Omron HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer with Advanced Omron Health Management Software Reviews

• Excellent pedometer and software

  
  By ASIO9WADCNQS8 on 2007-07-13
  I think this is an excellent pedometer -- it does the job well and accurately. It counts your steps whether it is clipped on, in your pocket or in a purse. The auto-reset to zero at midnight helps keep you honest. Like the software - a couple of clicks and your data is automatically uploaded. It shows your results on a daily, weekly, monthly,and annual basis. Omron is the only company I have seen that provides you with software.
  
  I think the manual that comes with the device could be slightly improved but here are some tips that may help you with setting it up and using it for the first time:
  
  (1) With the back cover off, make note of the serial number. It is engraved into the case in tiny letters near the bottom. It is a six character mix of letters and numbers. You'll need this for registration later.
  
  (2) Before starting to configure your pedometer, you will need to calculate the length of your stride. Pick a starting point and walk 10 regular steps. Measure the distance in inches and divide by 10. Make a note of the result to use later.
  
  (3) In the software, I suggest setting modest "daily goals" to start. Adjust your goals up or down anytime through the software's Options menu as you get use to the pedometer.
  
  (4) The "Set" button on the front is smaller than the others and is intended to be used occasionally to reset the time, your weight, etc. as needed - it does not reset or delete your step data. As a good practice, upload your pedometer data regularly as a backup. In the unlikely event that the "Set" button is accidently pressed , just press "Set" another 4 or 5 times and you'll come back to your normal "step" screen.
  
  (5) Step count - this pedometer shows total steps (both aerobic and regular steps)in the "step" count screen. To see only the aerobic steps accomplished for the day, go to the next screen. It keeps a separate count for aerobic steps (60 steps or more per minute continuously for 10 minutes or longer).
  
  (6) While you can view the last 7 days of step data on the device itself, it actually holds up to 42 days in memory. All data is viewable once uploaded to your pc.
  
  Hope this helps... I highly recommend this device.
  
  

• Walk a mile in my shoes!

  
  By A1OMXVXXP07F05 on 2007-05-20
  What an impressive little device this is. The device is highly accurate on the waistband. The purse option hasn't really worked too well for us, but it does come close. The coolest part of this thing is the ability to download the information to your PC and track your progress and goals. When we first got it, we thought 10,000 steps was a breeze. We were way WRONG! 10,000 steps is a lot of walking. I mean a lot. We were coming up more than half short of the recommended 10,000 and didn't even realize it.
  
  It's very sleek in it's design. The overall look is that of an egg cut in half. It does not have a proprietary USB link, if you have a device with a smaller USB end rather than the standard (MP3 players and GPS devices sometimes use the smaller one) you can use an existing one, just in case you lose the one that is supplied.
  
  It's really sweet that it resets itself at midnight every day and stores your previous data for you to download at your convenience.
  
  Love it.
  
  

• Excellent Pedometer - Great software - Get motivated!

  
  By A23DFB8IUTIZM0 on 2008-01-12
  I have not used pedometers much, but really like this unit for a number of reasons. First, it is quite compact and can comfortably fit in a pocket and not feel bulky (you can wear with a clip too or hang it from a cord off a belt). Second, it really seems to accurately count steps. I tried it a few times by counting 50 or 100 steps with the unit in my pocket and it seems to be right on target as a step counter. To measure distance, I walked a 100 feet a couple of times to set my stride. With the stride in place, the distance measure seems pretty accurate. I walked a known distance (about a mile and a half) and then looked at both the step count and distance. The distance was a little short, which meant I needed to make a slight adjustment to the value of the stride. I made the same walk again and got the calculated distance was exactly on target.
  
  Conclusion: This is an accurate pedometer in terms of counting steps and estimating distance.
  
  I also really like the software. You simply attach the pedometer to your computer (I have a a PC with XP) and the data then download. You can look at your total number of steps by day (or hour within the day), the number of steps at an aerobic rate (defined as part of walking ten minutes or more at a stretch), and distance walked. There are also estimates of calories burned and grams of fat lost, based on you weight and age -- I have no idea if these are accurate. As a nice feature, you can look at all statistics by day, week, or month.
  
