Apple/Nike + iPod Sport Kit Review

I've been running with my iPod for a couple years, but put off getting the Nike + iPod system at first since I don't like Nike shoes.  Well it turns out, you don't need the shoes!

There are two parts - the sensor, which fits inside any pair of compatible Nike shoes and the receiver, which is a small adapter that plugs into your iPod nano.  If you don't have Nike shoes, don't worry - you can just duct tape the sensor to your shoe or pick up any number of third party clips that sell for $5-10.

Once you're set up, you can calibrate the sensor of just start running.  For me, it was decently accurate out of the box, but was giving me about a 15% bonus before I did the calibration.  In the menu system of the iPod, you simply select a workout by time, distance, or calories burned and then start running.  The iPod will give you periodic updates through the headphones during the run, and the screen shows your total time, distance, and pace.  You can also program in a "PowerSong" that you can play with one button click if you need a little pick-me-up during the run.

At the end, it summarizes your workout and you'll get a little congratulatory message from Paula Radcliffe or Lance Armstrong if you reached a new personal best.  Then once you're back home, just plug the iPod into your computer and all your run data is automatically uploaded to the Nike site (once you've created an account).  The web site will show a graph of your speed across your run, and it keeps track of all your totals and records - like the total distance run and your fastest mile.  You can also create and join challenges with other runners (for example, to run 50 miles in a month).  And it's all super-easy to do!

The only real downsides I've found so far is that it's hard to find a case that will hold the iPod with the receiver attached.  Apple and Nike sell an armband, but if you don't like armbands, you're kind of out of luck.  It also doesn't measure your heart rate, so if you need that for your training, you'll need something more expensive.

All and all, this is a fantatastic product if you run and already have an iPod Nano.  And at only about $30, it's way cheaper than any of those fancy GPS or watch-based systems from Garmin or Polar.