
This is going to be a lengthy review, so if you are looking for the Reader's Digest version, here it is: If you are in any way contemplating this purchase, stop reading and buy it.
Now, on to the review...
I have owned this device for a week. I am a 37 year old male with approximately 25 lbs to lose. I have a sedentary job and joined a gym 6 weeks ago. I have had a back injury for 7 months and am slowly geting back into the groove.
When I first received it, the unit was not charged, so I had to be patient and wait the 3 hrs it takes to fully charge it. As others have stated, it is not at all cumbersome or uncomfortable. In fact, I often forget that I am wearing it. After it was charged, I had difficulty getting my computer to recognize it. I later learned, through the assistance of Customer Service, that the problem was due to a Java update. They assisted me in getting past this, and that has been the only hiccup so far.
The device is, quite simply, amazing. For starters, anyone doubting the sleep tracker will be in for a huge surprise. It is incredibly accurate. I conciously paid attention to when I went to bed and looked up at the clock a few moments before I fell asleep. In the morning when I uploaded the numbers, it showed me the same exact times and results.
As far as nutrition tracking and calorie consumption, it would have been nice for everything to be included, but, as another reviewer stated, it is easy enough to track your nutrition using a free program like the one at sparkpeople (search for that word if you don't know what it is). Even without using an outside program, the gowear does have nutrition assessment or it can estimate your caloric intake based upon the statistics you provide when you first set up the armband.
In addition, the gowear fit Activity Manager displays your calorie balance, duration of activity (including the intensity of it), and steps. I also just discovered that it exports your data to a Microsoft Excel page that you can store on your computer and use to track your long-term success.
This device is an incredible motivator. During the first few days that I had it on, I did not go to the gym because I wanted to get a baseline of my normal activities. When I finally started to go to the gym, I was thrilled by my Calories Burned...until I recorded my food for the day and saw that I was simply breaking even. With such instant feedback, I altered my eating habits, and in the last 3 days I lost 3 lbs. I know that water is the first to go when one begins a diet, but I also saw the 2,000 calorie deficit that I had yesterday alone, and I know that after the water is gone, I will continue to lose.
I cannot recommend this product highly enough. If you are competetive and have no challengers to motivate you, let me introduce you to the GoWear Fit. When you see those numbers, you will have all the competition you need.
EDIT (January 16, 2009)---I have continued to wear the device since I posted my review, and nothing about my opinion has changed. The device works perfectly and actually becomes a part of your body. There have been several times when I had one foot in the shower and had to back out because I forgot that I was wearing it. The only drawback to this, as far as I'm concerned, is that it does get a tiny bit irritating on my arm. I tend to keep it in the same spot, and every once in a while, I have to relocate it.
For those wondering about weight loss, I have not exercised in 2 weeks under doctor's orders due to a back injury. However, when I first got the device and used it in conjunction with sparkpeople, I had a calorie deficit of 1000-1200 calories a day, and, sure enough, I dropped 3.5 pounds very quickly. I wear it, on average, 22 hrs a day or so and have not had to charge it for more than an hour at a time----I'm actually amazed at how long the batteries last. I will begin working out again next week and will edit this again with results.
EDIT (April 16, 2009)---Again, device works perfectly...no changes whatsoever. I actually didn't use it for 2 weeks back in March, and even though I never bothered to charge it during this time, it retained its charge and worked perfectly as soon as I put it on.
It seems that some of the negative reviews on here are a little unfair---for one thing, it is not the fault of the device if you have sensitive skin and get a rash. Secondly, if you dont bother to read any of these reviews or THE INSTRUCTIONS THAT COME WITH THE DEVICE, dont waste people's time by posting negatively.
There is no software that comes with the device.
There is no monitor on the device; you must purchase it separately.
If you do not purchase the monitor, you MUST subscribe to the online service in order to view your numbers and to upgrade the firmware.
I don't mean to sound so negative, but some of the comments on here are a bit ridiculous. The only negative comment that I can agree with is in regards to customer support. In my initial review I stated that I had Java issues and couldn't get online. Like others, I tried contacting the company but, initially, had problems. The issue was eventually handled within 2 days, and it has been clear sailing ever since. There is no excuse for poor customer service; however, when it is functioning properly, the Gowear Fit is perfect.Get more detail about
GoWear fit Lifestyle and Calorie Management System.