  The software is very easy to use and as bonus also interfaces with some of Omron's blood pressure unit.
  
  I have really enjoyed using this pedometer in that I can slip it into my pocket in the morning (and am glad it doesn't take up much room) and then look at my step count for the day. I have given myself a daily target (10000 steps) and am now finding myself doing more things to get in extra steps each day -- parking further from my destination, walking a bit further to pick up for lunch, or just treating myself to a 10-15 minute walk during my workday. These things add up and now I have a sense of what all I need to do during the day to reach my step goal.
  
  You pay a bit extra (not that much) for a pedometer with many features, including the software. I suppose you could save a few dollars by not getting a version with the software, but for me, being able to easily track progress is one of the best things about this pedometer (can also print out reports, output data to a spreadsheet if you want). It seems to be worth a bit more to have this sort of tracking (though I do wish they had sotware for Macintosh computers!).
  
  
  Highly recommended!
  
  
  

• A "Must Have"

  
  By A1MO5IGQ12XJDP on 2007-03-16
  I have had this unit for three weeks and LOVE it! I have used the Omron HJ-112 (the basic Omron pedometer) for over a year and asked for this one for my birthday. The pedometer is pretty much the same great pedometer as the HJ-112. The color is different, but the function and basic size are the same. It is the software that makes this a "must have" - even if you are happy with your current pedometer. The software was easy to download - just pop the disk in your drive and follow the instructions. Enter your goals (daily steps, aerobic steps, distances, etc.) and then start walking and get ready to download your info. To download info from your unit, attach the cord provided from your unit to your computer and a prompt appears on your screen. It downloads the information (up to a week of stats) and insert them into a chart. I like that the information is shown as numbers, bar graphs, and colors. It gives easy feedback regarding your progress. NOTE: When I received the unit, it was miscounting steps and the customer service rep on the phone was AWFUL! She didn't know the product and offered unhelpful advice. I emailed the company, they sent me a new battery, and it has been great ever since! It doesn't change my rating, but I expected the service to be as good a the product
  
  

• Awesome!

  
  By A281P9H5571L9Y on 2007-05-18
  I LOVE this pedometer! This is the second one I have purchased. The first was for myself and it works so well I am giving it as a gift. It is so easy to use - just slip it into your pocket. It is also easy to keep track of your progress using your computer. I have used Omron pedometers before and this is the best one yet.
  
  
• Omron advanced pedometer with USB connection
  By AMP5WITG8PCCM on 2007-03-22
  This is the same essential pedometer as the HJ-112 pedometer, but adds software to keep records on your computer by uploading data through a USB port. Unfortunately, my updated and current Microsoft Net software is not compatible with the Omron software, so it costs a lot more than the HJ-112, and does not function as advertised with some Windows XP systems.
  
  
• best little pedometer I have ever tried
  By A1P6FPOHTL2AXT on 2007-11-19
  I got this pedometer to try out while at work and I loved it so much that I bought myself one. It gives you accurate instantaneous feedback (if I stomp in one place, if I'm driving, if I'm rocking in a chair or whatever - it doesnt' add steps - basically it only adds steps when I'm walking).
  There is one down side and that is the clip it comes with is horrible. I lost my first pedometer because it fell off and I didn't notice. Since then, I have almost lost it many times again. So, I have learned to just keep it in my pocket or keep a close eye on it. Other than that, I highly recommend it.
  It has a scroll function to see how many steps, miles, calories, and aerobic steps you have done for the day or for the last 7 days.
  
  
• Good pedometer, Just hope everything works and you don't have to return it.
  By A1P5I3WMR2LQV3 on 2008-05-02
  I used this pedometer for two and a half weeks without any problem. For me the selling point was the USB connection. I was able to download to my computer and keep track of my activity level.
  
  Couple days ago I plug my pedometer into my computer to download the data and received "The (sic) data transfer failed, please try again" and from then on it refuses to upload data. I tried rebooting, reinstalling the software, reset the pedometer, and even did a clean install on my notebook and it would not work.
  
