*** UPDATE:  After about 1 month of use ***

Although, I still LOVE the ‘idea’ of the UP (and other lifestyle monitoring gadgets), I’ve found that these devices are really more trouble (and cost) than I’m willing to deal with.  So far, I’ve lost the end cap to the device — and it’s pretty much sitting up in my closet shelf.  Not using the end cap — leaves the 1.8″mm connector exposed— and ends up snagging on everything. —- Hopefully Jawbone will update the device with a better design.   The “SOCIAL”  aspects of this device/app also needs ALOT of improvement.

I like the design/usability of the Jawbone UP — over the FitBit — however, I would say your smartest option is to hold onto your $$$.   I am still a HUGE sucker for tech/fitness devices, though.   So, I’m sure I’ll be doing more product reviews soon — so be on the lookout for more posts.

Verdict:  Hold onto your $99!  Spend your money on new shoes, gym membership, — or an iPhone app like RunKeeper, LoseIt, etc.  A yearly RunkeeperPro account MIGHT just be more beneficial to you than a $99 gadget.

 

So far, I’m really liking the new pedometer/fitness tracker from Jawbone.   The Jawbone UP:  http://www.jawbone.com/up  Unlike the FitBit, this device is water-resistant up to 1M! — It attaches to your wrist; so, you probably will be less likely to run it through your laundry wash.

JawboneUP

JawboneUP

 

Your activity data is sync’d via the iPhone — by plugging into the headphone jack.  Once sync’d with your phone, your data is stored on the Jawbone servers.

 

 

 

 

Here are the main features:

Track your Activities:  Allows you to track your steps taken per day (pedometer) — including workouts, etc.  However, I think it’s more accurate just counting steps.  If you are using this device for cycling, etc — your results may be less accurate.

Track your sleep patterns:  I think this is one of the features that I like the most!  Here, the device will track your sleep patterns — including deep sleep, light sleep, and awake time.  It also has a cool feature that allows you to be woken up when you are not in deep sleep.  This allows you to be woken up at the best possible time — making you feel less sleepy after waking.  It vibrates on your wrist and intelligently wakes you up at the ideal moment in your natural sleep cycle just before your desired wake time.

Track your meals:  This is the feature that I like the least – however it can be fun.  Unlike LoseIT, DailyBurn, and other calorie tracking apps, — this only allows you to track what you’ve eaten via photos.  NO CALORIC/NUTRITIONAL DATA.   However, this feature will allow you to track how you feel AFTER you’ve eaten:  Energized, Stuffed, etc.  — I think in time this feature will improve.

One thing that this device lacks is “social” — There is no-way to have this device update Twitter OR Facebook, currently.  You can “friend” other UP users — and keep up with their stats.  However, each person MUST mutually accept the friend request; there is no way to ‘follow’ another UP user.   Also, there is no web-based portal for you to manage — all social activities are done IN-APP.  The FitBit does allow your daily stats to be published out to Twitter/Facebook.  I’m thinking that in the future this feature will be added.

There is also no integration with other devices or applications.  I’d love to see UP integrated with the Withings Scale, Runkeeper, Lose-It, etc… I think, in time, these will be added.

So… Should you spend the $99 on this device?  YES… It does a great job at what it was built for—- and being water resistant is a HUGE plus!  If you are interested, you can purchase online — or from your local Best Buy, Radio Shack, Target, Apple Retail Store or AT&T.  I would recommend purchasing from AT&T — because of their 1-year in-store warranty!

JawboneUP

JawboneUP

 

 

Hope this helps
Will