Get the 'fitness-infused' Fitbit Blaze smartwatch for $139.99
From the Cheapskate: Normally $200, this might be just the watch -- or fitness band -- you've always wanted.
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You know I'm all about the smartwatches -- except that I'm disappointed in most of them. Apple Watch? Good at notifications, terrible at everything else, and way overpriced. Pebble Time? Won't stay paired with any iPhone I've ever tried.
Earlier this year, Fitbit jumped into the market with the Blaze, which garnered solid reviews but didn't exactly set the world, um, ablaze. Maybe the $200 price tag had something to do with that.
Today only, and while supplies last -- they're selling rapidly -- Woot has the open-box Fitbit Blaze for $139.99, plus $5 for shipping. (Take note, please, that shipping is estimated for around the first week of October, even if you upgrade to two-day.) Most places, it still sells for $200.
Although these are open-box models, they're still classified as "new in original but unsealed packaging." That ostensibly nullifies the original warranty, but Woot gives you 90 days.
The Blaze definitely has the look of a smartwatch, but it's infused with all the usual Fitbit goodness: step, stair-climb and sleep tracking, plus heart-rate monitoring.
It has a color, raise-to-wake touchscreen, swappable band, water-resistant design and five-day battery (though probably closer to four in real-world usage).
Because I have no hands-on (wrist-on?) experience with the Blaze, I'm going to turn you over to CNET's review. Here's reviewer Scott Stein: "Would it be my ideal combination watch and fitness tracker of choice? Well, it comes really really close." Note, too, the update indicating that Fitbit plans to introduce some welcome feature and accessory updates in the near future.
I'm fairly tempted to give the Blaze a try, though I'd be more inclined if the price had dipped below $100. But this already represents a $60 drop, so it's a great deal for anyone who's been tempted to try a smartwatch.
Your thoughts?
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