The Best Fitness Trackers for 2016

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There's never been a better selection of fitness trackers, but with choice comes confusion. Which tracker has the features that are right for you and the activities you do? Here are some tips and recommendations for shopping. 

Try Before You BuyIf you want to try a tracker out before committing to it, we recommend Lumoid, a service that lets you try five trackers for a week for $45, including the Apple Watch$699.99 at Apple Store. Check the fees, as they are subject to change.

Another way to try fitness tracking in general (but without a wearable) is to use amobile app that counts your steps. This method is the most lightweight, and it could be of interest if you're a beginner. Some apps we like are Argus, Fitbit, andMoves.

If you run or bicycle, we recommend tracking your runs or rides with an app before going whole-hog and splurging on a tracker. Why? With some trackers, you still need to carry your phone to get accurate pacing, distance, and mapping, so you'll want to know before you make a purchase if you're okay with carrying your phone, or if you'd prefer a tracker with built-in GPS so you don't have to. A few apps we recommend are Runtastic PRO (for running), Cyclemeter (for bicycling), and Strava (for both running and cycling).

Set Your Spending LimitIn general, the best fitness trackers cost between $50 and $250. If you pay less than $50, you will probably get a subpar product with poor accuracy (the Misfit Flash Link is a notable exception). In addition, less expensive trackers usually don't have a display, so you can't see how many steps you've taken unless you look at your smartphone.

More expensive trackers usually include built-in optical heart rate monitors and GPS, and often, these features are tailored toward athletes and exercise enthusiasts. Don't get suckered into buying a tracker with a heart rate monitor if your primary activity is walking; it's an unnecessary expense. If you walk and don't do much else, there are great options in the $49-$149 range.

If you do work out often, we highly recommend spending at least $149, as that's the price point where you'll start to see the features that are useful to very active users.

Choose Your Form Factor: Bracelet, Clip-On, WatchA very important question to ask yourself before choosing a fitness tracker is the type of form factor you want. Fitness trackers are usually bracelets, watches, or clip-ons. Most clip-on devices these days can also be worn on the wrist, but not vice versa. Bracelets and watches are hard to lose. Clip-ons can fall off or get thrown into the wash.

That said, bracelets and watches can get in the way when typing on a computer or washing dishes, for example. If you're bothered by having something on your wrist 24/7, you're probably better off with a clip-on. Additionally, wrist-worn devices are not always eye-catching accessories to your outfit.

Clip-on devices are smaller and more discreet when worn on a waistband or the front of a bra. These clip-ons don't have a display, meaning you have to rely on a smartphone to see your tracked activity.

Do You Want Heart Rate Monitoring?Heart rate monitoring sounds like the best feature ever, but there are different kinds of heart rate monitors, and frankly, some people don't need it at all. A built-in heart rate monitor drives up the price.

Optical heart rate monitors are the ones built into the device itself. The Apple Watch has an optical heart rate monitor, as do the Basis Peak and the Fitbit Surge. These devices can read your heart rate all day long. Some trackers only take your heart rate while you're working out, however. They are meant for heart rate training, not for watching your resting heart rate.

Some very good fitness trackers don't have a heart rate monitor built-in, but can pair with a chest strap. Most every device from Garmin and Polar supports a chest strap, and you can usually bundle one in when purchasing a tracker for an extra $40 or $50.

Finally, if you're interested in knowing your resting heart rate, you don't need to buy a tracker with an optical heart rate monitor to find it. Many smartphone apps, including Withings Healthmate, let you take your heart rate in about 15 seconds using the phone's camera. Check your pulse once or twice a day, and you're good to go.

Will You Track Sleep?Many fitness trackers record your sleep. When they do, they generally watch for movement using a three-axis accelerometer to a more sensitive degree than they do during the day.

Some devices report graphs showing the times when you were in light sleep and deep sleep based on motion. The Basis Peak goes one step further, using your heart rate and skin temperature to help it detect when you're in a REM cycle.

We really like the Jawbone line of trackers for sleep tracking, because you can connect the UP app to a companion app called UP Coffee that tracks caffeine intake and correlates it with sleep.

Go Sport-SpecificSwimmers will want a waterproof tracker, but keep in mind that not all water-safe trackers actually track swimming. A few that do are the TomTom Multi-Sport£99.95 at Amazon and the Garmin Vivoactive.

Runners will probably want a watch that shows time, distance, pace, and lap time, at the very least. If you want good accuracy for those metrics without having to carry a smartphone, you need a runner's watch with built-in GPS, such as the Fitbit Surge or the Garmin Vivoactive.

Cyclists have even more considerations. There's a difference between tracking how many miles you pedal and calories you burn versus monitoring your power and cadence. If all you want is the former, you can find a few fitness trackers that support bicycling as an activity, including the Fitbit Surge and the Garmin Vivoactive. More serious cyclists will want a device that can pair with additional bike equipment, like a cadence sensor, and should look at devices from sport-specific companies, like Garmin, Mio Global, and Polar.

The App ExperienceA fitness tracker's app matters. Whether mobile- or Web-based, the app is absolutely vital because it is where you make sense of the information the tracker collects.

