The Microsoft Holiday Sale is still on with savings and free 2-day shipping
Update – recent customer services issues force us to issue a caution on purchases from the Microsoft Store. We will report back as soon as the situation becomes clearer. If you have had recent experiences, please leave a comment.
By Stephen Pate – I was tempted to get a Band 2 on release. The reviews say it’s the best health wearable and the Health app is better than all the rest. The Band 2 is rated 4.4 out 5.
Now that it’s $50 less – on sale for $199 at the Microsoft Store it looks too good to resist.
In (Canada) the discount is $80 selling at $249. I didn’t even think. I ordered one.
Microsoft is offering free 2-day shipping if you want to start getting in shape before Christmas and 30-returns and dozens of computer devices like a $299 ASUS and a Surface Pro 3 for $599.
The return makes it almost a no brainer decision since the one thing that can’t be predicted is if any of us will like to wear it. Don’t like it just send it back.
The Band 2 does all of this:
- Continuous heart rate monitor tracks heart rate, calorie burn, and sleep quality
- Tracking for running, biking, golf, etc.
- Email, text, calendar, and call alerts on the go
- 11 sensors, including GPS, UV monitor, and barometer
- Full-color curved display
- Works with Windows Phone, Android, and iPhone
- Updates Microsoft Health
I need a health devices to track my activity and heart rate. I do aerobics after the big heart attack and rehab. Checking your heart rate is annoying. With the Band 2, it will automatically update some of my vitals just by wearing it. The Band 2 is also able to monitor VO2 Max which is a measure of your fitness and lung capacity. That’s really hard to do without going to a fitness health facility.
I have a Polar H7 Heart Monitor but it’s useless if not dangerous. While exercising, the Polar read-out will jump from 110 BPM to 220 BPM which can scare the life out of you. I Googled it and it’s a known problem. So now when I’m exercising I have to watch it but worry the Polar is not correct. Thanks but no thanks to Polar. Besides, it has to be strapped around my chest and kept wet.
Fitbit would work but the same features are not available on a Fitbit for less than $250 and then it does not measure VO2 Max. The Apple Watch doesn’t have the same health monitoring and costs double the Band 2.
Band 2 Reviews
People who bought the Microsoft Band 2 give it a 4.4 out of 5 rating.
Engadget reviewed the Band 2 and said “the Band 2 is more refined, with a comfortable design and a thoughtful software platform that has gotten better over time. Even so, there are still some kinks Microsoft needs to work out.”
TechRadar wrote “The Microsoft Band 2 is better designed with more functionality than ever, making it one of the fitness trackers to have this year.”
Wired said in summary “Microsoft has rebooted its popular fitness tracker, bringing us this year’s new Band 2. Packed with 11 sensors, including a heart rate monitor, a UV monitor, and on-board GPS for tracking runs, hikes, and bike rides, it’s one of the most capable wearables on the market.”
BestBuy has posted a similar discount.
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