  I called Omron today and the lady wants me to send it back to them PLUS five dollar for the return shipping!! It seemed ridiculous that I should pay for shipping both ways for a product that lasted a couple of weeks!
  
  I will not be sending my pedometer back since the shipping both ways will cost around half of it's value. Rest assured with that kind of return policy I will not buy another Omron product again.
  
  
• Great little gizmo, but...
  By A1CVK86F72GAR6 on 2007-06-11
  I've had this in my pocket every day since I got it over a month ago, and I love it. I think, however, it could have a couple more features for the money that would make it even better. It's really nothing I can't do with a little math on my own, but it would be nice if it was built in to the pedometer.
  I would like to see it give the total time spent walking in a day, not just the time spent walking aerobic steps. I think it would make it easier to know how much more time one would need to dedicate to getting to one's target step count.
  I'd also like to know the average mph I am walking. Because it gives the total amount of miles walked in a day, and then only the time walked in aerobic steps, it is really difficult to know how fast you are walking. Thus, it is hard to know how accurate the calorie counter is.
  Other than that, it is a neat little device. I found it very easy to set up initially, and I like the 7 day memory feature.
  
  
• Best pedometer ever!!
  By AMTXB2GFC8G3O on 2007-11-14
  Like some of the other reviewers, I have gone through several pedometers in the past. Well I have bought my last one. This unit is very accurate and just amazing. I can put the unit in my pocket and get accurate readings. Well worth the money. This will encourage me to walk much more!
  
  
• Software does not work on Vista based PC.
  By AUOXGUTUVG921 on 2007-04-03
  The Pedometer is excellent. However, if your PC is running the Vista operating system, the supplied software will not run on it. I contacted Omron and they confirmed that the software will not run on Microsoft Vista. I was not able to get any indication of what they intend to do in order to correct this situation, if in fact, they intend to do anything. As a result, if you are a Vista user I would caution buying this unit until Omron's plans for Vista support are known.
  
  
• Beware
  By A10G95SPHANVI1 on 2007-07-06
  I should have paid more attention to previous reviews about the clip on this pedometer. I had to watch it very carefully as it would come unclipped very easily without even noticing. I lost it within 48 hours. A total waste of money.
  
  
• Worked Only for a Week
  By A351JF1W06ZR00 on 2007-12-02
  The product worked fine for the first 6 days then stopped recording aerobic steps. I have contacted Omron by email and have not received any support. $35 wasted.
  
  
• Uses batteries like crazy
  By A104IXUO79A29N on 2008-01-12
  The pedometer itself is OK. It tends to overestimate steps, but I don't think a perfect pedometer exists, short of attaching sensors to your legs. As long as you use the same one, it will presumably overestimate all the time, meaning you can at least compare measurements across the same pedometer.
  
  My main problem with this pedometer, and the cause for its low score, is how often this thing goes through batteries. I go through a battery every 3 weeks, so in a year, I expect I will go through almost 20 batteries. Yow! The pedometer itself may be relatively cheap, but 20 batteries a year for a glorified wrist watch is an amazing feat.
  
  I am not surprised to see that the Omron sometimes gets packaged with a set of replacement batteries. That's not a very good sign ...
  
  Anyway, buyer beware.
  
  
• The Belt Clip Sucks
  By A9S6DIOF7F8SF on 2008-02-03
  This past Monday, I purchased an HJ-720ITC Pedometer. I have to say that I've owned other pedometers, and am quite impressed with the accuracy of the unit and all of its features. The unit gives really great feedback and contains a lot of useful information. I also really like the Omron Health Management software, too. I like being able to keep a record of my progress. Why one star, then?
  
  Because this morning, I got up and was getting ready to go out for a walk, when I was disappointed to discover that the unit had slipped off my belt some time last night and was gone. I wasn't surprised, really. This is not the first time in the last five days that this has happened.
  
  I'm a guy whose pockets have a lot of competition between bills, change, keys, a cell phone, an iPod, various papers, and a wallet. Since I'm not about to wear the thing around my neck like a talisman, don't have much room in my pockets, and don't always carry a bag, the only practical place for it is on my belt. The belt clip that came with the HJ-720ITC was just useless, however.
  
