gdgt

Fitbit has several factors going for it. It is unobtrusive, it has an altimeter, and it provides you with immediate feedback via a visual display. Furthermore, it has an app on iPhone, and the mobile version of the site is at least viewable on an Android. In contrast, the UP is highly visible on your wrist, and can be especially obtrusive if you are typing on a keyboard all day. I've seen and held an UP, and the wristband is not as slim as you think. It also has no display, meaning you can't get statistics on your actions until you synch it with your iPhone (which is the only device it currently works on). You have to remove it and plug it in to the headphone jack. I personally dislike carrying my phone while working out. The one thing Jawbone really has going for it is the vibration alarm while you sleep/are sedentary. That is pretty nifty, but the cons seem to outweigh the benefits.

After seeing the Up, I'm leaning more towards the Fitbit for a couple of reasons:

1. Up only works with iOS devices right now, and there's no web interface. I'm planning a move to Android soon, and this would kind of burst that bubble.
2. The Fitbit seems more inconspicuous than the Up. The Up's pastel colors seem like they would sharply contrast with skin and more people would ask about it. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I would be wearing one of these things for my benefit, not to make a fashion statement.

I guess, in the end, I like the Fitbit platform better than the Up. I get the feeling that Aliph is probably working on a web interface/Android application, but I think the Fitbit is in my future.

Hi, I just got a Fitbit and like it so far - I was pleasantly surprised to see that the FitBit links up to other services like RunKeeper, LoseIt, Nike+ and has an API for developers.

www.fitbit.com­/apps

I hardly use the iPhone app (it only displays data but does not sync it) but use the website (on desktop and iPad) more. I agree that FitBit should have an android app in principle, but since you cannot sync your data without the base an app seems secondary.

I still think the Up scores higher points design-wise, but have recently seen a few articles about Ups that randomly brick and stop working. To Jawbone's credit though, it seems like the company is doing a great job replacing bad Up devices for their customers, and are trying to sort it out. Rather than link to those articles and reviews here, I figure the gdgt community can find them via google.

Funny enough, the biggest reason I didn't get an Up was because I was afraid of losing the cap, and that seems to be a big problem for Up owners.

Overall, I'm glad I got my FitBit and am seriously thinking about getting a set for my Mom and Dad -- I am concerned about their health and want an easy way to check in with them since I live in another state. It seems like it is simple enough for my parents to use - they don't need complicated data visualizations.

For that reason, I think the price should be $50-60 rather than $99 to make the price point more affordable. I think many of us want to be healthy with our families, friends and loved ones and the current $99 price makes buying them for multiple family members out of reach for those that want one, but can't afford one or justify that expense. If you could buy two for $100 or $120, then I bet FitBit would see multiple family members, or workout buddies/friends/couples buying them.

I have had a fitbit for over a year and just picked up a Jawbone Up Thursday from the Apple Store. Since Fitbit launched their iPhone App I've been keeping it updated a lot more.

I've only been using Up for a few days now, but so far I'm leaning towards Fitbit as a better product.

I feel like my steps can be more accurately calculated by something I wear on my waist then something on my wrist.

You get more visual feedback on the Fitbit then the Up, (calories, steps, distance, activity level). The Up has an icon that shows you if it's in active mode or sleep mode.

The Up has to be plugged into your iPhone in order to sync info to your online account, with the Fitbit you just need to walk near your base station.

As far as the two Apps. Fitbit is more intuitive. I'm still trying to figure out how to enter things and join challenges with the Up. On Fitbit, you enter items that you've eaten as text, which I must say their database has grown quite a bit since they first started, it's easy to select from your list of favorites. Entering the water amount you've drank is super easy with as little as two taps. On Up, you take a photo with your phone (can not select from photo album), and it doesn't let you log any calorie information, just a description and you can tag a location. BUT, what's cool about it is that in a certain amount of time after you log it, you get a push notification that allows you to select your mood so you can get an idea of how the food you eat affects your lifestyle.

Joining Challenges is interesting and motivation, but I think my interest will fade as it did with Nike+ challenges. There is a company that is allowing you to earn points by completing challenges and then you can use your points as a reward currency which is smart, yet I have been having trouble linking my account and haven't gone through that whole process yet.

The vibration feedback of the Up is unique and cool. I thought about purchasing a gadget that worked with the iPhone that was a bracelet to wake you up with a vibration during optimal sleep cycles, but this bracelet is cheaper and does the same thing (so for that alone this product is worth it to me). You can set the bracelet to vibrate when you've been inactive for so long, which is awesome because it's startling when you're not thinking about it (Fitbit shows you an icon with leaves, but you have to actively go and check it).

So for now, I'm going to continue to use both for the unique perks.

I don't have a fit it but I do own an UP. I've had it for less than 24hrs and I'm not too impressed. The UP has some issues for me in the sense of completing a sync. Basically in order to successfully complete a sync I need to restart my phone then plug in my UP and it will sync. If I don't do a restart I get an error message over and over. The up doesn't seem to be as accurate as one would hope. If you tend to shake your arms a lot it counts as a step.

I've also read on a bunch of posts in the official forum of poor battery life. So far I have not experienced it but there is a huge group that have.

Also wearing it is ok. For the most part I don't notice it until I decide to use a computer and it rubs along the desk.

If more problems pop up I will return it. Thank goodness I got it from the apple store so returning it won't be an issue.

