Omron HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer

Suggested Retail Price: $49.99

Rating: 10/10

Product Features

• Measures steps, aerobic steps & minutes, calories, and distance
• Comes with Omron Health Management Software
• Can be used on a belt, in a bag, or in your pocket
• 7 day displayed storage
• 42 day in memory storage
• Time of day display

Product Specs 

• Comes with USB cable & installation CD, safety strap, detachable belt clip, and instruction manual
• Accurate within 5%
• Runs on a lithium battery with 6 month average life
• 1 year warranty

Disadvantages

• Belt clip is unreliable
• Shorter battery life than other Omron models
• Expensive for a pedometer

Review

What really sets the Omron HJ-720ITC apart from most pedometers is that it comes with computer support in the form of the Omron Health Management Software package, which will record statistics.  Even without the software, this is a very good and useful pedometer with quite a few extra features, though it is one of the most expensive models that can be found.

If you want to be able to automatically record the statistics from your pedometer, then you'll probably enjoy the Omron Health Management Software.  All you have to do is install the software, then connect the HJ-720ITC to your computer using the included USB cable, and up to 42 days of data will be automatically transferred.  You'll be able to see the total number of steps you take each day or hour, the distance walked, and how many steps you have taken at the aerobic rate (which is considered steps after ten minutes of continuous walking).  And if you are using your pedometer to assist in weight loss, you'll also see an estimate of how many calories and grams of fat you have lost, which is based on your age and weight.  Additionally, if you have an Omron blood pressure monitor that is compatible with their software, you'll be able to see that information as well.  Even if you don't use the software, you can still see these statistics on your pedometer, but they'll only be visible for the last 7 days. 

In addition to the software, there are still a number of nice extra features for the HJ-720ITC pedometer.  One of the best extras is that you aren't required to wear it on your belt.  This pedometer uses Omron dual sensor technology, which allows it to function just as accurately in your pocket or purse.  In fact, it's not recommended that you use the best clip, since the clip has a tendency to fall off for this model.  If you do choose to use the clip, make sure to use the safety strap so your pedometer won't fall off.

Not everyone will want to spend the higher price for this pedometer, but almost everyone who buys it feels it's worth the price.  However, if you don't think you'll use the software, you might prefer the Omron HJ-112 Digital Premium Pedometer.  This is a very similar model to the HJ-720ITC, except it doesn't have software support, and as a result is a bit cheaper.