Nike Plus and The iPhone 3GS
With the release of the iPhone 3GS, Apple finally included an integrated Nike Plus receiver. All you need now is a 20 dollar Nike Plus Sensor [Amazon Link] and some way of mounting it to your shoe. After a couple of runs, I think this implementation works rather nicely.
To start off, I don’t own any Nike shoes. In the past, I never found them to be very comfortable. My preference nowadays is for Asics or New Balance. Ideally, you want to use this sensor with Nike Plus compatible footwear. There’s a cut-out inside the shoe where you’re supposed to insert the sensor.
I instead picked up a Marware Sportsuit Sensor Case [Amazon Link]. This allows the user to mount the sensor right above the shoelaces. It’s then securely fastened via Velcro.
In real world testing, I found this combo to be fairly accurate. I compared it with my normal GPS run tracking system and found the distant measurements to be only off by only 1/10th of a mile. This was without any calibration. There was only one occasion where the sensor briefly dropped its connection with the iPhone.
Aside from accuracy, I like how this system adds an interesting facet to what can sometimes be an excruciatingly tedious activity. Workouts can be setup as open or one of many goal oriented scenarios (time, distance, and calorie).
Once you’re done with your workout you’ll get a summary. You also have the option of syncing with iTunes and having your workout stats uploaded to the Nike Plus website where you can track your previous workouts and compare stats with friends.
Overall, this is a hassle free way of tracking work outs and giving individuals further incentive to pursue specific goals. On top of that, you get better than average accuracy without having to spend too much money (I’m assuming you didn’t get the iPhone 3GS just for this feature).
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