Fitbit?

I just bought a Jawbone Up. I looked at the fitbit flex a lot. I wanted an arm band, because my mom have a pedometer that always falls off and I really don't want to lose mine. I went with the up over the flex because I thought the up looked better (I wear it with a watch and have gotten complimented on it) and the app is better. It doesn't update automatically (like the flex) but I'm not that bothered by it. It does link with MFP seamlessly, which is totally awesome! I'm in love with mine, but I've only had it for a week.

Little ole fitbit zip for me. I love it, my husband has zip and a co-worker purchases one after she seen mine. I prefer the zip because the led screen lets me see the numbers, sync's with computer great. I don't have a lot of stairs and I know I don't sleep well do I don't need those functions. I looked at the up, but at the time it didn't sync with MFP. I don't know if it does now or not. Also the zip runs on a battery that I can purchase at Wal-mart or other local store so I don't have to remember to charge it. I use the zip to keep track of numbers and log my foods on MFP. The fitbit site doesn't have the food database the MFP does.

I have the fitbit zip model. It doesn't have all the features of the flex or one, but it's more like the budget friendly model.

"How are they different from a regular pedometer?"
- It calculates your BMR based on your height/weight/age/gender so that it can give you a more accurate calorie burn reading. I don't know of any other "pedometer's" that do this.
- Syncs with MFP. It will add positive adjustments on days your more active and take away calories on days when your not very active.
- Flex model is water proof. It can be worn while swimming and in the shower.
- Both Fitbit One and Flex have the ability to track your sleep patterns.
- One model can track stairs climbed.
- Both One and Flex are rechargeable.
- Zip model needs a battery, but I've had mine since the end of April this year and I haven't needed to replace the battery yet. In fact just checked the fitbit dashboard and it still has the battery level as "High".

"Are they worth the expense?"
- It was definitely worth it for me. I love it and only take it off to sleep/shower. I was going to get a One, but my husband got me the Zip as a gift. All the information I was able to gather from it, prompted my husband to go out and by one for himself. It motivates us both to move more and showed me how inactive I really was. I've heard that their customer service is amazing as well.

"Which model to buy?"
- Depends on what your looking for. Each model offers something a little different.

"Or is there a better gadget you'd recommend?"
- Not really, but there are others out there. I think Fitbit is best if you are on a tight budget.
Other devices:
- Basis Watch : Activity Tracker with skin sensors and HRM (24/7 HR tracking) $199
- Jawbone Up: Bracelet Activity Tracker that requires a smartphone to view data
- Bodymedia : Activity Tracker worn on upper arm, uses skin sensors, requires monthly subscription to view data

I have a FitBit One. I got mine in April and I love it.

How are they different from a regular pedometer? - Not much different from a pedometer in that it tracks steps. But it also tracks stairs and sleep. The App is free with wireless sync to the fitbit. It also syncs to MFP. Exercise is sent to MFP and calarie intake is sent back to the fitbit. The fitbit shows calorie burn, miles, and tracks weight. Another feature is friends. The App lets you compare 7 day step total with your friends. I find that a great motivator.

Are they worth the expense? - For me it was. I bought it 13 weeks ago when I started this journey and am so much more active than before. The device is all that you pay for, everything else is free.

Which model to buy? - I got the fitbit One. I did not want it to be visible.

Or is there a better gadget you'd recommend? - I did some limited research online. I bought what I liked best.

Have used the one for a few months now & I can't say anything negative about it, yes it is a pedometer but a very special one that links with my phone, PC & MFP without any input from me at all.

It adjusts data with MFP all the time so the only thing I need to log in MFP are my food & bike rides but as long as you log in the start times the fitbit knows that it was a ride so adjusts the data. I find the sleep monitoring very interesting & over time I can see where restless nights tie in with stress illness etc, it's great to have all that data to hand if you like that sort of thing.

I love it

I have the Fitbut One and I LOVE it!!! I use it for weight maintenance and it's spot on to the calorie - I stay the same weight. Would absolutely thoroughly recommend.

I have the Zip and love it for the same reason others have mentioned.

I have the flex and I love it!