Nike+ SportWatch GPS Powered by TomTom

The Nike+ SportWatch GPS powered by TomTom heralds some competition to the GPS enabled sportswatch market which has been dominated almost solely by Garmin. The strikingly modern black and green Nike+ SportWatch GPS has already notched up significant product credibility winning CES Best of Innovations Awards (2011) in both the “Health/Wellness” and “Personal Electronics” categories. Noteworthy features of this GPS sportwatch are the large, easy to read display, reliable TomTom GPS, simple set-up using your Mac or PC, Nike Running online portal access, the user friendly interface and the included shoe sensor. The partnership between Nike and TomTom for this sportwatch blends the brand names and expertise essential to make this product work.

Nike SportWatch GPS by TomTom

A large clear display is important when running and the Nike SportWatch delivers nicely. The user interface is well laid out and operated using buttons along either side of the display. While the display is not a touchscreen a finger tap is used to activate the backlight and mark laps. Importantly, the Nike SportWatch will handle some rain and in fact will take five (5) atmospheres of pressure. The band is rubber which is softer and more comfortable to wear.

Included Foot Pod

It’s the nature of the beast that runners will wend their way between buildings and along foliage covered trails where cars cannot go. GPS satellite signals are attenuated by buildings and heavy foliage so there is a greater likelihood of signal loss. This makes the inclusion of a foot pod (sensor worn in shoe) an attractive selling feature. The combination of the GPS receiver and the foot sensor ensures that accurate pace and distance data can be maintained in low GPS signal areas and even indoors.

Easy Computer Set-up

An attractive and distinctive feature of the Nike SportWatch is the ability of the associated free software ( from Nike+ website) to download set-up, display preferences or workout details to the SportWatch using the concealed USB connector in the band. It’s a far easier method than using the buttons either side of the display.

While not supplied with one, the Nike SportWatch will automatically search for and connect with any compatible heart rate monitor at startup. It connects with the Nike foot pod as well but, it’s use is optional. Calories counted by the Nike are determined using entered body weight, pace and distance rather than a more sophisticated and accurate calculation based on heart rate. A GPS signal lock takes only seconds however, you can start running immediately with the watch using the output from a connected food pod until a GPS lock is achieved. Stats monitoring can be paused and restarted with a button click.

NikeRunning.com Free Online Training Aid Portal

For monitoring training performance and fitness over time, NikeRunning.com portal allows stored training data to be uploaded from the Nike SportWatch. The site is a popular one and has a multitude of features however, it is not as sophisticated as that provided on the rival Garmin Connect site. Whether that is an attraction or detraction would probably depend on the experience level or the runner. A feature most appreciated is the ability to download planned training schedules (wide range available for various purposes) either compiled by Nike or tailored personally.

Battery Life

Battery Life for the Nike SportWatch is a very reasonable 8 hours continuous use with the GPS receiver and foot pod sensor turned on. So it’s good for a very long run or a good number of shorter runs. The time between recharges can be extended significantly up to 50 days in a standby mode which is wearing the watch simply for time keeping with the GPS receiver and foot pod turned off to save power.

Summary

At around $200 the Nike SportWatch GPS provides an affordable training aid for even serious runners. For a compariable price the other option is a Garmin Forerunner 110 which does not include a foot pod, has a heart-rate monitor (some versions $250), will calculate calories burned from heart-rate, has a smaller display and is available in choice of colors. Read our review of the Garmin Forerunner 110.

Nike SportWatch GPS Manual