Fitbit has one of the best apps and websites we've tested. It lets you record all kinds of data that many other companies don't, such blood pressure, calories consumed, allergy severity, and stress level. Withings is also a favorite for providing a comprehensive account where you can measure your weight, glucose readings, and all kinds of health information.

If you want total body analysis, look for a system that incorporates a smart bathroom scale. Fitbit, Polar, and Withings do. Check out the Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale£71.58 at Amazon, the Polar Balance£71.81 at Amazon, and theWithings Wi-Fi Body Scale. These send your weight directly to your account, so you can't cheat the system by entering a lower number. The QardioBase£129.99 at Amazon is another top choice, especially for pregnant women. 

Smartwatch vs. Fitness TrackerSeveral fitness trackers have some smartwatch functionality, and some smartwatches have fitness features, too. But a smartwatch is different than a fitness tracker, so make sure your heart is in the right place and you know which device you want. Fitness trackers put fitness tracking first! See our list of The Best Smartwatches for recommendations in that category.

Other OptionsThere are so many good fitness trackers on the market right now, it's hard to contain them all in just one list. We've limited our picks here to trackers that have scored four stars or higher, but there are lots of other very good options out there that might be right for you. Additional trackers worth considering include the Fitbit Alt, the Fitbit Blazethe Garmin Forerunner 225 and the Jawbone UP4 among others.

If you're a Fitbit user, check out our 6 Tips to Rev Up Your Fitbit Tracking. And for the very latest reviews, see our Fitness Trackers product guide.

5 Tips on Choosing a New or Used Smartphone

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Deciding to buy a smartphone is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be complicated. By keeping a few key factors in mind, buyers can take a more focused approach to finding the right phone. Whether new or used, a smartphone is a handy device to own, but not all models offer the same features. Consumers can start by considering how and where they'll use their phone most. These clues can lead them to a smartphone that fits their needs and lifestyle. This guide will offer five sensible tips for choosing a new or used iPhone or Android smartphone.

By focusing on the way iPhone and Android devices differ, consumers will be better able to decide which brand will work best for them. After choosing a brand and model, buyers can look for new and used smartphones in many retail locations. Stores run by specific wireless carriers sell many different devices, as do big-box electronics retailers. Alternatively, many consumers opt to buy a smartphone via the Internet, either through online merchants or auction sites like eBay.

1. Explore Smartphone Operating Systems

Each type of new or used smartphone runs a particular operating system (OS) that can be updated but not changed once purchased. While they all aim to offer users similar features and capabilities, there are some important differences worth knowing about. Learning a bit more about the iPhone and Android operating systems can help buyers make a more informed purchase decision.

The iPhone Operating System

Many consumers find the iPhone OS's sleek and polished look to be irresistible. For some, Apple products are an instinctive choice because of the level of attention given to detail and design. The iPhone OS excels at multi-tasking by allowing apps to run in the background without sapping battery power. Several applications can run simultaneously with no negative effects to overall performance. The iPhone also offers an inbox that can be connected to multiple email accounts. With access to a large and vetted store of apps, users can customize their iPhone experience, but only to a point.

Some consumers are turned off by the fact that certain iPhone OS default applications can't be altered. This includes the Safari web browser, which is not capable of supporting sites that run Flash. Apple also strictly regulates its App Store, requiring approval for any apps made available to users. This approach can be a bit stifling to creativity, but it also ensures protection from malicious software. Consumers that prefer security and ease of use to device personalization will likely appreciate the benefits of an iPhone.

The Android Operating System

The Android OS is unique because it's an open source platform. This allows for a level of individuality that isn't offered by Apple. Anyone can create apps, and Google does not require approval before they can be offered to the public. Android smartphone users can purchase applications through many different vendors, which only adds to the wide variety of possibilities. Because manufacturers have free access to this platform, there are a number of brands producing Android phones. This leads to greater competition in the marketplace and more options for consumers. Android users can customize their device home screen to fit their needs.

With widgets, users have constant and convenient access to important processes and information like news and weather. Since Google contacts, calendar entries, and email are easily synced to Android smartphones, they are particularly suited to those that prefer Google services. The main downside of the Android OS stems directly from its biggest benefit. With little regulation, there is no standard for the quality of applications. It's up to the users to monitor the permissions requested by each app, and carelessness can compromise device security. Still, Android fans find this to be a small price to pay for the freedom offered by this versatile smartphone operating system.

2. Think About the Physical Characteristics

Physical appearance is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a new or used smartphone. Buyers generally formulate their first impressions based on the look and feel of a phone. Device features such as the display size, keyboard, and camera are often the deciding factors. Consumers will find that the abundance of Android models leads to greater diversity in smartphone size and shape. Even so, many consumers still prefer the polished design of the iPhone to the many Android formats.

Display Screen

Buyers will want to think about the display size and resolution when choosing a new or used smartphone. Those who plan to use their phone for Internet browsing and visual media may want a big screen. On the other hand, many smartphones with smaller screens are less bulky. With so many different Android models available to consumers, there are many screen sizes to choose from. The iPhone doesn't offer many options for screen size, but the advanced Retina Display Technology found in many Apple computers comes standard on some models. When it comes to screen size and image resolution, buyers will need to rely on personal preference and performance needs to make a decision.

