So, the new BioTrainer is large and clunky. Like the earlier version, the buttons are somewhat difficult to use. They seem to skimp on the number of buttons by making them all multi-functional. My device resets itself around 11pm (not midnight as the user manual states), so some of today’s activity/calories will report tomorrow. The buttons don’t always work. Sometimes you have to press them over and over again to get the display to change to what you want to see. This device, compared to the earlier one, is no where near as sensitive. Sometimes I take the thing and move it vigorously and it registers no activity at all. The BioTrainer II always reported motion. The newer device is clunky and way too big. It is so obvious sticking off your belt. I prefer the earlier model which was dark gray and rectangular and a bit more “subtle”. OK, so I’ve been making all these complaints about the new one. Why didn’t I just stick with the old one? Well, both have the same flaw. They are not designed to attach securely to one’s belt. The earlier version had a very lame clasp that, after a time, just broke off. Even before it broke off, the thing would frequently fly off my belt while I was truckin’ my way home. Not only did it frequently hit the pavement but the battery would fly out and I would lose not only today’s results but all the results for all the days recorded. So, I was inventive and filed off the remnants of the broken clasp and attached a piece of heavy duty sticky back Velcro to the back of the device. Then I created a small sleeve of Velcro to slide over my belt. That is how I eventually kept the thing attached.

The first day I had the NEW BioTrainer what happens? It unclips from my belt and flies off onto the floor. And I was just getting up from my chair at work — hardly a vigorous activity. Fortunately, the device landed on a rug and was not damaged. But as a precaution, I added a similar piece of stick-on heavy duty Velcro to the inside back of the clip-on part. Doesn’t affect the operation of the device but does allow me to use my Velcro sleeve or just attach it to gym short, where the Velcro grabs the fabric and keeps the device in place.

One last thing. In the above review, it is stated that a purchaser gets a free months monitoring online. But I bought my device thru FootSmart.com and no such offer came with my device. Better to buy directly from BioTrainer, I guess, as the price is $10 cheaper and you get the online part as well.

The idea for this device is so great. It can be an incredible motivational tool. I hope their designers listen to their user base and fix the problems.

http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/review/BioTrainer

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