Reviews for Nike + iPod Sport Kit

i'm a runner and music "geek" so what i have to say is all about using the Nike+ system and how to "customize" your non nike running shoes

:: setting up

very easy, if you use the nike+ shoes.... but i don't so...

I don't like Nike running shoes - sorry it's just my choice - So i had to "customize" my running shoes.

by lifting up the inner sole and carving a small hole into the dense foam sole does seem a little stupid, but it does work and if your careful and use good DIY or craft skills - you will not notice the sensor or affect the shoes ability, so for you lot out there like me who love to run, you'll most likely not run in nike shoes - but really want to use the Nike+ system - well you can!

:: using the Nike+ system

once all the set up is done and your ready to run, you'll realize just how easy the voice prompt (giving live sats, run time, pace, distance) is to access and just how much it will inspire your runs - not hyping this up too much here - but it really does work!

:: getting home and making it all talk

once your done the iPod will upload your run info to the Nike+ web site (via iTunes) its all very automated - just connect the iPod and click OK and your in!

:: the web site and "seeing" your runs

this is VERY good - the flash based web site works very well and is almost too easy to use! all your runs are there, best times, best distance, compare and review - all great and very useful

:: in conclusion!

this cost me £19 - i had the iPod nano - the running shoes - a massive music library - a wonderful park on my doorstep - a desire to run

the Nike+ system has made it all come together - and just work - in a very Mac way - perfect !

Great stuff. Works like a dream in action. If you already have a Nano and Nike trainers, then £19 is all it will cost you. For that you get a really integrated system that works seamlessly with the iPod. The real surprises come when you synchronise with iTunes after your first workouts ('walk-outs' in my case). All very impressive (but you do need to calibrate it for your pace, unless you don't mind it telling you that you've run a mile when you haven't).

Of course, if you need to buy the trainers (as I did) and the Nano (as I did) and the Nike armband for the Nano (remember whatever you use has to fit around the little receiver attachment as well) it's going to set you back somewhere between £200-300.

But here's a secret - you don't need to buy the special Nike running shoes designed for it. Undoubtedly neater and more elegant if you do, but if you already have trainers that you like, a little bit of work with a craft knife will fit the little transmitter under the insole, out of sight (just as it does on the Nike shoes).

Enjoy.

I've owned a 60gb iPod since they were released and I was disappointed when I found out the Nike+ system is only compatible with a Nano. I looked into it and the explanation is because a Nano has Flash memory rather than the hard disc, making it a lot more suitable for running etc. because of the jerky movement.
So, I bought a Nano and the Nike+ sport kit and it works a treat. I'd recommend that you calibrate it before use (calibration takes 5mins and is very straightforward to do) because it initially gave some very dodgy readings. But, once calibrated, this works great and is a snip at £19. Even if you have to buy a Nano (as I did), it's worth every penny. It has made me want to go out running more than ever before!

Battery dies and you have to buy a new Nike + iPod Sport Kit. I experience battery life similar to that of other reviewers. I ran < 100 miles and it died. Its a flaw in consumer's eye. Seems to follow disposable Apple model goes right to the bottom line. You have to spend 600% more, another ~$30 rather than ~$5 for a battery. I recommend Apple goes 'green' and cuts down on disposable electronics waste and saves customers $$.

I have to say that I really do enjoy using this, and am glad it is here. There are a series of problems that neither Nike nor Apple caught, that have been mentioned in earlier reviews. Here is a list of things I think should be included when they do finally come out with the next edition of this, or even do it via software updates (where possible):

1) It needs to be compatible with a heart-rate monitor. Like it or not, some people who are trying to get started or who are training for other purposes actually do care when their heart starts beating too fast or has fallen down below acceptable levels.

2) Minimum/Maximum Pace notifications: It is really annoying that you can set a goal for yourself to go at least a certain pace on the Nike site, and then you don't know without reaching over to your iPod when you've actually slowed down and are not doing what you are intending. Maybe an encouraging word or just a notification so you know when youa re going to slow? Also, some people tend to go too fast when they start off, and then burn out (a terrible habit of mine), and so a maximum pace notification is also important.

