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Review: Fitbit Ultra Wireless Activity + Sleep Tracker
I am really on a roll lately with products that Verizon Wireless is letting me test (and that I really, really like). The latest is the Fitbit Ultra Wireless Activity + Sleep Tracker.
The Fitbit (as I will generically refer to it from here on) is remarkably small—about the size of a USB thumb stick. But don’t let its size deceive you. What it does is no small feat.
What does the Fitbit do?
At its core, the Fitbit tracks the number of steps you take every day. Sure, there are a dozen pedometers that do the same thing but they aren’t as cool as the Fitbit.
For starters, besides just indicating the number of steps you have taken, the Fitbit also tells you the distance (in miles) you have traveled, the number of calories you have burned and how many flights of stairs you have climbed. It also displays a flower that, depending on the length of the stem and number of leaves, tells you how “fit” you are being on any given day.
The Fitbit also acts as your motivational coach giving you little messages through the day like “HOLD ME”, “LOVE YA” and “SMOOCHES”.
You can also view detailed statistics and colorful graphs of your fitness data by viewing your Fitbit account on the web, which you set up when you first start using the Fitbit. There’s no complicated syncing required either. The Fitbit quietly transmits its data to the receiver/charger you plug into your computer whenever you come within close range of it.
It even works while you sleep
Perhaps the best feature of the Fitbit in my opinion is the sleep tracking feature. At nighttime you put the Fitbit into “sleep mode” and it immediately begins tracking how long it takes you to fall asleep, how long you sleep and how many times per night you are “active”. It then combines all of this data and gives you a sleep efficiency score.
This score and underlying data can be used to train yourself how to get a better night’s sleep. And who doesn’t need that?
There are a few different models of the Fitbit so if you are shopping for one, be sure to get the one that “fits” you the best. Pun intended. Guilty.
I like the concept of this sleep measurement thing. But, it seems a tad pricy. Do you actually think you’ll use it all the time – enough to make it worth the expense? I thought if I paid $80 for running shoes 5 years ago that would motivate me to start running but alas they are still in the box.
Sara, I will admit it is probably a bit of a novelty that will wear off after a while. That being said, it takes a lot less motivation to throw the Fitbit in your pocket than it does to put on a pair of running shoes and actually go running. :)
I have this exact model since February and use It daily. I really like how It tracks your steps as you walk, run, skip, etc. I do quite a bit of walking and some running and It’s been very effective at keeping up with my pace.
I also enjoy the sleep tracker. I never realized how many times I woke up until I started using this device. Took me a bit to get use to wearing the device with the wristband as I slept, but It’s become second nature now and I make It’s on each night before going to bed.
I really like the friend chart on the website where you can see the progress of your friends. I like how you can taunt or cheer them on, This has motivated me to keep going to outdo my friends and keep me active with my routine. Whenever I feel In a slump or just not In the mood to exercise, I check the list to see where I’m at compared to my friends. If I find I’m much lower then them, this gives me the motivation to get off my butt and do my routine.
When I bought this model, I paid the original price as It hadn’t been out very long. If I had to do It all over again, I wouldn’t of paid as much as I did knowing what I know now. The belt clip I had broke over several months ago and customer service has promised to replace It, but they are slow sending out replacements. Almost 2 months now and I’m still waiting. I would buy a replacement clip, but they don’t sell them on their website, nor any other replacement parts for that matter. My FitBit has been chipping off on the edges as well. This seems to be a major Issue with this model. Mine still works effectively, but It’s no longer “pretty” as It once was. I’m pretty much just getting my moneys worth out of the device as long as I can before I replace It. I don’t think the newer models have this Issue. (Correct me If I’m wrong though!) I never expected for this device to last forever, but for what you pay for them, I did expect the device to pertain It’s craftsmanship for at least a year or over.
All In all, I love my FitBit and don’t regret buying It. For all that It has offered me and still does, It’s become an essential part of my daily life and routine. I do hope they address some of the Issues with this device, but I feel they won’t since they have come out with newer models. :( If you can get this model for a great price, I’d say jump on It. Just beware of the Issues you might have later on with this model.
Shane, here’s hoping someone from Fitbit reads your comment and “expedites” those replacement parts!