I will wait for the second or third generation Band

[PepperdotNet]

I will buy the second or third generation, sure. But between now and then I'll use the first one.

 

[enthuz]

I share the concern as the OP to a point. The cost is on my pro side as it won't kill me if I have to buy another gen Band in 18 months. My only device concern is the bezel/strap concerns. However some recent full body protectors seem to eliminate my concern about that. My function concern is more about accuracy coming from a high-end Polar with chest strap.
Now I will have to decide in the next two weeks. I will be buying two...wifey wished the band could come in pink or red.:smile:

 

[gadgetrants]

I share the concern as the OP to a point. The cost is on my pro side as it won't kill me if I have to buy another gen Band in 18 months. My only device concern is the bezel/strap concerns. However some recent full body protectors seem to eliminate my concern about that. My function concern is more about accuracy coming from a high-end Polar with chest strap.
Now I will have to decide in the next two weeks. I will be buying two...wifey wished the band could come in pink or red.:smile:

A couple quick replies, if you'll indulge me:

(1) Bezel: made of soft plastic and if it's like mine, will scuff and scratch to all hell within 15 minutes. At first it's like "WHATTT???" and then two or three weeks later it's like "*sigh* Yeah, whatever..." You get used to it.

(2) Screen protector: I've never put a protector on a tablet or cell phone ("It's like taking a shower with a raincoat on!!!" LOL) but that varies widely across people. I am NEUROTIC to the bone about scratches and can't find a single one on my Band display. Remember, we're talking naked glass.

(3) Strap. Not sure what your concern is, though the pictures of bubbly Bands are pretty disturbing. As I already said somewhere else on this forum today, mine looks like the day I bought it (last November). Except for the bezel of course!

(4) HR. As you've probably seen there are several (sometimes lengthy) discussions here about HR accuracy. I haven't pitted my Band against my Garmin chest strap but I'd expect there to be occasional 10-beat differences, together with some rare huge differences (probably due to lock problems with the Band). They use very different technologies, and the Band's method is a lot newer. Bottom line: I would expect the Band to be reasonably close to the Polar but not as consistent.

​-Matt

 

[DroidUser42]

the pictures of bubbly Bands are pretty disturbing.

The bubbling metal is probably a body chemistry thing, but I'd want to find out how those with crumbling rubber have been cleaning their bands.

 

[sikoniko]

smart technology is replaced annually. Its just the way things are. My wife calls it planned obsolescence. That is one reason I put a cap on the amount of money I am willing to spend, and $200 is it. That is why I will probably never consider the apple watch ( I say probably because I reserve the right to change my mind). My fitbit force only lasted 8 months before the band broke.