  The first day, it slipped off entirely. I didn't discover it for a half hour and went running through the parking lot at work to find it. A couple of other times, I heard it hit the ground while I was reaching for something in one of my other pockets. I got to the point where I was compulsively checking every few minutes to see if the unit was still there.
  
  This morning, I was disappointed, but not surprised when I discovered it missing. After the first few times of having it slip off my belt, I knew it was just a matter of time before the unit would be gone. And it's such an incredible shame. It is otherwise so well thought out and designed and does its job so incredibly well. It is, however, nothing short of negligent for the Omron engineers to give so little thought to the clip on a device that's designed to be carried around!
  
  Today, people are used to throw away electronics, and I suspect after six months or a year, if the unit had failed, I would have eagerly ponied up another fifty bucks for another one. But after five days? I just feel ripped off.
  
  I've complained to the company, but won't be demanding a replacement. What good would it do? In five more days, it will likely be gone too. If the folks at Omron are listening, what I'd really like is for the quality and thought that went into creating the pedometer itself to be extended to clip. Until then, however, I can only tell potential customers to just stay away from this nice unit held in place by a shoddy piece of junk.
  
  
• Bought two!
  By A1TWS3CME6BES1 on 2007-04-17
  I bought one for both my husband and I. We love it! My husband has already lost 10 pounds and one notch on his belt in about a month. He's usually not in to stuff like this but has repeatedly told me that it was a good buy.
  
  
• Pretty good, overall
  By A19SA8FJDPC62E on 2008-02-05
  First of all, to all the reviewers that were bothered by a poor clip... mine came with a safety strap (backup attachment), didn't yours?
  
  I received this as a Christmas present. I haven't had problems with my clip so far, but I typically also attach the strap to my belt loop. There have been a couple times where it was handy, for example if I was changing clothes, or using the restroom. Then again, I haven't found a pedometer that has a clip reliable enough to always hold it in place when you are taking your pants on or off.
  
  I really like that this pedometer resets itself, and will display a history of the last several days. Remembering to record steps, and reset the pedometer has been a problem for me in the past, with my cheapies. I'm getting much more consistent results with this one. Also, I really like the aerobic steps. You have to walk for ten minutes or more to accumulate aerobic steps. Just wandering around your home or office doesn't do it. My first goal has been to take two ten minute walks each day, a great reminder to get off my duff! It does count steps on stairs, by the way, and it also counts steps if you hold it by the strap and swing it back and forth. In addition (just tested) it counts steps if you jump up and down in place. This doesn't seem so reliable, I got 14 steps for 10 jumps.
  
  Problems: My HJ-720ITC showed up with a blank disc for the software. Fairly annoying, but there is a download available from the website. Also, after a couple weeks of use, I wasn't able to upload from the step counter to my computer. I tried on another computer and had the same problem. Part way through the upload, it gives me an error, and cancels the upload. I have noticed that the more days go by, the further the upload seems to get before there is a problem. I wonder if I confused it because I adjusted the time, and my stride length.
  
  Warning: Another reviewer mentioned losing the screw to the battery cover. This is a very small screw, that is not a captive screw, so very easy to lose. Don't try to put the battery in while sitting on your messy bed.
  
  The software issues are really not a problem for me, the computer upload functionality was an entertaining feature, rather than a necessity. I use an online walking website to track my steps & goals, anyways. With that in mind, if I had to replace this, I would probably go with the HJ-112, since it seems to be everything that this one is, without the upload/software.
  
  btw: this item is made in China.
  
  
• This is a great healthy living tool!
  By A2LVI17XQ5EYQ0 on 2007-08-03
  Alright. I admit it. I have always purchased cheap pedometers. I even shamelessly tried to get one to work that I got from a cereal box that had kiddie cartoon images on it. This time I spent a few more bucks and I am glad I did. As I believe another reviewer mentioned- you get what you pay for.
  
  I love that you can track your progress over days time, and that you can use the software to review the data on the computer. The software was compatible with Windows XP, but you might want to check if the software is compatible with your computer before buying this model featuring the software.
  
