Fitness gadget...fitbit, jawbone up, fit bug...ect.

I don't like anything that is clearly visible when I wear it, so that quickly eliminates all of the bracelets and arm bands. They're ugly and can't be worn in all situations.

I have been very happy with my Fitbit One. I've reached my goals using its guidance and it keeps me motivated to get out and keep moving.

I got the Reebok InShape fitness monitor watch. At first I thought it was awesome! When I compare the data it feeds back to data I already know to be true it is not accurate at all!! By data I mean running a particular distance at a particular pace should net a particular and constant result. This watch has been way off! I'm going to keep looking for a better one.

fit bit one was my pick. I didn't want anything that was on display like the wrist bands as they aren't appropriate in my workplace and I didn't want it as a conversation starter. The fitbit one is unobtrusive, clips on my bra & I totally forget it it there. I also really like the ability to see my progress on the device itself and then of course when I want more complex data/graphs etc, the app and online dashboard are great. I have also started using the silent alarm function as I find it to be a nice way to wake up ( I still set my back up phone alarm for 15 minutes later) No reflection on the effectiveness of the fitbit alarm,as it is in fact very effective, I am just a bit neurotic about some things
At the moment I am looking for a heart rate monitor of some sort as well, which will be used just for exercise and I will keep using my fitbit for my general tracking.

edit: forgot to say, it also syncs well (mostly) with mfp, runkeeper and a few other apps. Also, a charge it lasting 8/9 days for me and it charges quickly which is convenient since you want it on you, not attached to the computer! My only concerns (not big ones) are in regard to the case/clip breaking at some point, me losing the wireless sync thingy and my sleep wristband is getting worn and I can imagine will need replacing at some point. I do wonder how easy it will be to source these items or whether the devices are meant to be disposable and by the time you need new accessories you are supposed to have moved onto the next model.

I have had my FitBit One for one day, and so far very pleased. It is so fun to watch the statistics on the website . I chose One because it is discrete and has a display (unlike Flex). It has already motivated me to walk a lot I have successfully syncronized it with MyFitnessPal and Endomondo. Jawbone UP tempted because it can wake you up when you aren't in a deep sleep (or something), but it does not sync wirelessly and I do not want some ugly wristband on my arm everyday.

I am saving my $ for a Basis. Looks like they are sold out at the moment, but still available on ebay.

The FT4 is extremely accurate in comparison to the Fitbit for calorie burns.

I have both the Fitbit One and a Polar FT4 HRM, I have a treadmill at home and I use the gym and swimming pool 5 times a week. I used the Fitbit One whilst on the treadmill, and whilst it gives accurate steps taken, it grossly overestimates the calories burned for those steps, as it's not accurate on reading the intensity of how the steps were obtained. My Ft4 HRM, however, is never anymore than 20 calories different, to the expensive, high tech gym HRM's, I have done my own experiments with them, and they really are accurate, especially if you can figure out your VO2.

If all you want to do is track steps, then get a Fitbit. In fact, just get a pedometer, because the calorie burn estimate on Fitbit's (IMO) are grossly overestimated. That said, some people swear by them. But for me, it's the HRM all the way. I use it in the gym, I use it at home when exercising, and I use it in the swimming pool, and it's workout results have always reflected in my weight loss.

Also, the Polar FT4 is considerably cheaper than the Fitbit gadgets, which is something to take into account if on a tight budget!

I have the Fitbit One which I love! I use it all the time, it is not visible, and I have found that for the most part it is accurate. Some activities do not track on it, and because of that, I use a Polar FT60 for any and all focused exercising. Between the two, I have been kicking up my fitness and weight loss. The Polar gives me feedback at the end of each workout and the week that says fitness improving, fat burn improving or one of the many messages that lets me know how effective my workouts are. My fitbit is my encouragement to not just rely on my exercise only, but to keep moving. I have also found a wonderful device to use for lap swimming and that is a Finis swim watch. All but the Polar sync with MFP, so that is good. I never add my Polar numbers because I don't want to double dip the counts when the Fitbit does count the activity. ( I could go in and override the count in the activity log.)

The November 2013 issue of Consumer Reports has an article about them on page 8. So you might want to check your local library. The article gives the pros & cons of each, what systems (MFP, Spark People, etc) they can link up to & if they work well. In order from best to worst...Fitbit One ($100), Nike+ Fuel Band ($150), and Up by Jawbone ($130), BodyMedia Fit Link Armband ($150), Fitbit Flex ($100), and iHealth Wireless Activity & Sleep Tracker ($60).

I've had my Jawbone Up for about a week and so far so good! It makes me more aware.