On a tease from Zeke ~ 10/29 5

Tanita BC-1000 GroupI do not know that Id even be making this post except that a friend [remember Zeke] and reader of this blog made a statement regarding a special item he received today.

I didn’t get very good images of the new toy… I was going for a true “Jim Artis” effect and posting but, alas, it isn’t meant to be… The new toy is simply delivery of the new Blackberry Storm 2. I’ve been waiting on them to get released for sale and they finally showed up on the Verizon website yesterday. I have it charging now…

I’d likely just said, probably in a comment to this post “that the scale arrived.” But, no, in the “Jim Artis” Effect, I decided to do a bit more. So, this post is for you.

The scale did not arrive until 5:15 p.m. EDT. When I’m not waiting for a package, I see the UPS [and FedEx] truck mid-day. When I’m waiting–it is at the end of the day. I have not done any setup. I just took the picture above and prepared this article. BTW, this friend is the purchaser of my Tanita IronMan BC-554. After getting my package, I immediately went to ship his and made it before the UPS pick-up—drop off at 5:30 p.m. Thanks to Zeke for giving my BC-554 a worthy home.

The marketing pictures I have seen of this scale, the BC-1000, do not do it justice. It is a quality piece of workmanship. The box [now holding Zeke's scale] and the reading materials are well done. I know that I’ll enjoy using my new toy.

I’ve been busy the last couple of days working on a new project. I’ll tell you what it is later [it is now later]. I think it will be useful and fun. Should I ever cover an event like I did Maria’s Parker’s ride, I’ll use it.

Potential interesting data~ANT+ Technology 7

I think this will be a curious walk into technology [I mentioned it earlier] as I try to maintain better fitness in 2010 than I did in 2009. Mind you, I have cycles [7 of them] and I have a Tanita IronMan BC-554 Scale.

But, this is different…

FR60 Train Indoors or Out

In the gym or on the road, Garmin FR60 tracks all your workout data, including time, heart rate, calories burned, lap times and averages, and more. FR60 boasts advanced training tools, such as training alarms and Virtual Partner™, which lets you race against a virtual training partner to improve your performance.

At the heart of its success is FR60′s wireless ANT+™ technology, which allows it to connect to other ANT+ compatible devices, like the included heart rate monitor, optional foot pod, or even ANT+ compatible fitness equipment.

Monitor your health

You can also track weight, body fat, body water and six other measurements when using the FR60 with the Tanita BC-1000 body composition scale. The readings are stored on FR60, then automatically sent to Garmin Connect when in range of your computer.

Add the Tanita BC-1000: 

bc1000 When using the Garmin FR60 or Forerunner 310XT Fitness Watches and their wireless technology, the readings of weight, body fat and body water are wirelessly displayed on the watch, while all nine readings are stored in the watch. When in range of a consumer’s computer, the information is automatically transmitted to the computer using the wireless USB Stick and captured with Tanita’s HealthyEdge Software and Garmin Connect.

and,

A FootPod:

FootPod This tiny foot pod is small enough to attach to your shoelaces or fit in the mid-sole pocket of compatible shoes. It’s always ready to use, and a small, replaceable watch battery powers the foot pod for a year of training. Unlike simple pedometers, this foot pod uses advanced MEMS inertial-sensor technology to analyze your movements and is responsive to stride-length changes to achieve 98% accuracy for speed and distance. Additionally, this sensor measures running cadence to help you optimize your training.

Interesting combination of technology. All the data can be maintained in Garmin Connect [like magic—no wires—no uploads]. The FR60 is not a GPS watch—so no tracking of walking or running route. Call the iPhone 3GS—ready to meet that task with its array of running apps. At this point, I’ll probably do more walking than running [and I use to be a fairly serious runner]. I’m saving what left of my feet.

I do like the idea of recording my weight. In the past, I weighed frequently—just didn’t write it down and never body fat data. Those days will soon be gone. Again, this is an interesting combination of technology.

I’ll keep you informed. –jim

Okay, I’m a gadget freak 2

All I want is the ability to know the ambient temperature when I ride. In searching the Internet, I find this device [available from Amazon.com for $23]. So, I get temperature, plus a UV monitor. How cool is that?

Personal UV Monitor with Exposure Timer (UV888A) Protect yourself and your family from harmful rays. Monitors the current UV index and temperature, and calculates your recommended exposure time based on UV, SPF and your personal skin type.

  • Exposure timer uses UV, SPF and skin type to calculate recommended exposure time
  • Exposure time automatically updates with changes in UV intensity
  • Monitors current temperature
  • Countdown timer
  • Digital clock
  • Velcro® strap for easy portability
  • Includes 1 CR2032 coin battery
  • Dimensions: 3.125 × 1.75 × .75 in
  • Weight: 4 oz.

Stay tuned. We will see…