SINGAPORE : The first Nike+ SportBand was an innovative product that looked dead cool. It was a sensor (that doubled as a watch) to a receiver that you fit into your Nike+ shoes to display statistics like distance, time, pace and calories burned during your workout.

But the black screen and the lack of backlight made viewing difficult. Accuracy issues also popped up. Several users complained that the screen malfunctioned after a few months - it became evident that the device had not been sealed properly, which allowed moisture to be trapped inside the screen. The product was ultimately recalled.

Now, the second-generation Nike+ SportBand seeks to rectify the flaws of its predecessor. There is still no backlight to speak of here but the positive LCD screen renders a clearer display.

For a nocturnal runner like myself, it is still not clear enough, but at least I can read the stats under a street lamp.

I deliberately washed my hands and face while wearing the SportBand, and even placed it under running water. Water did not seem to seep in but only time will tell.

Most impressively, the SportBand was accurate to the tee during the first run with an already calibrated sensor in the Nike+iPod. But the bundled sensor needs to be calibrated properly to measure distance accurately.

After your workout, plug the receiver into your computer's USB port and the Nike+ utility widget (which you have to install first) will start automatically. Again, the curvy design of the receiver means you need to prop up your laptop to get it to fit.

Your running data can be sent to the Nike+ website, where you can monitor your progress with dynamic graphs, set goals, view the running routes of fellow members and even challenge them to a virtual race.

Overall, the new Nike+ SportBand (S$99) seems to be more reliable and accurate than its predecessor. Although the display is more legible, the lack of backlight remains a major impediment. That said, this should have been the SportBand to be shipped in the first place.

- TODAY/il