VDO Z3 PC Link Altimeter, Heart Rate Monitor and Cycle Computer with PC Syncing Cable and Training Analysis Software Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Like others, my unit has a sticky button, especially under 12°C. Other negative points: The user interface is poor - it takes 4 separate operations to start recording a ride from scratch, which is ridiculous. While it has an altimeter it does not display the rate of vertical climbing, which is a great function to have. The wattage function is poor and average wattage is missing.
Ergonomically, the design is poor. The buttons are placed on the sides and require a strong push, best administered against an opposing thumb or finger. This is awkward to do while riding, because you have to bring your elbow into your gut to get your hand in the right place. If the buttons were top and bottom it would be much easier.
Worst of all, every so often it stops recording: on a recent ride of 380 km only 233 were recorded in detail, which is utterly unforgiveable.
The only positive thing about it is that my B&M headlight doesn't interfere with it: otherwise I would have stayed with my HAC4, which is a 2007 product but infinitely superior in handling.
The software has so many features that it is hard to work with, the graphic portrayal of performance is poor, and I am not convinced that it works as it should. I haven't yet found out how to extract my total km and metres climbed from it. The best thing about it is that you can export the data in Excel format and do your own evaluations - but this is rather laborious, because you have to do it for every little chunk that the idiot counter has chopped your ride into.
Abyssmal value for money.
PS: my unit gave up the ghost today. Despite all blandishments, the screen remains blank. What a crock!

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Elegantly designed, the wrist-style VDO Z3PC cycle computer keeps track of your training run times as well as includes integrated heart rate monitoring and an altimeter. The Z3PC offers data storage and the ability to download it to your PC for analysis with the included software. It also offers power measurement (WATT), calorie consumption, and fully digital wireless transmission for speed, heart rate, and cadence (with optional accessory). And it features ANT+Sport wireless signal coding that transmits to your computer without interference from other training computers nearby. It's backed by a five-year warranty.
PC Download Features
100 hours storage capacity (maximum 100 individual trips of 1 hour each)
Download of all cycling, cadence, heart rate data to PC
Lap data individually flagged for easy identification and analysis
Graph or spread sheet-display of trip (either on time axis or on distance axis)
Training-Analyzer-Software (by week, by month, by year)
Docking-Station with USB connection, compatible to Windows XP and Vista

Altimeter Features
Current altitude and gradient in % (permanently displayed)
Current temperature (Celsius or Fahrenheit)
Altitude gain uphill on current trip
Distance uphill on current trip
Maximum altitude on current trip
Maximum/average uphill gradient of current trip in %
Fast re-calibration of actual air pressure to home altitude

Timing and Heart Rate Monitoring Features
Current speed and distance; average speed
Real time comparison of actual and average speed, indication by arrows showing speed difference of +/- 1 km/h
Second, individually programmable distance counter; either forward or backward counting possible
Cadence Data (optional, with cadence sender equipment installed)
Two presettable wheel circumferences (wheel sizes)
Six selectable timers
Current trip timer (up to 24 hours)
Current heart rate (permanently displayed), ECG-precise measurement
Average/maximum heart rate
Current heart rate in % of personal maximum heart rate
Time in % of total training time:
within the preset heart rate limits (Limit Zone)
below the preset heart rate limits (Limit Zone)
above the preset heart rate limits (Limit Zone)

Calorie-consumption on current trip
Recovery time or recovery heart rate measurement (adjustable time or heart rate)
Lap-timer for 50 laps with data for lap time, average speed and average heart rate
Audible signal if current heart rate is above or below limit settings.
Personal data presettable (age, weight, sex, personal maximum heart rate)
Automatic calculation or manual setting of upper/lower limits for each of the three training zones
Current time, selectable 12- or 24- hour display
Alarm function

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VDO Z2 Heart Rate Monitor and Cycle Computer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is not an inexpensive computer; and if a good definition of quality is to meet expectations, then I have been let down.
It works well enough but the bugs it has are quite annoying. Maximum speed and maximum heart rate are important metrics, yet sometimes when I push hard I see a speed or heart rate on the display and then I find that the maximum recorded is a couple of units below it. That's simply not good. If the computer captures a top rate well enough to display it, it should not be a problem to record it as the maximum. It's the easiest thing to do in software.

Also, ergonomics could be better. To start the next lap, for instance, you have to press two buttons at the same time. It is error prone and in the heat of the ride it is easy to fail to do it, so you do it a few times and then find that it skipped two laps. It's quite annoying.
I have emailed customer support about this complaints and I got no answer, so there you go. So much for German engineering...


Click Here to see more reviews about: VDO Z2 Heart Rate Monitor and Cycle Computer

Elegantly designed, the wrist-style VDO Z2 cycle computer will keep track of your training with integrated heart rate monitoring as well as calorie consumption and fully digital wireless transmission for speed, heart rate, and cadence (with optional accessory). It also features ANT+Sport wireless signal coding that transmits to your computer without interference from other training computers nearby. It's backed by a five-year warranty.
Features
Current speed and distance; average speed
Real time comparison of actual and average speed, indication by arrows showing speed difference of +/- 1 km/h
Second, individually programmable distance counter; either forward or backward counting possible
Cadence Data (optional, with cadence sender equipment installed)
Two presettable wheel circumferences (wheel sizes)
Six selectable timers
Current trip timer (up to 24 hours)
Current heart rate (permanently displayed), ECG-precise measurement
Average/maximum heart rate
Current heart rate in % of personal maximum heart rate
Time in % of total training time:
within the preset heart rate limits (Limit Zone)
below the preset heart rate limits (Limit Zone)
above the preset heart rate limits (Limit Zone)

Calorie-consumption on current trip
Recovery time or recovery heart rate measurement (adjustable time or heart rate)
Lap-timer for 50 laps with data for lap time, average speed and average heart rate
Audible signal if current heart rate is above or below limit settings.
Personal data presettable (age, weight, sex, personal maximum heart rate)
Automatic calculation or manual setting of upper/lower limits for each of the three training zones
Current time, selectable 12- or 24- hour display
Alarm function

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Cateye CC-TR300TW Triple Wireless Cadence and Heart Rate Bicycle Computer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this primarily to keep track of the mileage I put into my bicycling workouts. Installation was rather straight forward but I would suggest dry mounting the magnet on the pedal first - perhaps using a short strip of electrician's tape. Once you're sure it's positioned correctly, then apply as suggested in the manual, or glue it in place with an epoxy product. The little mounting straps get nudged by your shoes when pedaling and throw the tempo readings out of whack.
The best feature of this is the included heart rate monitor. I paid more for a bottom tier Polar Pacer heart rate monitor with wrist band display than I paid for this unit. With the integrated heart rate monitor the bicycle computer calculates your calories burned - a great motivator!
Sínce I'm on the other side of 40, I certainly would appreciate a larger display, a better written owner's manual and larger control buttons. The larger numbers on some of the display screens are adequate, but the time for example is displayed in a smaller font and not easy to read if you need reading glasses. I'm a computer geek and normally never even bother with a manual, but this programming this unit is not intuitive. The manual requires careful reading to figure out how to step through the programming menu. You have to negotiate buttons on the front and back of this unit to program it. Once learned, you should be okay - just don't lose the manual.
I don't need or want all the lap functions, since I mostly ride on bicycle trails and not on a track, but if you want to keep track of distance, speed, heart rate, calories burned and total miles of your bike rides, then this is the unit for you.
One last word... You will need to set the wheel circumference on a course with mile markers. Using the default settings in the manual get you close, but to nail it, you may need to add or subtract a few mm at a time.

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Featuring Cateye's exclusive ID-coded double wireless system, this bicycle computer provides three windows displaying four readouts. In addition to displaying the rider's heart rate, functions offered are the following: current cadence; average cadence; maximum cadence; total pedal revolution; resettable total distance; resettable distance unit; lap number; lap timer; lap distance; lap average cadence; lap average speed; current speed; average speed;second average speed; maximum speed; split timer; elapsed time; second elapsed time; total time; clock time; trip distance; total distance; second trip distance. The single user-friendly transmitter mounts on the left chainstay.Like all Cateye bicycle computers, this one is ultrasonically welded and water-resistant.
About Cateye Founded in 1946 in Osaka, Japan, CatEye is the leading manufacturer of cycle computers, lights, and reflectors to cyclists in the world. In 1964, CatEye was the first in the industry to create a flashing lamp for bicycles, followed by their first battery headlamp in 1982, and the very first bicycle head lamp using white LEDs in 2001. The company's Opticube lens and reflectors make the brightest and most efficient LED headlights. while their LD500 remains the only rear safety light that can meet the rigorous CPSC standards for reflectivity.

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LG Octane Phone (Verizon Wireless) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a decent phone for a feature phone. Its not amazing, but its not awful either.
Pros:
-Easy to navigate and use
-Comfortable to handle
-Does not turn off or on when in a pocket or purse
-Does not pocket dial when in a pocket or purse
-Can use your own music as ringtones stored on a MicroSD card
-QWERTY keyboard
Cons:
-Internal keyboard too flat- makes it hard to distinguish buttons from one another
-Messages are threaded but the complete message does not show at once unless it is very short. Means an extra click to read the full message if the first 2 lines don't jog your memory.
Would I buy it again when this one dies? Probably not. But it'll do for now. I use it primarily for texting (3000+ texts a month) and rarely for talking (less then 2 hours a month).

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Get your thumbs on the LG Octane for Verizon Wireless and enjoy effortless on-the-go messaging and updates to your social networks. Slim and sleek, the candybar-style Octane's back flips open to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard and 2.6-inch internal color LCD. It also features an HTML web browser and a Favorites Key that enables you to connect with your ten most frequent contacts in a flash.

The LG Octane is compatible with the V Cast Music with Rhapsody service, which enables you to purchase songs through your phone and download them via the fast Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO data network, and the V CAST Video on Demand service that enables you to watch full-length TV shows plus news, sports, weather, and live entertainment video clips. You'll also stay on course thanks to the VZ Navigator GPS turn-by-turn direction service. And with the optional Visual Voice Mail service, you'll be able to quickly and easily scroll through your messages and pick the ones you want to listen to. See more details on optional Verizon Wireless services below.

Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, microSD memory expansion (up to 16 GB), multi-format music player, personal organizer tools, compatibility with Skype Wi-Fi calling, threaded text messaging, and up to 6.3 hours of talk time.

Key Features
Fast 3G connectivity thanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV-DO, Rev A network
GPS navigation capabilities via VZ Navigator service
Social Beat Widget offers a single point for accessing social networking sites, allowing you to stay connected to Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace plus more than 50 news, sports, and entertainment feeds.
Favorites shortcut keys for quick access to up to 10 contacts with picture ID
Skype Mobile compatibility provides unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls and IM while in the U.S. to anywhere in the world. Plus, with Skype Mobile you get low rates to international land lines and cell phones (requires Skype account).
Internal 2.6-inch LCD screen (320 x 240 pixels, 262K color depth) viewable when flipped open to reveal QWERTY keyboard.
External 1.76-inch LCD screen (220 x 176 pixels, 262K color depth)
Full QWERTY keyboard for fast messaging
Large widely spaced external keys for easy dialing
3.2-megapixel camera with up to 3x digital zoom,
Video capture capabilities with two resolution options, smile shot function that automatically takes a picture when a smile is detected, panorama mode, customizable brightness and white balance, image editor, and dual display activation for self portraits.
Music player with music library, repeat and shuffle features. Compatible with MP3, WMA, and unprotected AAC/AAC+ formats.
Dual speakers for stereo sound
Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 16 GB.
Full messaging capabilities including Mobile Email, Corporate Email, Mobile Web Mail, Mobile IM, and Chat Capable
Threaded bubble messaging groups messages to/from a contact in time order and wrapped in bubbles.
HTML web browser
Organizer tools including calendar, to do list, alarm clock, stopwatch, world clock, notepad, EZ tip calculator
Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
USB connectivity with mass storage capabilities
Speakerphone
Bilingual interface (English/Spanish)
Voice commands
Phone book with up to 1000 contacts
2.5mm headset jack
TTY/TDD support
Hearing Aid Compatibility = M4

Vital Statistics
The LG Octane weighs 4.5 ounces and measures 4.21 x 2.16 x 0.63 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6.3 hours of talk time, and up to 340 hours (14+ days) of standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as EV-DO, Rev A 3G frequencies.

What's in the Box
LG Octane handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, quick start guide


Verizon Wireless Services
Reliable 3G Network: With support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, you'll enjoy fast access to the Internet and Verizon Wireless multimedia services (additional charges applicable), with average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2 Mbps. (Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered.)

VZ Navigator Capable: With this GPS-enabled phone, you'll be able to access the Verizon Wireless VZ Navigator service (additional charges applicable) for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, heads-up alerts, local search of nearly 14 million points of interest in the US (such as landmarks, restaurants and ATMs), and detailed color maps.

Visual Voice Mail: This innovative service enables you to delete, reply, and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions. Visual Voice Mail is the ideal tool for the busy mobile professional who may need to prioritize which messages he or she listens to first. Features include on-screen access to voice mail message status, save up to 40 messages for 40 days (or archive permanently), create up to 10 different caller ID-based greetings, and reply via call back, text or even voice mail.

V CAST Music with Rhapsody: Access this exclusive digital music service for RealNetworks and for MTV Networks, which delivers unlimited monthly access to music on up to three Rhapsody-compatible mobile phones and players and online on multiple PCs and Web browsers. For a monthly fee (billed on your Verizon Wireless bill), you can load and reload your subscription songs from your PC to your V CAST Music with Rhapsody phone as often as you want, and take your music on the go.
On PCs running the Windows XP or higher operating system, you can also browse, preview, and purchase music using the V CAST Music with Rhapsody software, which is available as a free download from the V CAST Music with Rhapsody download website. Additional subscription charges applicable.

Mobile Broadband Connect: Use your smartphone as a modem for your notebook when you connect the two using a USB cable--or open a Bluetooth connection--enabling you to access the Internet or your company intranet. The Mobile Broadband Connect tethered modem capability is ideal when you're traveling and need to use your notebook to check e-mail, access corporate networks, or download large files like presentations and reports. And with Mobile Broadband Connect, you won't have to buy an extra PC Card or other devices.

Family Locator: Securely locate your family members' locations from your Verizon Wireless device or the web. The locate feature provides you with the information you need to stay aware and stay in touch, including detailed location information and the address of your family members displayed on an interactive map and the option to receive turn-by-turn driving directions to your family member's location using VZ Navigator. You can also receive updates when your family members leave or arrive at locations that you define such as school, soccer practice, or home, with monitored locations set up within a 1/4-, 1/2-, or a 1-mile radius.

VZW Backup Assistant: Automatically back up your mobile contacts to your online address book. If your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged, or you decide to upgrade, easily restore your saved address book to your new phone. You can also add, delete, edit, and print your contacts online and send the changes to your mobile phone.

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