 Nike+ Sport Armband
The Nike+ Sport Armband was specifically designed by Nike for the iPod nano with the Nike iPod Sport Kit. Therefore, you would think this armband would be a good choice for runners using the Nike Sport Kit with their iPods. Unfortunately, a major design flaw makes this armband nearly unusable.
The armband has a sporty look with a thick adjustable velcro strap that keeps that armband secure on the arm. This design makes for a snug fit, but it is rather difficult to tighten. This is because you only have one hand available to pull the velcro ends together. After some effort, if you are able to get the armband tightened, it feels very comfortable. In fact, it molds to your arm so well, you can barely tell you have it on.
While getting the armband tightened is a bit of a challenge, it is nothing compared to starting your workout. This is because there is no way to see the screen on the iPod when it is in the armband. Instead of having a see-through screen on the front of the armband, the entire front is black mesh, just like the rest of the armband. Because you have to make several menu selections in order to begin your workout, you need to be able to see the screen. Therefore, you must either pull the iPod slightly out of the armband sleeve to go through the menus or remove it completely.
If you choose to keep the iPod partially in the armband, it is extremely awkward to go through the menus with just part of the iPod sticking out. People may look at you funny and wonder why you are contorting yourself in such a strange way. On the other hand, if you remove the iPod completely, you have to take the armband off, select your workout options, put the iPod back into the armband sleeve (which is no easy task since it is a very tight fit), then go through the arduous process of tightening the armband on your arm. If that's not bad enough, once you end your run, you have to select "End Workout" from the iPod menu. This may require you to remove the iPod from the armband once again.
Basically, the lack of clear screen on the armband makes it extremely difficult to use. It is hard to believe that this issue was overlooked by the design team that created this armband. Not only does it make it hard to use for starting and ending your runs, it basically turns your iPod nano into a iPod Shuffle the rest of the time. Why have a screen when you can't see it?
Other aspects of the armband are pretty well designed. Some examples include a section in the sleeve specifically for the iPod Sport Kit receiver and a small hole for the headphone jack. There is also a raised center button, which makes navigating the scroll wheel easier. Yet Nike left out what is arguably the most important feature ? a clear screen. Because of this unfortunate oversight, I do not recommend this armband. |
