The Nike+ iPod sport kit wirelessly links your running shoes to your iPod Nano so you can keep track of your progress. We tried it out ...
The sport kit consists of a transmitter that fits into a special pocket in the sole of Nike+ running shoes. Acting like a pedometer, the transmitter sends information on time, distance, pace, and burnt calories to a little receiver in your iPod. So while running or walking you can keep track of your progress either on-screen or through audio feedback.
We tested the kit by measuring around a soccer pitch with a reference-measuring wheel and calibrating time against a stopwatch. Then we walked around and around ... and ran around and around ... to see what the iPod said.
The iPod speaks
What it said was pretty accurate. After calibrating the kit to our tester's walking and running style, it was 20 metres out for walking and 80 metres for running around our 3.16km track. Any inconsistency in stride or pace will affect accuracy so that's not bad. For time it was out by 14 seconds after 30 minutes of walking, and 8 seconds after 16 minutes of running - an error of less than one percent.
We found it easy to insert the transmitter into the shoe and connect to the iPod Nano. Navigation couldn't be simpler. Stopping, pausing or requesting a status update is just a button-push away.
- Price: $59 (not including iPod or Nike+ shoes).
- What we liked: Accuracy is good and it's easy to use. Distance, time and pace feedback is available through audio, and workouts can be paused and resumed. There are plenty of built-in features and online access to Nike challenges, forums and product support.
- What we didn't like: Nike+ shoes cost around $200 to $280 a pair, the sport kit costs $59 and an iPod Nano costs between $239 and $329. So your running ensemble could cost upwards of $650. We're also concerned about the irreplaceable battery in the transmitter (and the unstated battery life).
- Another option: Shoe pouches (which attach the transmitter to the shoe laces) are available for other shoes and cost around $10, but we haven't tested these and so can't recommend them.
More information
Nike challenges and support: http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus
More from consumer.org.nz
Member Comments
Got a question or comment on this topic? Share your views and experiences with other Consumer members...
To add a comment you need to be a member of consumer.org.nz. Login or Join.
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
from just $25
