Let's set aside the buzzwords. When some tech genius spouts off about "wearable computing," he or she is really talking only about three kinds of devices. You have your eyewear (think Google Glass). You have your smartwatches (think Samsung's Galaxy Gear). And you have your activity-tracking wristbands—my three favorite are the Jawbone UP24, Fitbit Force, and Basis B1.
The glasses and watches still feel like beta products, but many of the wristbands—and there are a lot of them—offer a high degree of polish, and can share tons of interesting data on how many steps you take, and how many hours you sleep, over a 24-hour period.
Whether you're simply curious about your personal metrics, or you want to use your data to inform lifestyle changes, an activity-tracking wristband can make a great purchase. But even my three favorite activity trackers present some challenges. Choose the wrong one, and you'll end up with a wristband that you never want to use—or, in worst-case scenarios, a band you can't use at all. So consider the following before you buy an activity tracker for yourself or a friend.
Fashion, comfort, and fit
You won't be hiding the activity tracker in your pocket, so you need to be comfortable with the aesthetics of the band you purchase. Is it something you'd proudly show off in public, or does the band's design clash with your fashion sense? There's also the "timepiece redundancy" factor to consider. Many activity trackers (including the Fitbit Force and Basis B1) double as wristwatches, so if you already wear a watch, you may have a tough decision ahead. For that reason alone, I personally prefer the Jawbone UP24. Its simple design evokes a Livestrong wristband, and it looks right at home next to my old-school wristwatch.
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon