My first run this evening with the Nike GPS having had it delivered yesterday.
Initial verdict getting it out of the box is that it's been well designed balancing an easy on the eye product with functionality.
After plugging the device into my laptop, configuring it was really simple. After downloading the Nike Connect software it recognised my device straight away and gave me some basic options on how I want it to display during my runs. It was so easy to configure, I didn't even need to look at the manual.
So how did it perform during my run? Well mixed to be honest, but largely positive.
It found a GSP signal within 30 seconds, owning a Tom Tom Sat Nav for my car and tapping into the same technology I'd expect nothing less than good performance on this. The watch asked whether I was ready to start, and a simple click of the green button and I was away and running.
On my wrist the watch didn't feel too bulky although it is a little larger than the marketing pictures portray. It's very light though compared to some of the garmin devices.
Navigating through the display whilst you're running is an absolute sinch compared to a Garmin. Nike have designed this for simplicity and for me thats a plus point. I used to own a Garmin, and found the bezel a total nightmare. It would automatically do things mid run without touching it, or not respond at all. The Nike GPS basically has 3 buttons and it couldn't be easier.
I'd set my device to auto lap each mile. This was very impressive, at each mile it gave me a split time and displayed this for circa 10 seconds, and then re-set. Being able to pre-set this aspect and not faff about whilst you're running is a good design.
When I got home I plugged the watch into my PC and it logged the run and showed this on Nike Plus. Compared to a Garmin the stats are basic but adequate.
So, to my gripe, and it's a big one. The pace setting is next to useless. I had the same problem on my garmin in that the readings are too sensitive and within the space of 30 seconds I was fluctuating between 8 and 10 mins a mile. I don't blame the technology or design for this, as GPS is a precise thing, and it can't possibly be that accurate. However on a Garmin you get an option to set an average pace. I'm training for a marathon, so on a long training run of circa 20 miles I'm likely to check my watch once in a while and I'll want to know my average pace based on my training goals. To not have average pace is a complete and utter failure by Nike. This is not exactly a difficult setting to have added in, and to have missed this is falling very short. This alone has tempted me to send the watch back or sell it. I'll keep it because I suspect Nike will look at doing a firmware update to add this in. If they include this setting, then the device is an absolute winner.
So, overall verdict... a stunningly designed device, not bulky and very simple to operate. Massive fail on not having average pace. Nike, please listen to feedback and do a firmware update as soon as possible. If you could just add these basics, it will clean up.
