DIY job. It might also be nice if you could use the Sport Kit with iPods other than the nano—perhaps iPod shuffle and mini versions, since those are both popular exercise companions.”

Playlist concludes with rating of 4.5 out of 5 that runners and walkers, whether casual or serious, should find a lot to like in the Nike+iPod Sport Kit. Although the package doesn’t provide enough data (for example, heart rate or split times) for the most hard-core competitors, it does provide plenty of motivation, enabling you to enjoy your tunes, receive audio feedback with the press of a button, be part of a community, and see how well you’re doing—both against yourself and against others. The Nike + iPod Sport Kit is simple but ingenious, easy enough to use for beginning runners and technophobes alike, while reliable enough for even competitive runners.

Cnet gives a very good editors’ rating of 7.7 out of 10 and concludes that NikePlus is a good workout companion for Nano-using runners, has voice feedback, can measures useful data such as distance traveled and calories burned, and also special Nike + shoes are not a requirement, plus excellent hardware and data integration with Nike + Web site. The sport kit also good for its PowerSong. However, Pedometer battery is not replaceable so you’ll eventually need to buy a new Sport Kit, and it’s available only for iPod Nano. Overall, maybe it’s not the reason to buy a Nano, but the useful Nike + iPod Sport Kit and the data-centered Nike+ Web site will appeal to runners who already own a Nano.

iLounge highly recommended the Apple Computer Nike + iPod Sport Kit with A- rating, and commented that “we’re very impressed by what Apple and Nike have accomplished with the Nike+iPod Sport Kit - this is an amazingly well-assembled, turnkey personal exercise tracking solution, at least for runners and walkers, and highly recommended to iLounge readers. Our hope is that both companies follow up this Sport Kit with additional options for other types of athletes, as this has opened our eyes to just how much potential our favorite media player really has when properly accessorized.”

Wall Street Journal reviews the iPod/Nike fitness device and concludes that the system allows one iPod to be used with multiple Nike + iPod Sport Kits, so a family can share an iPod. Improvements needed in the future to do other things like distinguishing walks from runs, automatically triggering your PowerSong when you slow down or incorporating heart-rate monitoring. But the Nike + iPod Sport Kit is a great first effort. It’s easy to understand, and its audible encouragement is helpful.

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This entry was posted on Monday, January 22nd, 2007 at 12:00 am and is filed under Peripherals & Accessories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.