Hi,
NST is a great solution and with heart rate even better.
The only thing I miss is a small display on my bike so that I can watch key data like speed, hear-rate, distance. That's the only reason why I still use my Polar bike computer when riding on the bike. Maybe something very simple (b/w display, connected by Bluetooth and waterproof of course) can be done. Anybody feels the same?
at the moment i'm using a mount for my n78, so I can wath my screen during my workout... but i would also welcome suche a monitor especially as nokia introduced the heart rate link. I think how much use do you have if your phone is just recording your heart rate? It would be much better if you had a screen or a watch to check your workout data...
Your idea isn't bad but it would be a costly one, adding one more device to the package.
What I like about the direction NST is headed in is how it will consolidate my digital equipment already in use. I'm currently using NST and a Polar HRM separately, exporting workout data from both tools to yet another piece of analytic software on my computer. The N79 Active eliminates one gadget, one program and multiple procedures for me. Adding another monitor would only work if that monitor was, perhaps, a compatible Polar wrist-computer which used BT radio to sync workout data with the phone.
We have to see how the general public receives this new Nokia/Polar combo before it grows another gadget; Cycling cadence monitor, for example.
thanks for your comments.
I think there are, as always multiple ways. Data could be sent back to a already in use Polar device which just shows it. Or it could be a very "simple" display. Doens't have to have strong processor, just being able to receive BT data and show it on a b/w alphanumeric (with some nice icons) display (no for fully graphical one). I agree it adds complexity, but strongly enriches the user experience. Additional cost for such device should not be that dramatic....
One issue with the idea could be the duration of you ride. To have a separate "bluetooth display" and a "bluetooth" heatrate monitor and GPS runnnig all at the same time, especially for phone with "bluetooth" GPS could severly reduce teh battery time as the phone would be communicating with 2 - 3 different bluetooth devices for the duration of your ride and running the GPS receiver, which also zaps the battery.
How long do you want to ride for? You may need to add an external power supply for the phone to you wish list. :-)
For the record, I'm not into adding to a package which none of us even have at the moment. I'm thrilled enough as it is simply for the "Polar for Nokia" addition.
Regarding use of Bluetooth and its taxing of battery power, it shouldn't matter how many appliances are connected to your mobile. I believe most Nokia models supporting Bluetooth can accept up to seven simultaneous Bluetooth connections. The way the Bluetooth radio spectrum works, the same power is used with one to seven appliances.
The catch, however, surrounds how many simultaneously operating applications and their aggregate load on the CPU.
The power draw wouldn't be significantly changed for a single application using one to multiple appliances connected by Bluetooth.