3) Some cheaper way of replacing/recharing the battery of the chip in shoe, or a much longer lasting chip. Like it or not, those who actually do use the product are using it regularly quite often, and while we don't mind replacing batteries, replacing whole systems (including the little thing that attaches to the iPod) is a waste. Maybe just sell the shoe-chip without the iPod piece?

4) A way of not having to have the darn voice count down after the halfway-point, or only counting down from the very beginning. As encouraging as the current method may be, some of us are thinking about certain places we want to be at certain points in our runs, and taking into account the switch is too difficult.

5) Something that allows the individual to do various workout types, and features that can tell when a person has gone from a walk to a jog to a run to a sprint. This is very important for the serious runner who is training - esp if they are trying to reach one of those lofty goals they set on the Nike site!

Okay, that's what I think (from my reading as well as my own thoughts) Nike+iPod needs on the next go-round. Not perfect, but a neat idea that is on the "road" to a great and useful product!

You can buy a shoe pocket from any running store (Nathan brand made for Nike sensor) that fits right on your shoelaces. It works perfectly with this sensor.

The sensor itself is fantastic! I love it! I tracks everything for you (speed, distance, personal best). Plus if you are going for a time or distance run, it alerts you of milestones (ie: you've gone 1K, 9 more to go...etc)

Buy it! You'll love it!

this is a good product...

you don't need the nike+ shoes and you dont need to cut up your old shoes. just slip it into your laces and tighten them (but not too tight) and then your good to go.

In response to the previous reviews:

ACCURACY - D.O.'s description simply is not correct! There is a well-established relationship between foot contact time and pace, and the Nike+iPod sensor uses this principle to measure your current speed, multiplying that by the time spent at a given pace to calculate your distance. This involves neither 'average' gait, nor 'stride length' - and is consequently WAY more accurate over a variety of paces and terrains than any pedometer! The Sport Kit is very accurate right out of the box (certainly more so that a car's odometer!) and can be calibrated if you want to make it even more accurate.

BATTERY LIFE - The quoted battery life is 'over 1000hrs'. This means that a good marathon runner could run a marathon, every day, for over a year before the battery in the sensor would be used up! (How many pair of running shoes would that be?) For a normal 20-mile/wk runner, it lasts over 6 years (and 6500 miles!) - plenty long for a $29 purchase! Not having a replaceable battery also means the sensor is simple and waterproof.

The Nike+iPod Sport Kit is incredibly easy to use, very motivational and a lot of fun. Highly recommended!

This product is the main reason that I became motivated to go running. I ran my first marathon and am training for my second one. Most of the time I just run aimlessly so I count on the product to help me with how far of a distance that I am trying to train for. For example: I just moved to Paris this week and have no clue when I have hit 3 6 10 miles etc especially when everything is in km over here. So I just run and use the nike + ipod kit. I am also having a serious issue with the battery situation. I have just purchased my third nike + ipod kit in one year. The product is relatively inexpensive $25 so I don't even care about repurchasing it. However, my issue is that I need to recalibrate the stupid thing every time the battery dies. I tried using the old sensor with the new battery and vice versa but it doesn't work that way. Therefore, now I am in Paris and have no idea how long a mile is to attempt to calibrate it. However, once you do calibrate it the product is extremely close to being accurate. I ran a marathon being 26.2 miles and my ipod said 26.5 miles which means it was only about .3 miles off which is pretty good for a device that only cost me about $25. They key is to calibrate it at exactly a one mile distance and to make sure that you are running at the pace you would normally jog at. Anyways I decided to write this review because my sensor just ran out of battery again and I was trying to find out if there was a way to replace the battery like you would in a watch but I guess not. Another thing I realized is that I bought the product for my mom who has the very original nano. Although hers is in really good condition, the device is not compatible with the original model. If you have the original nano, you are going to have to buy one of the newer models. Nike and Apple if you ever read this ad, use those genius people you have creating these products to make something with a replaceable battery option.

There is no way to replace the battery in the sensor so that you have to buy a new sensor when the battery dies in it (after a few months). I won't be buying a new one every few months: avoid this product!