TomTom Multi-Sport Cardio
GPS maker TomTom this week revealed its new TomTom Runner Cardio and TomTom Multi-Sport Cardio sports watches, the latest entries in its line of GPS-enabled wearables aimed at exercise fanatics.
Both devices build heavily on existing TomTom sports watch technology. The new feature here is an optical sensor that accurately monitors your heart rate and displays the information on its screen. Five different intensity settings help you keep your workout “in the zone,” while the built in GPS feature keeps track of where you’ve been for later review. (Don’t worry, gym goers – there’s a treadmill mode, too.)
For more serious athletes – the hardcore Ironman triathlon type – the TomTom Multi-Sport Cardio offers a number of powerful, attractive features. Bikers will appreciate its ability to track speed and cadence, though you’ll need an optional $59.99 sensor to do so. Swimmers, meanwhile, will be pleased to know that the Multi-Sport Cardio is water-resistant to 165 feet.
But are the new TomTom Cardio watches worth their hefty price tags? For this fitness enthusiast, the answer is no. I would much rather pair Samsung’s sleek new heart-rate-tracking Galaxy Gear Fit smartwatch ($199) with a free GPS smartphone app like Runkeeper. The setup is a little bulkier – admittedly a turnoff during long runs – but it at least gives you full control over your device’s media files and phone controls.
Of course, if you’re the type of runner who doesn’t like being weighed down with tech, or if you’re looking for a device capable of GPS tracking your swimming, the TomTom Cardio line is worth a look. The TomTom Runner Cardio is available for pre-order on Amazon for $2699.99 and TomTom Multi-Sport Cardio is available for pre-order for $299.99 on Amazon.
