Better Living Through Technology

Just began using Fitbit today.  Purchased it from a local Best Buy rather than through the mail in order to have a speedy and easy return if I don’t like it.   The Fitbit is a “smart pedometer” that uses accelerometers (like in your iPhone or Wii) to measure movement,  The device then syncs with a website to  create a dashboard of activity.  Their website says: “The Fitbit accurately tracks your calories burned, steps taken, distance traveled and sleep quality. The Fitbit contains a 3D motion sensor like the one found in the Nintendo Wii. The Fitbit tracks your motion in three dimensions and converts this into useful information about your daily activities.”

The business model and concept is very similar to SportBrain which is still in operation, but started many years ago and I used the SportBrain when it first came out.  Back then it actually dialed in via a modem to transmit your data.  The Fitbit takes that concept to a more sophisticated and sexier device.

I read several online reviews prior to purchase.  Most were glowing, but a few had troubles with their device.  This led me to purchase from a local store rather than online.  I had not trouble with setup on a windows 7 machine (some folks have reported problems setting up on a MAC). You simply download the software from the website and install it.  You then plug the docking station into a USB port on your computer.  The Fitbit slips onto the docking station.  Press a button and it begins the sync and the setup of your device and dashboard.  The total setup took no more than 5 minutes.  The Fitbit was fully charged out of the box so I could use it immediately.

After a a couple of hours of use it is working fine and syncing as designed.  I’ll test out and report on the other features in future posts.

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