Keyboard

The keyboard could easily be a deal breaker in the choice between Android and iPhone smartphones.. People who want a physical QWERTY keyboard on their smartphone will most likely opt for an Android. With so many different devices on the market, consumers can find various touchscreen and physical options available on Android smartphones. The iPhone does not offer any sort of physical keyboard, but its touchscreen is comparable to many Android touch formats.

Camera

Many consumers are concerned about the quality of the camera included in their new or used smartphone. Once again, with so many brands producing Android phones, there are many different cameras available. The standard iPhone camera is generally comparable to many higher-endAndroid camera phones.. Consumers will need to look at the product specifications to figure out the megapixel power of a particular smartphone's camera.

3. Consider Smartphone Storage and Battery Capacity

When selecting a smartphone, consumers will want to take battery life and device memory into consideration. It's important to note that iPhones and Android phones approach the idea of data and file storage a bit differently. With an Android phone, users have the option of adding to storage space using a microSD memory card. Some Android devices can handle up to 64 GB of additional memory. The iPhone does not offer the ability to expand device memory in this way. Instead, the original device capacity is supported by cloud storage space. Data saved to the cloud is stored on a separate server, not on the iPhone. While this offers an unlimited amount of storage space, it also requires an Internet connection for access.

When it comes to battery capacity, buyers will need to check out product specifications, since battery life tends to vary from device to device. People who rely heavily on their smartphone can look for a model that offers many hours of use between charges. Buyers may also want to learn some of the many tactics used by smartphone users to boost their battery life and cut down on unnecessary energy-sucking processes. Android owners also have the option of switching out their dead device battery for a fresh replacement battery,, but this strategy is not possible with the iPhone.

4. Learn More About Communication and Connectivity

With so many special features and functions available on various smartphones, it's easy to forget their main purpose, communication. Buyers will want to explore their network carrier options, as well as possible connectivity speeds. When considering the physical aspects of a phone, consumers should remember to think about how the phone will function when used to make a simple voice call.

They may also want to look into whether or not a particular smartphone will sync up with their email account, appointment calendar, and contact list. This may be especially important when considering a smartphone for business applications, since some companies only support a certain type of smartphone. Android and iPhone smartphones both offer a wide variety of communication and connectivity features. The challenge is finding the phone that best fits the consumer's current habits and preferences.

5. Conduct a Comparison of Various Smartphone Features

Consumers who have narrowed their search down to an Android or iPhone smartphone may benefit from a side-by-side comparison of features. This way, they can distill the overabundance of product information down to a few targeted points of interest. After carefully evaluating their options in this way, buyers may find it easier to choose between an iPhone and an Android device.

Android and iPhone Smartphone Features at a Glance

The following chart offers a simplified recap of some of the Android and iPhone features discussed in this guide. Buyers can reference this chart for a quick, easy-to-read summary.

Best Buy promo code2016: 5 Tips for Buying a Case for Your Phone

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There are plenty of reasons to buy a case for a cell phone or smartphone, and there are a variety of products to choose from. It can be tough to figure out which protective or decorative cover is most suitable when faced with this vast selection. To help narrow down the various options, think about the factors that matter most. For instance, compatibility, stylishness, and price are all important aspects to consider before making a purchase. Likewise, look at day-to-day habits to determine which type of case makes the most sense. After evaluating your needs and preferences, it is not difficult to find the right case.

1. Compatibility is Key

When selecting a case for a cell phone or smartphone, by far, compatibility is the most important characteristic to consider. Mobile phones come in all shapes and sizes, and there are just as many cases to match. In some instances, the case might look as if it fits the device just fine; however, slight design variations render certain accessories incompatible with all but a few specific phone models. Instead of just guessing, confirm whether a particular case is sized properly for your phone.

How to Determine Case Compatibility

While shopping for phone accessories, consumers must pay close attention to product details. Compatible brands and models are generally listed prominently on case packaging. Those who choose to shop online have it easy; most Internet vendors break down inventory according to compatibility. If not, it is up to the buyer to seek out this information before finalizing the purchase.

2. Browse Within Your Budget

With such a broad spectrum of cases, covers, and skins available to shoppers, prices vary dramatically. To immediately make the selection process easier, set a budget and stick with it. When the budget is not big, instead of settling for a low-quality case to save money, look for deals on the preferred format. Careful comparison shopping allows buyers to find the cases they need, at prices they can afford. High prices do not always equate to high quality, so buyers must do their homework.

3. Check Out a Wide Variety of Cases

Avoid impulse purchases based on first impressions when buying a case for your phone. Instead, check out many cases and covers, and learn about the benefits each type provides. After taking the time to browse various options, shoppers are in a better position to choose the best possible case.

Popular Case Formats to Consider

There are numerous ways to store, cover, and protect a cell phone or smartphone. To make an informed decision, look at as many models as possible. Each of the four basic formats described in the following chart offers unique benefits worth considering.