Nike and Apple have created Nike + tech which combines pedometers and ipod nanos. the Nike+ system consists of Nike + kit which is a litte extension that clips onto the bottom of your nano and a small sensor that fits in a special slot in select Nike + shoes. The sensor keeps track of how far your run and your time, the nano displays the results. The system is really easy to use and works amazingly well (though I wish it would count steps, not just guestimate distances since I run in the hills so the distance calculations are not going to be as accurate). It also estimates calories burned based on sex, age, and weight. Very cool. And you get to choose your own music and even a "power song" for when you really need to get fired up. A running essential

From the Apple site: "Transform your iPod nano into a personal workout coach with the Nike + iPod Sport Kit. This wireless sensor and receiver combination works exclusively with your Nike+ shoes and iPod nano to give you real-time feedback during workouts and let you track your performance on your Mac or PC."

The program in the iPod tells you information about your current work out and your goals." I personally can't wait till somebody creates a hack program that lets you change some of the remarks that are said. They need remarks like:
- Pick it up slacker
- You call that running, I call it strolling
- Your slower than a turtle stuck in peanut butter
- No wonder why you were picked last for teams

I'm sure there are plenty more that are even better! (via Nike & iPod)

Nike+ shoes and iPod® nano sold separately; sensor will only work in enabled Nike+ shoes. Allows you to have a PowerSong for extra motivation when you need it; just press and hold center button; returns to previous playlist after. Put the sensor in your shoe and connect the receiver to your iPod nano to track every step. See real-time exercise feedback on your iPod nano screen

So I'm not doing so much running outside right now since it kills my throat and makes my lungs want to burst BUT when I do run I always use my Nike+ system. It's great - keeps track of your time, distance, calories burned, best run and occasionally when you break your own record some cool athlete like Lance Armstrong will congratulate you on breaking your record and doing such a great job. Neat, huh? Only $29.95

It's like a personal trainer- it provides feedback on your distance, time etc.- and gives you praise when you succeed!

If you love to run this is a must have for any iPod nano owner! It transforms your iPod to a personal trainer that gives you feedback on duration and speed of your workouts. All you do is download it to you computer and it keeps track of your performance! A great motivational tool! What is your power song?

When I don't use my Garmin 405 outdoors, I use the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit on the treadmill. I've used this for over a year now and it's great for tracking mileage and speed. What makes this product worth it is the Nike+ community. You can challenge friends, set goals, view graphs, etc. One bit of a warning though: once the chip battery has run out of juice, you have to buy a new chip separately down the line.

I love love love my nike+. I use it all the time when hiking, running, or even just walking around town. It easily tracks how far you have walked, average pace, and even calories burned. It is honestly a great tech tool that everyone should own.