  At the end of the day you can look at how many steps you have taken, how many aerobic steps you have taken, how many calories you have burned and how many miles you have traveled. It is by using this pedometer that I learned how many calories I burn up in a mile of walking. Not that many! I used to think a hundred calorie snack was no big deal- but now that I know how far I would have to walk to burn up those one hundred calories... I think again about reaching for that snack.
  
  I like that the pedometer hangs on my waist like a little reminder. I am also reading "You On a Diet" - book that focuses on waist size as a health indicator. Wearing the pedometer all day helps me stay conscious about these concerns.
  
  Finally, the pedometer also serves as a pocket watch.
  
  Highly recommended!
  
  
• Nice little gadget
  By A3MH99C138SCNC on 2007-10-21
  This is a nice little pedometer. Quite accurate. Very precise. As advertised, it is able to differentiate between normal walking and aerobic walking when the rate and stride change. I have not tried PC software. Only thing that is somewhat irritating is the icon that keeps blinking after certain days if you have not downloaded the old data. Fits nicely in shirt or pant pocket. Unlike cheap pedometers which require you to wear them on belt, this does not require you do that. Cheaper pedometers are not as sensitive and hence require to be worn closer to waist so that they can detect movements accurately. This being a very sensitive instrument can pick up your steps even when concealed. Great buy.
  
  
• Omron HJ-720
  By ARF9J11ZGX536 on 2008-04-07
  The HJ-720ITC worked great for a week. Now I can't download the data to my computer. I loaded the software on three computers and none of them interface with this pedometer. Great idea if it would have worked.
  
  
• Omron HJ-720ITC Pedometer
  By A1GG82ALWJIGE8 on 2007-03-25
  Easy set up. Accurate daily results. Helps me stay focused on daily step goals and keeping active. Recommend that the belt clip be lengthened by 1/4 to 1/2 to accommocate wider/thicker belts, but this is not a major concern. Easy to use computer software provides great value added for keeping history. No need to log on to or pay for an online memebership to access your total history.
  
  
• Fantastic Idea, But . . .
  By AWFGRXL71VI2D on 2007-04-30
  On March 23rd, I received this little gem with the 30-day warranty and immediately programmed it into my computer. For a month, it gently prodded me into walking a bit more, smiling when I reached goals and frowning when I failed. Tracking progress online was a joy -- and a great incentive to try to exceed previous activity. On April 26th, I looked forward to uploading data from an extra-good day only to see a "0" in the window. I didn't even try to connect it to the computer, but wore it for the two following days. Still zeros. Having heard the little pendulum sound in the unit, tonight I decided to see if it recorded steps anyway and found that it showed lots of data -- incorrectly. Active days showed few steps, while a relatively sedentary day had unaccountably high numbers that didn't tally right, hour-by-hour. I have not dropped or otherwise damaged it, so can see no reason for it to suddenly malfunction. This is an excellent idea that should be a lot more durable.
  
  
• Omron PC Pocket Pedometer
  By A2GK0Q8JGLXZPX on 2007-06-01
  I've had the Omron PC Pocket Pedometer for about 3 weeks and I really love it. It is accurate, easy to use and I really love the fact that you can just slip it unobtrusively into your pocket and it's still accurate. The software is also simple and allows you to set goals for several aspects of walking, to monitor your achievement of goals and to keep nice records of your achievements. I find this to be very motivating. You can also check your progress in steps, aerobic steps, calories burned and miles walked directly from the Pocket Pedometer and since it also has a clock it serves as a pocket watch as well.
  
  
• Very disapointed with this pedometer
  By A1QLI0ZCP2T550 on 2007-06-14
  There are two things I really like about this product. The software works great and it is nice to be able to track your progress. I love the resetting itself at midnight.
  
  There are many things I do not like about it. It seems to "stall". It will not record steps and then suddenly takes a jump and adds lots at one time. You cannot track your excercise on a stationary bicycle no matter where you place it. If you are on your riding lawnmower, it adds steps like crazy.
  