I have not purchased either of these products but I like the design of UP, and how it sits on the wrist instead of how Fitbit sits in a pocket, I would lose it or put in through the wash. Up looks stylish to me while Fitbit looks inconvenient. That fact its only on iPhone doesn't bother me for the moment, but it might in the near future as Nokia's Windows Phone devices are looking enticing.

The main issue I have is it doesn't have a web interface, sometimes I like to manage things via the web.

I know you probably don't want to hear this, but as with all first iteration products, waiting is always the better option. The price isn't bad on either product, but the functionality is limited severely. Fitbit seems to be a glorified pedometer from a company that doesn't do anything else and Up is a wristband from a company who creates new products so fast that you can always find their last gen stuff for really cheap on ebay/amazon or deal websites. I love my Jawbone 2, but I bought it from a third party retailer and plan on doing the same when the price point of the Era goes down to $20 or so.

Personally I think having a watch integrated makes more sense than something else that goes in your pocket. Having the watch obviously water resistant/proof and use low power bluetooth 4.0 to connect to you smartphone also makes the most sense on many levels:
1- Syncing watch with phone without touching phone
2- Receiving text messages or alerts on watch without touching phone
3-It's normal to wear a watch. Though some people go a little crazy with the fight cancer/livestrong bracelets, it's not normal to wear anything else on your wrist if you're a guy. This has to appeal to guys to be successful. My assumption is that few women will want it unless Jawbone spends a ton on advertising.
4- Less is more. One versatile device. I wouldn't mind this being integrated into my phone, but I don't think I would use it. Making it into a watch instead of something else to carry on me makes sense.

Other products that waiting made a whole lot more sense: iPad, PSP, iPhone, Macbook Air, I'm sure there's plenty others.

I understand that many can be cynical about my critique of first gen products, but the 2nd and 3rd gen of many "breakthrough" products are improved significantly so much over the 1st gen and the to to wait in between seems to be shrinking with many products as well.

Well, on the basis of not owning an iPhone, I think my answer has to be Fitbit here. But if the Up expands to Android I might be interested.

I had a fitbit.. And absolutely loved it... (When it stayed on my belt).. But it fell off almost daily.. It lived a charmed life to say the least.. many a time I would track my path back from the subway, to find it lying in the gutter... My wife lost hers the same way.. And it seemed inaccurate whenI just threw it in my pocket..

I found the sleep tracking info really interesting as well..

To be honest, I am a nut about tracking exercise, sleep, workouts, mileage etc.. So I am very excited to get my hands on the Jawbone UP..

If it is as good as the fitbit.. But stays attached to my person.. I will get one.. For sure

Watching the videos in the UP site, I just can't understand this level of self management. The UP wakes you at the best possible time in your sleep cycle? What if that is 3 AM? Or two hours after you're supposed to be at work? And you take a picture of your food and it can track what you're eating? I doubt it works that simply. This seems very pseudo-science-y to me, and my guess is that after the initial excitement, the device will end UP in the shelf, gathering dust.

Can't say much about the fitbit, other than it just seems like a glorified pedometer. If you really want to see a change in your fitness habits, spend your money on a good pair of sneakers or a gym membership, and start working out.

I have a fitbit and i am currently using the ultra. one of my biggest complaint about the fitbit was no native app. which they have fixed. also my biggest problem is i tend to forget to take it out of my pocket and have put a couple through the wash and the dryer. i think with the Up i won't have that problem.

the up sounds like its going to be an interesting device i will buy one from best buy and give a month to make sure its something i will use.

i agree with some of what was stated here light you just put the fitbit on and forget about it and thats all you got to do. once you get home it will sync up for you and all you need to do it charge it every few days.

I have both and I would stick with the Fibit if you already have it for now. Jawbone up was kind of a hard fit for me (tried all 3 at the apple store after finding out the large one was too big so I had to exchange) and I don't know if people will realistically want to wear this thing all day long even if it is waterproof and wakes you up (this thing is a lark killer no doubt)

Here are my impressions on another forum but feel free to ask any questions here

iheartup.com­/topic­/20­/just­-purchased­-the­-up­-at­-my­-...

just got the jawbone up over the weekend and have been comparing it to my beloved fitbit. overall i like the design of up a lot, but it's very inaccurate. this morning i plugged it in to my iPhone upon waking up and it logged 1497 steps! what? there's no point in having a product if it's going to be inaccurate. i'm sure they will fix the problem with updates, but my suggestion is to either go ahead and purchase the fitbit, or wait until they correct problems with the jawbone up.

I got the Up yesterday. Really too early for a proper review by me. I would like to see the app updated to track calories. It came out the same week i started on the first real diet of my life, so I'm looking forward to seeing how it helps me keep track of things.

I got the FitBit, used it for a couple weeks and now it's been charging for a good 3 weeks. Taking the clip off when I changed my pants or fussing with the wristband at bedtime (though it was surprisingly soft and silky).
The idea of a 24/7 wristband that I just keep on is appealing. If I don't have a reason to not put it back on, then I'm more likely to keep wearing it. Have to double-check on its shower wearability.

I'm mostly concerned about how it connects to the phone - bluetooh, I"m guessing. Which could have a pretty sizable impact on the phone's battery life depending on how frequently it chats with the phone. I'm guessing it's a pretty consistent connection

$99 feels a little steep for something I may stop wearing, but I'll give it a month or two and see if the price dips

I just bought the fitbit, so far i am loving it. My wife and I both have one and in conjunction with the My Fitness Pal app it makes the tracking of calories and exercise effortless. The ability to track sleep patterns is an added boon also.