Following on from the new Nike+ SportBand prototypes we reported last month, Nike has just revealed the official design of their new running gadget. The black and red device will be available to purchase as quickly as April 2008 for approximately $95 and will allow runners to record pace, distance and calories in exactly the same way as the original Nike+, but without the need for an iPod Nano. Running data can then be uploaded after a run via USB.
It’s not a bad idea: Say your iPod battery is dead or you simply do not have your iPod with you, the Nike+ SportBand will literally be on hand to record all your running data. The SportBand still requires communication with a Nike+ shoe sensor, so it would make sense for the SportBand to be shipped with a sensor.
Removing the iPod entirely from the equation allows Nike to tap into the running market for athletes who do not own (or wish to own) an Apple iPod Nano. Now that’s what I call covering all your bases! That said however, anyone using the Nike+ SportBand without an iPod is going to be missing out on the infamous “400 meters to go!” etc. voice motivation and celebratory congratulations from Lance Armstrong and Paula Radcliffe.
March 18th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Hey i am excited about this product! I love running with an ipod for training runs, but during races, they are not allowed, especially for triathlon. So this will be great, even though i have the Polar device, this is a great tool as well.
April 7th, 2008 at 8:07 am
I picked up the May edition of Runners World and saw the add on the back cover for this and got very excited. I had been in the market to get the next garmin but since I now have a couple of Nike+ running shoes, I might make the jump to the get SportBand. It would be great if I could get it before the Boston Marathon!
April 7th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Hey Tim, I think Nike are taking preorders this month, so I would imagine the product will be shipped towards the end of April at the latest. Let us know if you get a Sportsband, it definitely does sound practical what with iPods/earphones becoming more-and-more frowned upon by race officials.