  The size is too bulky. It is very awkward to wear. I wish I had not given my other pedometers away. They were much less expensive and I liked them better.
  
  
• LOVE IT
  By A2ZJPDH0YP90SD on 2007-07-05
  OMIGOD - got this thing the other day and ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! It has a killer clip for your waist AND a slick locking strap so you will not drop it or fling it across the room when you use the bathroom, or otherwise drop your pants. A bit of set up work is required, but after that, this is such a slick unit with EASY to use and understand features. And SOFTWARE to boot! My last pedometer cost $20 was totally crappy and did not have any software, let alone a software that will track YEARS of my daily activity. WOOOOOHOOOOOOOO and I got it all with my Amazon points from my credit card. What could be better. If you are serious about increasing your activity and losing weight, or maintaining your weight, get this, you will not be sorry. Really!
  
  
• Great motivator -- the Real Deal
  By A39MOJV5VNEJ06 on 2007-08-17
  This is the one to get. I've been through at least three pedometers, including the latest Weight Watchers unit (the one sold at the meetings), and none of them worked as promised. Out of desperation I took the plunge and bought this one. Wow! It is accurate, easy to set, keeps track of steps, aerobic steps, calories and distance, PLUS it has this nifty software that lets you download your data to the computer. You set your goals, and when you reach your goals you get a smiley face! I love it! The only drawback? It is a bit larger (taller?) than some pedometers so if you have a larger tummy when you sit down or bend over the clip sometimes pop off. However, the leash locks on tight, and the pedometer can be put in a pocket, or purse and it will work. It just needs to be horizontal to the ground. I highly recommend this product.
  
  
• Inaccurate measure
  By A3UMFQULSTU84 on 2008-01-08
  I clipped the device on my pants and took several walks counting my steps. The pedometer didn't even get close only counting less than half of the steps that I took.
  
  
• Excellent pedometer for the price
  By A27LERW6SO084D on 2008-01-25
  I've owned 2 other pedometers before purchasing this one, and found it more accurate in counting steps than the previous ones I've owned. It comes with a strap that attaches to the bottom of the pedometer, which
  I use all the time, since the clip on holder doesn't stay attached to
  your clothes that well, and I would've lost it many times without that
  strap. I clip the holder to the inside of my pants pocket and found it
  stays better than clipping to your waist.
  
  It also comes with software that is for windows only, not Mac OS. The
  software is very cool, and keeps you motivated in keeping up with your
  daily steps. The data easily downloads from the pedometer, and if you
  don't download everyday, the pedometer stores up to 7 days worth of data,
  so you don't lose data if you transfer a few days later. The other
  nice thing is you can set up your own daily goals, so you can start out
  easy and change your goals as you get stronger.
  
  Overall, this pedometer is a good value for a very reasonable price, and
  I would definately purchase this item again without a second thought.
  
  
  
  
• omron HJ7201TC, Pocket Pedometer
  By A357QDZ31CB0LD on 2008-04-17
  Really wanted this to work,it worked for three days and then just would not record accurate exercise. Returned it.
  
  
• software motivating and in-pocket accuracy
  By A1GBD7LJEOZHRC on 2007-05-27
  I've had it for five weeks now. I carry it in a small waist pocket (watch pocket) for my exercise walking and have found it to be highly accurate in two and three mile walks (three miles an hour pace). Also tested 100 paces at two slower paces and it was exactly right both times. When I carried it in my front pocket for a couple of days I was surprised that it didn't get scratched by all the miscellaneous junk I carry but I've found a little nylon pouch to carry it in anyway. When I clip it on my waist it tilts outward at an angle not recommended by the manual. It works straight up, up-side down or tilted left or right but not tilted forward or backward. Has a nice, durable feel to it. Software allows import of data from this and a heart pressure device that I don't have. It took a minute (without reading the manual) for me to figure out how to get to the pedometer (walking) screen. Once I did, I found it very easy to use. Under "options" you can add daily goals for paces, aerobic paces, calories, etc... Easily switches between daily, weekly, monthly and yearly charts. I've been walking much more since I got it. Highly recommended.
  
  

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