Reviews for Nike + iPod Sensor

My wife and I have really liked using the Nike + Ipod system for the last year or so. We both like how it keeps info about each of our runs and I know I definitely run more after buying it. However, be aware that you'll need to buy a new sensor every year. We bought ours at the same time last year, and this year, within a few days, both of ours had ran out of juice and needed replacing - $40 + shipping for two of them. Still worth it, but it would be nice if future versions had a way of replacing the battery.

I've used my iPod with the Nike Sensor for almost a year and when I found that I had to replace the whole unit when the battery died, I was flabbergasted. Not only for the costs of replacement but the effect on our environment. I love the product, but if a competitor came out with a sensor with a replacement battery I would be buying their product versus Nike. Hopefully the more people that protest to Nike about the non-replacement of batteries the more likely Nike will listen to the voice of the customer.

First day of running paused itself in the middle of workout. Take three tries to restart.
Second day of running, paused itself again no restart.
Third day and final chance to make it work before return it to Apple Store, work itself out of my shoes and gotten ran over by a car half way in to my run.

I see a lot of complaints about the battery life, here is a trick I learned from my switch easy sensor case:
if you look on the back of the sensor, there is a little round button, hold it down for 3 seconds and it will go to sleep. To activate it again, just hold it down for a second or two. Of course this is much easier if it's not in the sole of your shoe. I've had mine for over a year, and it's just low now.

This is an awesome device!

I am on my 3rd and the last two I was unable to use because as soon as I went to use it, I got the message that the battery was low! So $60 later, I have a record 2 workouts because that was all I was able to use! I really want to believe in this product and will probably buy another one. I bought 2 at Footlocker and 1 at the Nike store. I know that the sensor is "on" when you buy it. Perhaps the sensor should come in the "off" position so as to preserve the 1000 hours. I am thinking that they sit for so long and then when customers buy them the sensor is off!!

I love this concept and it really motivated me to keep up my walking program. Help me Apple or...

Can I get my money back!

The concept behind this is amazing. You need to calibrate it at a gym for accuracy, and it is super easy. Once you put it into your Nike shoes, it is hard to get out. So, if you wear your shoes for things other than running, then it is a hassle to remove and reinsert the foam, and it will wear the battery out much quicker. I was under the impression that the sensor is motion activated, and if you carry it around in your purse then it could drain the life. My sensor has lasted over a year, but I am not an avid runner. I bought it for the walk to run program on Nike.com and it has helped motivate me alot. My neighbor is an avid runner, and she dislikes Nikes shoes. She sealed the sensor in duck tape and punched holes in the tape and she ties it in between her laces and shoe tongue. It works great and saves on her battery life, since she can remove it. That will be my next move, Nike shoes or not!

I was given 2 pairs of Nike+ shoes as a gift and I naturally became intrigued over the system. Eventually my old ipod photo died and I opted for the iTouch. I was excited to see the Nike+ software pre-loaded so all I needed was the chip. I love to run and I average about 15-20 miles a week. I enjoyed tracking my runs and getting time/mileage updates at the press of a button and when nearing the end of a run. I used the system when running outside or on treadmills. After 5 weeks I noticed the sensor stopped working. I tried to resync and nothing happened. I went online and noticed the numerous complaints of the battery life. So I went out and bought another chip and this time, the sensor would not sync at all with my iTouch. So I returned it the next day. This is a great idea in concept but until Nike/Apple can come up with a rechargeable battery (or at least changeable battery) this product is not really worth it since you have to buy a new chip every time. I am surprised that this area has not been addressed yet considering Apple is known for making small innovative products that can be used repeatedly. So save your money until apple addresses these issues.

It seems that a lot of people had trouble with the batteries in the sensor. I've have mine for 13 months, and it finally told me that the battery was low. I've run 1400 miles on my first sensor. I think that its great!

As many others have said, an excellent product in terms of integration with the Nike+ site, and a joy to use... except for the battery life. On the one hand, $20 a year isn't a bad deal to replace the sensor when the battery dies, but with car remotes lasting years, and with the stated goal to be a greener company, can't Apple do a little better than everyone tossing sensors into the rubbish every year? How about a sensor recycling program where we can drop off old sensors at our local Apple Stores?

Hi, I found this product is a real sensation. Still, I am trying to figure out how this little piece measures the distance close to real value! Other pedo meters compute the steps you take and multiply with a defined value. But, this device has no such calculation.

The bad thing from my side is the battery. I had seen several reviews on this. But, from my side, Apple and Nike should be environmental friendly company as they claim. How can they release this plastic product where the battery cannot be replaced?? What kind of design is this?

You are blind to learn whether this device is active or not. In iPHONE 3GS, there is no screen which tells the battery to be replaced or not. Whereas, the iPOD has a display about the battery status!

Economically, the value this product is $19 but a battery costs less than $3.

Apple designers, be friendly to environment and imagine, millions of the sensors will be dumped every year because of simple battery life!! Come on .... take the lead and be the user friendly leader..!